Hummus, supposedly so simple to make. But finding excellent hummus is not a simple task, even for a certified tour guide in Israel like myself. It took me a while till I spotted those little hummus joints, which eventually I integrated into my Tel Aviv food tours that I offer to my guests.

Hummus lovers divide into two schools — those who like a more sower hummus and those who prefer hummus more creamy and sweet. On my Jerusalem private culinary tours, I try to offer both to my guests and give them the option to decide which is their personal favorite. 

Hummus Abu Hassan (Tel Aviv): Ali Karwan – Abu Hassan is one of the oldest and most famous hummus restaurants in Israel and justly so. The texture is creamy and a little sour and doesn’t try to flatter the client. I think it’s an acquired taste and needs some getting used to— But definitely, my must-eat stops on my food tours of Tel Aviv.  

Azura: there are two restaurants called Azure, one in Tel Aviv and another in Jerusalem at the Machne Yehuda food market. Two brothers own both, sons of the founder named Azura. I crown this place in either Jerusalem or Tel Aviv as my all-time favorite hummus in Israel. Creamy, with lots of tahini and olive oil. The hummus is nice and warm since they make it on the same day. They are not open in the evenings, and I would try to come around lunchtime and not later than that since they might run out.