Being one of the Middle East’s most food-centric capital cities, it’s hardly surprising Abu Dhabi embraces the cuisines of its fellow Arabian nations. And whether you believe hummus was invented in Egypt or the Levant, the chickpea spread is undoubtedly one of the most unmistakable dishes from the MENA region.
Pulverised chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice and garlic – you really can’t get a much more simple-yet-effective creation than hummus. It’s really easy to get it wrong, though, as we’ve found out to our cost before.
So where do you go if you want amazing hummus in Abu Dhabi? Here’s your answer…
Almayass
Born in Beirut back in 1996, Almayass has since spread its wings across the Middle East (and as far afield as New York). Combining the best of Lebanese and Armenian cuisine, Almayass has won over many a foodie and food critic in its 25 years, and we are happy to say we’re wholeheartedly with them. This place really loves its hummus, offering no fewer than seven different types of the most delightful dip. The signature Hummus Almayass with its chilli kick is a real beauty, but for something a little different, we say try the hummus sujuk, which comes with Armenian beef sausage of that name.
The location at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort is currently closed for renovations, but they will be opening a new location in Galleria Mall this autumn.
For Time Out’s full review click here.
Opening Fall 2021, Galleria Mall Al Maryah Island, almayass.com/AbuDhabi (02 644 0440).
Byblos sur Mer
This gorgeous Lebanese restaurant is lauded both for its culinary creations and its lovely location right in the heart of the marina. We’ve enjoyed coming here for years and can certainly highly recommend the dishes it produces day in, day out. Byblos bangs out six different styles of hummus: a traditional version and five offerings that each have a little twist. A pair of them have even been given the signature dish tag. The hummus pesto is an homage to that brilliant basil-based sauce from Genoa, while the tasty hummus bil karaz takes those blitzed chickpeas and sweetens them with Aleppo cherry, onion and tomato, adding pistachios for some real crunch.
For Time Out’s full review click here.
From Dhs32. Open Sat-Wed noon-1.30am, Thu-Fri noon-2am. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Al Bateen, facebook.com/byblos.sur.mer.abudhabi/ (800 423 463).
Dahab Restaurant & Lounge
Not that we didn’t already like Dahab, the addition last year of a hops garden/terrace where you could grab a pint and watch the big game simply added to the allure for those of us who love food and footie in equal measures. Our favourite half-time snack? Well, it would have to be the triple delight hummus, which is that old-school dish done three ways – with pesto, beetroot and black olives. The flavour combinations are perfectly balanced and prove why whatever the result, Dahab is always a top shout in our eyes.
For Time Out’s full review click here.
From Dhs24. Open daily noon-3.30am. Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St, facebook.com/dahababudhabi/ (02 667 4446).
Li Beirut
Elegant and sophisticated, Li Beirut is a cut above the majority of Levantine restaurants you would usually find in the capital. While it certainly elevates that cuisine, Li Beirut absolutely does not forget about doing the basics right every time. For one of the creamiest, tastiest bowls of hummus you are likely to try, Li Beirut really has it perfected. Who would have thought such a seemingly straightforward dip could be so flavoursome? The original Li Beirut version is superb, but we also love the Hummus Beiruty, which comes with a chopped parsley twist. Top marks all round.
For Time Out’s full review click here.
Dhs40. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-11.30pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, W Corniche Rd, instagram.com/libeirut.conradetihadtowers/ (02 811 5666).
Qasmieh Al-Fawal
This place has been a popular choice for Jordanians ever since it sprang into action way back in 1952. Four years ago, Qasmieh Al-Fawal set up shop in Abu Dhabi and has proved something of a go-to for those seeking out the Jordanian staples of hummus, foul and falafel. Its trio of options each make use of a tremendously thick and creamy puréed chickpea base, the original version being ideal for traditionalists. You can also choose to have it served Beirut-style (with parsley) or with a meaty topping that will make this delightful dish all the more filling. Good, honest fare at a bargain price.
For where to find the best guacamole in Abu Dhabi, click here.
From Dhs14.70. Open daily 8am-midnight. Behind Ajman Bank, Khalidiyah, qasmieh.com/ (02 633 0533).
Villa Beirut
Created by a passionate cook called Dalia back in the 1940s, Villa Beirut is a tribute to the city where she grew up and the kitchen prowess of her mother. It arrived in the UAE in 1983, and is regarded to this day as one of the best restaurants in which to grab an authentic taste of old Lebanon. We’re particularly enamoured by the manakeesh here, but the hummus really doesn’t let the side down, either. It comes three ways – original, chmandar (beetroot) or Beiruty (with, you guessed it, chopped parsley). Each has its own distinctive flavour combos that will leave a happy sensation on your taste buds. Dalia really is a darling.
For Time Out’s full review click here.
From Dhs22. Open daily 10am-midnight. Locations at Dalma Mall and Marina Mall, villabeirut.com (02 645 9619).
Zahrat Lebnan
You might be surprised to find what is essentially a fast-food joint on this list. Zahrat Lebnan may get dishes out of the kitchen quickly, but it still gives each one due care and consideration. The shawarma are arguably the biggest draw, but we’ll always kick off a visit to any of its eight Abu Dhabi branches with one of its three hummus offerings. The signature Hummus Zahrat Lebnan is the stand-out for us, the heat the chilli brings to it will make you feel all warm inside. This place has been going strong since 1983. No frills, no worries.
For Time Out’s full review click here.
From Dhs20. Opening times vary. Eight locations including Mazyad Mall, zahratlebnan.com (600 500 502).
Hungry for more? For the best Middle Eastern and North African restaurants in Abu Dhabi, click here.
