London - Hummus Bros

When it comes to food, every person has a couple of essentials that they just cannot live without. For example, I have a friend that puts ketchup on everything- eggs, toast, macaroni, crackers, salad...I'm not joking, literally, EVERYTHING. There will always be, for as long as she lives, an industrial sized bottle of ketchup on the lower shelf of her fridge. My other friend O always has a ready stock of Activia yogurt (strawberry and vanilla) , W is never without his avocados, and C must always have her Tetley tea. We all have our staples and edible comforts; items that immediately make any new kitchen seem just a little more homey and a little more you.

As for me, my essentials include: Organic Peanut Butter, Finn's Wheat Thins, Green Tea, Smoked Salmon, Oranges and Hummus.

I first tried the stuff when I was about 16. It was at a family owned Greek restaurant called Stephos, famed for its cheap prices, large portions, and ridiculously long line ups out the door. Not knowing exactly what to make of the less than appetizing pile of 'mush' I dove in courageously and have been enamored with the stuff since. In hindsight, it wasn't the best hummus in the world, but from that day forth I couldn't get enough of the stuff. Back in Vancouver, my favorite take-away hummus is from Urban Fare - it's got a great consistency, not too grainy or smooth, with a nice strong kick of garlic to it.

In London, my hummus dealer was a stocky guy, always flanked by one or two attractive lady assistants, with a stand in Portobello Market that also sold a variety of olives, goats cheeses, sun dried tomatoes, and the best red pesto I've ever tasted. However, on a night out with the VAL Team (Vince, Ant & Ly...all very manly men) we decided to check out Hummus Bros as several of us had read good reviews, which were backed up by an added endorsement from Vince.

The place is a far cry from the typical dingy, poorly lighted, questionably hygienic, and wobbly tabled hummus joints that are found along Edgware Road in London. Not that there's anything wrong with London's own 'Little Arabia,' and the food there is without a doubt just as, if not more, tasty; but there are times when you just want to sit in a nice bright room, receive some service with a smile, and have your hummus arrive all gussed up on spotlessly clean plates. It may not be the most authentic experience, but hey, the hummus is tasty.

By the time we arrived at their Soho location, it was right around dinner time so the place was understandably totally packed. Even though it wasn't a very large space, the room felt open and airy, much of it due to the simple and minimalistic decor. The majority of seating is provided by several long communal picnic tables, with a few 'window seats' lining the front of the store. Once seated, a scan of the menu revealed a short but tasty looking list of options. We decided to order several of the hummus topping options and side orders of the tabbouleh and grilled vegetable salad.

Here's what arrived at our table...

Tabouleh & Grilled Vegetable Salad

Hummus w/ Fava Beans Topping & a Hard Boiled Egg

Hummus w/ Stewed Button Mushrooms

We also ordered the Chunky Beef Hummus, which was delicious. Unfortunately, the picture turned out blurry and I couldn't include it in this posting.

Overall, I think the place is an excellent option for lunch, dinner, or anytime you're feeling a little hungry and want something healthy and filling. The the hummus is goooood. It's a creamier texture than what you'd find at most Greek or Middle Eastern establishments and a there was a much more conservative use of garlic. The service was prompt, polite and non-fussy. Most important, however, was that we all left with our bellies jolly full, unable to take even one more bite of their deliciously warm fresh pita - and all at a bargin for less than £10 a person.

Hummus Bros

Soho
88 Wardour Street
London W1F 0TJ
Tel 020 7734 1311
Tube Station: Oxford Circus, Picadilly Circus or Tottenham Court Road

Holborn
Victoria House
37-63 Southampton Row
London WC1B 4DA
Tel 020 7404 7079
Tube Station: Holborn or Tottenham Court Road