Humus
Humus (or hummus) is a creamy and nutritious dip made primarily from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. This Middle Eastern classic is a favorite in Turkey, enjoyed as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal. With its rich, earthy flavors, humus is a must-try for any food lover exploring Turkish cuisine.
Ingredients 📝
- Chickpeas (cooked and peeled) 🌱
- Tahini (sesame paste) 🌾
- Lemon juice 🍋
- Garlic 🧄
- Olive oil 🫒
- Salt and cumin 🧂
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Humus is typically served as a dip with warm pita bread or flatbread. It’s also garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and sometimes whole chickpeas or fresh parsley for extra flavor. Humus pairs well with grilled vegetables, olives, and fresh salads, making it an ideal component of a mezze platter.
How to Eat Like a Local 🧳
In Turkey, humus is often enjoyed as part of a mezze spread, which includes various small dishes that are shared with friends and family. To eat like a local, use pita bread to scoop up the humus, savoring the flavors alongside other traditional mezze items like tabbouleh, olives, and roasted eggplant.
Best Places to Eat Humus in Istanbul 📍
For a taste of authentic humus in Istanbul, try these popular spots:
- Çiya Sofrası – A restaurant in Kadıköy offering a diverse selection of mezze, including deliciously creamy humus.
- Antiochia – Located in Beyoğlu, this restaurant serves flavorful humus as part of its mouth-watering mezze offerings.
- Meze by Lemon Tree – Known for its artisanal mezze, this restaurant near Galata Tower is a great spot to enjoy humus and other Turkish classics.
