Arafat Hummus

Jerusalem, Israel

Hummasias are to Palestine what taquerias are to Mexico. No thrills, authentic spots where people go to fill up on velvety plates of hummus during the workday. Visit a good one later than 3PM and you’ll mostly be dismissed with a wave of the arm, as they tend to run out. Go to Arafat Hummus later than noon and prepare to be disappointed. Palestinians know their hummus and they also know that this is some of the best in the city. Left chunky so you can taste the quality of the chickpeas, it’s served doused in olive oil with sides of pickles and chillies, and pillowy flatbread for scooping. A range of other traditional plates are on offer – crispy falafel, fragrant chickpea and spinach stew, plump shawarma – but the hummus is what keeps the throngs of workmen and local merchants coming back for more. It’s located among the narrow alleys of the Muslim Quarter Market, so leave plenty of time for a wander afterwards.

Key Information

• Breakfast: Sat – Thur Lunch: Sat – Thur

Location

Q6GJ+QF4, Shuk ha-Basamim St, Jerusalem, 9711100