I adore hummus and my fridge is never lacking a tub of it. I like to mix it up sometimes by choosing different types: red pepper, pine nut and pesto, black olive; on occasion I even go wild and buy feta hummus. But from time to time I tire of supermarket hummus and want the real stuff, the thick creamy paste with bits of chickpea floating around in it like my dad used to make. My own experiments making hummus have not been entirely satisfactory, so a place where I can pick up a tub of it homemade sounds like a dream to me. However, how would an actual restaurant devoted solely to the stuff fare?
Arriving at the Holborn branch on Southampton Row, I immediately realised there were few tables suggesting they cater more to takeaways than sit down meals, however I was soon to realise how substantial these meals are. The way it works is simple, hummus is used as the base and a variety of different toppings can be chosen: fava beans, mushrooms, beef, chicken or salad. Pitta bread is included and can be white or brown; however those with gluten intolerances are also catered for with rye bread, rice cakes or carrot sticks. Small portions start from £4.70, rising to £7.70 for a large portion with the most expensive topping, beef. Side dishes include a lovely feta-laden Greek salad, tabouleh, smokey aubergine or falafels.
The hummus and beef topping plus a Greek salad was enough to make me feel like bursting out of my Alexander McQueen skirt, however in spite of this we couldn’t resist the small but perfectly formed selection of desserts. A rich chocolate brownie arrived which I couldn’t get enough of, and a malabi, a crème caramel type of pudding drizzled with date honey was exquisite.
Drinks have a slight Middle Eastern slant and are healthy and delicious; we sipped on a comforting hot spiced apple juice with cinnamon and cloves, and a refreshing ginger and mint lemonade, made fresh and with still and not sparkling lemonade, something which is curiously hard to find.
Perhaps I am a little biased as I happen to particularly like all the food Hummus Bros serves, but I also like the ethos behind this company. It began when two college friends tired of the lack of healthy, tasty food at affordable prices, often having to resort to cheap fast food instead. Thus they began Hummus Bros, opening first on Wardour Street in Soho, later on in Holborn. Thinking particularly of students, their lunch menu is even better value than the prices mentioned above, as the dishes are the same but cheaper. I also spied an offer of free Wi-Fi and coffee for 50p throughout the day.
They have also thought carefully of their working clientele, and never add garlic to their hummus choosing to serve it in a separate dish to be added at will should you want to avoid embarrassing moments of halitosis back in the office. Their staff were equally attentive and helpful making my meal even more pleasant.
A simple idea, yet so clever. I will be going back very soon.
