Hummus is a staple in every Lebanese meal. It’s the one thing that’s always on the table and always disappears first! Hummus effortlessly pairs with everything, whether you’re scooping it up with pita, fries or wrapping it into a bite of mixed grill. And while the classic version never fails, Lebanon has its own delicious twists; each one worth discovering.

1. Hummus bi tahini 

The classic hummus. Creamy and smooth, this is the hummus you’ll find in every Lebanese mezze. Made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. You can’t go wrong with the version served at Al Falamanki!

2. Hummus Beiruti 

A twist from the capital, hummus Beiruti version adds extra garlic, fresh parsley, and sometimes chopped pickles or a dash of chili. It’s more vibrant and herbaceous than the classic, with a slightly spicier and tangier kick. You’ll often find this version at Beirut’s trendy spots like Beit Kanz, where the flavors pop with every bite.

3. Hummus bi lahmeh

A favorite at festive gatherings or Sunday lunches. This dish features a generous layer of hummus topped with warm sautéed minced meat and golden pine nuts. Rich and savory; it turns hummus into a meal of its own. Try it at Em Sherif, where the meat is spiced to perfection.

4. Hummus basterma 

This hummus is topped with Basterma — air-dried cured beef infused with bold spices. It’s a traditional dish that offers richness, intensity, and a burst of flavor in every bite. You can find this take at Mayrig, where Armenian and Lebanese flavors blend flawlessly.

5. Msabbaha

Hummus’ chunky cousin, msabbaha blends whole warm chickpeas with a garlicky tahini-lemon sauce, creating a dish that’s hearty yet creamy. It’s typically served warm and topped with olive oil, parsley, and a touch of chili or cumin. For a satisfying dish of msabbaha, head over to Maryool where the flavors are spot on.

6. Balila

A humble yet delicious breakfast dish made by boiling chickpeas until tender, then dressing them with lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, cumin and olive oil. Balila — is clean, light and deeply comforting, especially on chilly mornings. For an authentic balila breakfast experience, visit Uniun, where they serve it just like at home.

7. Hummus with foul

A powerful breakfast duo combining hummus with foul — seasoned with lemon, garlic, cumin, and olive oil. Served warm and hearty, this dish is best scooped up with freshly baked Lebanese bread for a truly energizing start to the day. You’ll find a delightful version of this at Al Hallab, a Lebanese staple.

8. Flavored hummus

While nothing beats a plate of fresh hummus, Lebanon has embraced innovation with bold, modern flavors. Brands like Smart Gourmet and Dands are giving the classic dip a colorful twist — from beetroot and chili and truffle to sun-dried tomato and spicy pepper blends. These remakes of an all-time favorite are a testament to how this beloved dish continues to evolve, staying rooted in tradition. For packaged versions, you can find these new twists at most supermarkets.

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