Just about any regular reviewer in Budapest can tell you that the number of restaurants that actually qualify as “something new” are few and far between. But judging by the nearly overnight success of Hummus Bar, which has opened two branches in less than two years, something different is what the people have been longing for.
The most oft-cited negatives of eating out in the capital are the staff’s bad attitude, prices that don’t reflect value, and simply unoriginal things to eat. Hummus Bar tackles these issues head on. You could enter on the worst of Mondays and be greeted with a jolly “Hello my friend! Have some mint tea on the house!”, marking the start of a service culture that is designed to please. It seems to come effortlessly, but this is probably the result of a pride in the simple, yet fresh and delicious Middle Eastern foods on offer.
The very international clientele can be just as chatty as the people behind the counter, and according to owner Uri Gotlibovich, many friendships and business deals have come to fruition over a bowl of their namesake. “We have beautiful clients,” he elaborates. “They’re the best people in town.” Welcome, indeed.
Of course, if you’re looking for gulyás, you’d better look elsewhere. Hummus Bar is completely vegetarian, though some dishes at the Alkotmány utca location, such as the traditional Israeli shakshuka, come with eggs. You can choose from a range of hummus plates – plain, with beans, marinated mushrooms, extra tahini sauce, among others – or get a sandwich stuffed with fresh salad and the best falafel in town. The chickpea balls truly do live up to the restaurant’s boast, with a crispy outside and a fluffy center that’s light years from any of the gyros büfe-style places where you may have tried it before. Get it with some freshly made tabouleh, a salad of parsley, bulgur, mint, tomatoes, spring onions, lemon juice and olive oil, and the daily soup and you’ve got an excellent lunch. Oh, and don’t forget to try the baklava or the house special sahlab, a warm concoction of coconut, milk and other special ingredients, for dessert.
The simple formula of friendly service, great fresh food from a far off land, and good prices seem to be a winning hand for Hummus Bar, which also offers delivery and catering services. Even if you’ve never had this kind of food, give it a try – we can say in high confidence that you’ll leave with a full belly and a smile on your face.
1054 Budapest, Alkotmány utca 20.
Tel.: +36.1.302.1385
