In the movie You Don't Mess With the Zohan, Adam Sandler and his Israeli countrymen are so enamored with hummus that they practically shower with the chickpea condiment. In Miami, people are just as devoted to this Middle Eastern snack. Hummus shows up on the most lowbrow menus in the city, as well as at some of our finest dining establishments. Short Order compared longtime Israeli eatery Pita Hut with the more healthful, Mediterranean-inspired Pasha's in order to find the best hummus in Miami. The results are below.
Pita Hut ($5.99)Pros: The hummus is served with two warm, fluffy pita rounds. There is a creamy outer ring of hummus surrounding a pool of tahina sauce topped with parsley and fruity olive oil. The hummus is velvety, smooth, tangy, and delicious. It's a portion perfect for sharing.
Cons: If you don't like tahina, you are stuck with half an order of the sharp, garlicky sauce. This is not written on the menu.
Pasha's ($3.49)Pros: This chunkier hummus arrives with one warm pita round for dipping. The hummus tastes nutty and has a hint of lemon. The price is right.
Cons: The tiny portion of hummus is served in a blue cafeteria-style bowl. More distressing is the chalky, bitter taste of the chickpea concoction. An addition of olive oil, parsley, and/or salt would have helped immensely. The accompanying pita bread is flat and boring.
Verdict: Pita Hut's hummus wins the gold, silver, and bronze. It is the most luscious hummus you will find outside of Tel Aviv, and the pita bread is just as authentic. Pasha's, unfortunately, has one of the worst-tasting versions of hummus. Short Order couldn't get rid of the chalky aftertaste for hours.
Pita Hut
530 Arthur Godfrey Rd., Miami Beach
305-531-6090
Pasha's
900 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach
305-673-3919
