Hummus is one of those first time food experiences I’ll always remember. I was 20 years old, and my mom and I were at Piccadilly Grill West for the first time. The hummus came out on a pretty blue plate, surrounded by pita bread and various veggies. I took my first bite, and that was it. I was hooked.

As Steph Barnard has shown us, Wichita has a pretty big Mediterranean food scene, so it’s not hard to find hummus all over town. But, where can you find the best? I offer some of my and other Wichitans’ favorites for your consideration:

Bella Luna

If there was a hummus event in the Olympics, Bella Luna’s version would be Michael Phelps. In my (very informal) hummus survey, it was the obvious winner. Here’s why:

“Hands down Bella Luna. I am usually a little disappointed when I have it somewhere else. Their hummus just has a flavor that is appealing to most people, even the picky.” – Jessy Eskandarion

“Bella Luna because of its creamy smoothness and the crunchy seasoned pita chips.” -Andrea Green

“Bella Luna because they add children’s tears and olives.” -Ryan Cramer

“[Bella Luna's because it] is the same every time and they make their own pita bread too.” -Amy Smith

“I like [Bella Luna] because they put lots o’ olives and those cute little pickles [in it]!” -Aimee Brown

The Anchor

My personal favorite hummus is a fairly recent discovery. I only had the Anchor’s version for the first time last October, and I feel cheated. How did I live my life without this garlicky goodness for so long? I also enjoy that the Anchor serves their hummus with not just warm, soft pita bread, but cucumber slices as well.

Piccadilly Grill

“I think Piccadilly’s [is the best], with the warm pita bread and fresh veggies.” -Angie Armour

I’m inclined to agree that Piccadilly’s hummus is one of the best, although I usually like the veggies they offer better than the pita bread, because it can be a little dry at times.

N & J Cafe

It’s been awhile since I’ve been to N & J’s, but I remember being happy with the hummus. It comes highly recommended by Steph though, who says, “N & J’s [hummus] is drizzled with ridiculous amounts of olive oil…enough said.” I think it might be time for me to make another visit.

Le Monde

I was so, so, so excited when I saw that Le Monde had opened up in the old Nouvelle Cafe space at 29th and Rock Rd. I have always loved Le Monde, but it was always hard to make it over to their west side location. They’ve been open out east for a little over a week and I’ve already had their hummus twice, so I suppose that says something. It comes with pickles and olives in it and is served with both soft and crunchy pita bread. I’d call it the Apolo Ohno to Bella Luna’s Phelps.

So, what places did I neglect in this hummus-palooza? Sound off in the comments.

(Image Credit)

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4. [eat] Lunch with Liz: College Hill Deli
5. [eat] Exploring Wichita’s Mediterranean Scene