The article 'Hunting for hummus in Israel' was published in partnership with Lonely Planet.
The humble dish of hummus represents, quite literally, the melting pot of Israeli culture.
Like pasta in Italy, each community adds its own unique flavour to the world of hummus.
Their African-flavoured menu features Special Hummus Darfur, which adds egg, tomato and grated cheese to the mix.
But locals say Abu Shukri (63 Al-Wad Road, 972-02-627-1538) has the best hummus in the Holy City.
Growing demand for hummus has pushed up prices for chickpeas, spurring farmers to increase production.
My beets were crisp and fresh, the hummus creamy, the salmon like butter in my mouth.
The 300-plus crowd, mostly buttoned up in business attire, nibbled on hummus and roasted vegetables.
In Palestinian areas, hummus is usually served at breakfast, sometimes accompanied with labaneh (cold yoghurt) and fresh mint leaves.
In fact, according to Israel-based hummus manufacturer Sabra Salads, Israelis consume twice as much hummus as their Arab neighbours.
Long a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, hummus is earning a growing following among Americans seeking more-healthful snacks.
Most traditional hummus places are housed in old buildings, often hidden down alleyways and with signs only in Hebrew or Arabic.
They are followed by Arabic mezze, such as moutabel (a hummus-like dip made with eggplant), fattoush (Lebanese salad) or lentil soup.
Add Greek yogurt, string cheese, turkey slices, fruit and hummus to your list.
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The company offers its hummus and salsa in "Grab and Go" portions, small cups paired with pretzels or chips.
Yet, to find an authentic family-run hummusia (an eatery devoted solely to hummus) in Israel you need to be in the know.
The most popular version of hummus in Israel is served warm in a large bowl, sprinkled with parsley, cumin and other spices.
Even some of the snack boxes look improved featuring hummus and almonds, for example.
He dismisses the notion that four tonnes of hummus is a ridiculous amount - it is a "celebration", he insists.
In the last century, Jewish immigrants from countries such as Iraq, Yemen and Morocco each brought with them their own unique hummus habits.
Since hummus complements vegetarian, dairy and meat dishes, it became a popular choice, and over time, has become much more than just a dip.
"Most of the consumers out there still don't know what hummus is, " said Adam Carr, chief executive of Tribe Mediterranean Foods Inc.
We do not speak Arabic, and we do not eat hummus - these seem to be the top objections from Pakistani viewers.
The TV researcher asked the owner if he was planning to break to the world record for the biggest bowl of hummus.
And, unsurprisingly, Mr Ibrahim will not be drawn on the secret of what he says is the "best hummus in the world".
Israel originally adopted hummus as its unofficial national dish because it suited Jewish Kashrut laws -- religious rules that deal with eating and food preparation.
Sometimes, he'll set them out with a bowl of hummus or tapenade.
One such place is Ali Caravan, otherwise known as Abu Hassan, a kind of mecca that is considered to serve the best hummus in Israel.
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