Tahini and hummus are both delicious foods that are major parts of Levantine and Persian cuisine. However, if you don’t work in a restaurant or aren’t familiar with these cuisines, then it can be hard to know the difference between the two. With that in mind, these are some of the major differences between tahini and hummus.

What’s Tahini?

At its most basic level, tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds—and it’s versatile, being used in various dishes, both as an ingredient and a dish on its own. Tahini is the second most important ingredient of hummus, along with chickpeas, and is also an ingredient in dishes like baba ghanoush. On its own, tahini is also a delicious addition to any meal, from bagels to fruit. High-quality tahini — like the kind you’d get at an authentic restaurant — is nutty, creamy, and savory, and can help add a delicious flair to numerous dishes.

What’s Hummus?

Hummus, on the other hand, is a sauce made from ingredients including tahini, chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic and is often eaten with pita or other breads. While hummus originated as a Levantine Arab dish, it has also been adapted with unique twists; some variations of hummus, for example, include red pepper or caramelized onions. On the whole, hummus is a healthy and popular condiment that you can find both on supermarket shelves and in restaurants.

To try various dishes with hummus and tahini, go to Sufi Kitchen in Atlanta, GA, for a high-quality Persian dining experience. The restaurant offers food that is not just authentically delicious but also accessible for anyone who wishes to try Persian food for the first time. Additionally, Sufi Kitchen also offers delicious catering options for any group gathering. To contact them, call (404) 888-9699 or visit their website.