Mezze is a style of eating rather than a dish: a spread of small plates served together at the start of a meal across the Middle East, the Levant and the Eastern Mediterranean. Hummus is the most familiar of them, a puree of chickpeas, tahini, lemon and garlic. What makes hummus silky rather than grainy is the proportion of tahini and how thoroughly the chickpeas are broken down, not the addition of oil.
Mezze is a format
The point of mezze is plurality. Several small plates arrive at once and everybody eats from all of them, which is why ordering a single mezze plate for one person slightly misses what it is for.
What makes hummus good
- Tahini — more than most people expect. It is what makes hummus taste of something rather than just of chickpeas.
- Texture — properly smooth. Grainy hummus means the chickpeas were not broken down far enough.
- Acid — lemon, enough to lift it.
How to order it for a table
As one of three or four plates, not on its own. Put it next to something fried and something fresh and it does its job.
On our board
Mediterranean Mezze Hummus ($18) — silky tahini hummus with arugula and grilled chicken. Alongside it: Spiced Cauliflower Tempura ($18) and Aroma Beet & Burrata ($19).
Where to eat it
The Aroma Bistro & Bar is at 32760 Simon Ave, Abbotsford, BC. The kitchen is on from 11:30 every day — Monday to Thursday until 11pm, Friday and Saturday until 1am, Sunday until 10pm. Happy Hour runs 1–5pm daily and again from 9pm until close.
Walk in, call (604) 743-3131, or book a table. The full board is on the menu page.
Common questions
What does mezze mean?
Mezze is a style of eating: a spread of small plates served together at the start of a meal, common across the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.
Why is my hummus grainy?
The chickpeas were not broken down far enough, or there is too little tahini. Oil does not fix graininess; blending and tahini do.
