Hummus is a dish made from pureed chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic. It's a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, enjoyed as a dip with pita bread or crackers, or used as a spread. 

Historically affordable and nutritious and once a daily dish, is now a luxury for many households. Lebanon’s economic crisis since 2019, deepened by the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, has made staples like hummus scarce. With the currency losing over 98% of its value and GDP shrinking by more than 38%, imported chickpeas and tahini are now luxuries. The war’s $8.5 billion toll has wrecked supply chains and southern farms, pushing families to ration or skip meals.

Restaurants and vendors, once cultural hubs, are shutting down, and communal dining is waning. The conflict’s displacement and destruction have turned a hummus into a rare treat, straining traditions.

Some communities are responding by reviving home gardens or bartering for ingredients, finding ways to keep hummus on the table—even in simplified forms. These adaptations reflect a food culture under pressure, yet still resilient, showing Lebanon’s broader struggle to sustain daily life amid economic collapse and uncertainty.