The debate over the origin of hummus is as old as the food itself. The real answer is that no one knows for sure where hummus originated. What we do know is that the earliest mention of hummus dates back to Egypt in the 13th century. Historical documents show a dish very similar to hummus being consumed in Cairo. Chickpeas have always been abundant in the Middle East, and the word “hummus” actually means “chickpea” in Arabic. Although it seems likely that hummus originated in Egypt, it is worth noting that the Greeks and Egyptians were trade partners for centuries. This might explain why foods like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and baklava are all considered Greek favorites, even though they likely originated in the Middle East.