This Unexpected Place Gave Me Confidence to Imagine Myself a New Yorker

How a cozy, casual and ordinary restaurant made me realize I could make a home for myself in the big, bad city of New York

My West Coast friends and family had tried to warn me with NYC horror stories of being trampled by crowds on the subway, pizza-hauling rats, and heavy AC units falling from high-rise windows on to uneven pavements.

So what on earth possessed me to leave behind the foggy, friendly atmosphere of SF for the big, bad city? I’m the first to admit, I was intimidated by the trendy temperament of New York. As a tourist, I loved it.

What’s not to love about waiting in lines for ramen burgers, rainbow bagels, and frozen smores?

But could I picture myself actually living here?

I still remember the comfortable little spot that gave me the confidence to imagine myself as a New Yorker. That spot is a restaurant called Hummus Place. I had come to the city for a job interview and my flight had arrived late. I was famished. I was staying with my best friend who had already eaten dinner. She suggested Hummus Place on the Upper West Side so I could get a quick bite.

We walked down some stairs into this cozy, rustic space with exposed brick walls and wooden floors.

Our friendly waitress guided us to one of their eight tables. She handed us the menu that featured vegetarian cuisine ranging from their signature varieties of hummus, soups and salads, and mezes (small, accompanying dishes). I made the executive decision to “order for the both of us” (but really for myself) and picked out the fava hummus, the falafel, and the cauliflower.

My meal began with a basket of fluffy, warm pita placed before me. I decided to forgo the whole-wheat pita in favor of the traditional variety because I’m old-fashioned like that. The hummus was topped with a fava bean stew, hardboiled egg, and olive oil. It was creamy, perfectly flavored, and delicious.

The falafel balls came in a group of five, dripped with tahini and spicy green sauce that perfectly complemented the brown crispy exterior and soft (yet not mushy) interior.

The cauliflower was clean enough to make me feel less guilty about the aforementioned carbohydrate-laden feast but seasoned enough to make me savor every bite.

I was too full after my excess indulgence to get dessert or coffee but I’ve had their Turkish-style coffee and baklava on a separate occasion and they were quite the treat.

In a city that may suffer from some sort of food-related ADD, my selection of Hummus Place may seem a bit ordinary, even boring.

It’s just that I remember that point in time so clearly—unexpectedly yet wholly enjoying this casual, seemingly home-cooked meal in a setting that felt so innately familiar with a friend who is more like a sister.

I knew in that moment I could make a home for myself in the big, bad city after all.

My unexpected NYC place:

Hummus Place
305 Amsterdam Ave
b/t 75th St & 74th St
Upper West Side

71 7th Ave S
b/t Commerce St & S 7 Ave
West Village

Deepa also recommends this place for tacos if you’re in NYC.