Hummus Is Spreading in Downtown Boston

Chicken & Rice Guys photo via Facebook / Clover photo via Facebook

Move over, avocado toast. Hummus is back in town. Both Chicken & Rice Guys and Clover have new chickpea spreads on the menu, and both have chances to try it for free this week.

Today at CNR Guys’ Downtown Crossing location, the Guys are giving away regular-sized orders of their hummus, from 11 a.m. until they’re out. Pro tip: Drizzle it with CNR Guys’ garlicky white sauce.

If you like what you get—or just feel inspired—you can “pay it forward” by donating $2 to the Boston Rescue Mission.

“We wanted to highlight hummus as it’s a brand new menu item, but rather than just giving it away, we are hoping to raise a little awareness (and money) for one of our favorite partners,” says CNR Guys marketing manager Steven Collicelli. Last year, the company donated nearly 6,000 pounds of extra cooked meat to the food pantry, he adds.

Clover’s Financial District location is “beta testing” hummus bowls for a week, starting this Wednesday, August 9, for possible menu inclusion across the board. (Remember, neither of these restaurant groups have food trucks on the road at the moment.)

Try one of the bowls for $8 or $9, then share your (honest) feedback on social media tagged #cloverbowls, or through Clover’s website, and get a coupon for a free meal next time.

The chickpeas comprising Clover’s hummus come from Connecticut, and the produce topping the two signature bowls (Beet Mint Feta, and Oaxacan Carrot) was grown in Western Mass. For lunch, the bowls are made to order and served with seed crackers, labneh, or veggies.

Consider yourself a hummus connoisseur—or just want a snack? Take advantage of this spreading trend.

Hummus for Humanity, Tuesday, August 8, 11 a.m. until sellout, the Chicken & Rice Guys, 280 Washington St., Boston, Facebook.

Meet Hummus Bowl, Wednesday, August 9-Wednesday, August 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. every day, CloverFIN, 160 Federal St., Boston, Facebook.