Does baba ganoush have tahini?

Usually, yes, plus lemon, garlic and olive oil. Recipes vary, and some skip the tahini or add yogurt, so ask if you're avoiding sesame.

Does baba ganoush taste like eggplant?

A little, but mostly it tastes smoky and creamy. Charring takes away eggplant's spongy bitterness and leaves something soft, sweet and campfire-ish.

What's the difference between hummus and baba ganoush?

Hummus is a creamy chickpea and tahini dip, nutty and lemony, while baba ganoush is made from charred eggplant, so it's lighter, silkier and smoky.

Hummus

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Thick, creamy and nutty, with lemon and garlic keeping it lively.

Baba ganoush

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Silky and smoky, like eggplant that was charred over a flame and whipped.

The real difference

Both are Middle Eastern dips that usually share tahini, lemon and garlic. The base is the difference: hummus blends cooked chickpeas into a dense, creamy spread. Baba ganoush starts with eggplant charred until the skin blackens, which gives the soft flesh a smoky taste and a looser, lighter texture.

Side by side

HummusBaba ganoush

Made fromChickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlicCharred eggplant, tahini, lemon, garlic

TastesNutty, lemony, earthySmoky, tangy, gently sweet

TextureThick and creamyLooser and silky

On a menuMezze platters, wraps, bowls, with pitaMezze platters, with pita and raw vegetables

Which to order

Order hummus if you want something hearty and creamy to scoop.
Order baba ganoush if you like smoky flavors and a lighter dip.

Quick questions

Does baba ganoush have tahini?: Usually, yes, plus lemon, garlic and olive oil. Recipes vary, and some skip the tahini or add yogurt, so ask if you're avoiding sesame.
Does baba ganoush taste like eggplant?: A little, but mostly it tastes smoky and creamy. Charring takes away eggplant's spongy bitterness and leaves something soft, sweet and campfire-ish.