In a city brimming with food stories, Miranda Stephen—known to her growing fanbase as Philly Hummus Girl—is sharing one that’s deeply personal. Her rotating mezze menus and catering spreads are more than just craveable; they’re an edible tribute to her late grandfather, a Lebanese immigrant who once cooked for wellness pioneer Jack LaLanne and passed down a legacy of bold, nourishing, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Stephen’s roots stretch from rural Lebanon to Philadelphia, with global detours in Sri Lanka, Dubai, and the American South. “My family’s culinary traditions are at the heart of everything I make,” she says. “My grandfather was a Lebanese chef who owned restaurants in both Australia and the U.S. His love for Lebanese food was passed down to my mom, and then to me.” Her dishes—lush hummus, seasonal dips, vibrant salads, and deeply spiced mains—reflect that journey, weaving together heritage, memory, and modern taste.
Philly Hummus Girl started as a way to honor her grandfather after his passing and has grown into a full-fledged culinary business that includes monthly menus, custom catering, and delivery across much of the city. “I was inspired to create Philly Hummus Girl as a way to share the Lebanese food and culture I grew up with, especially in the aftermath of the bombings in Lebanon last year,” she explains. “What began as a personal passion became a way to connect, give back, and keep Lebanese culture alive through food.”
Every dish is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and serious care. Stephen’s monthly menus celebrate the rhythm of the seasons, evolving to reflect what’s growing and what people are craving. “I am most excited for janerik—it’s a sour plum I grew up eating in the Middle East with just a pinch of salt and lemon to cut the bitterness,” she says. “They are so delicious and tart and I’m so ready to get my hands on them this summer and get creative with how I can incorporate them into my recipes!”
But at its heart, Philly Hummus Girl is about connection—between generations, cultures, and neighbors. “The community that’s come out of Philly Hummus Girl has meant everything to me,” she says. “When I moved to Philly five years ago, it was difficult to find other Arabs to connect with. Through this work, I’ve met incredible people who have become friends. We are all a part of a community that celebrates Arab culture and brings people together.”
With her business growing and more people discovering her food each month, Stephen is carving out space for tradition-driven, community-centered cooking in Philadelphia’s ever-evolving culinary landscape. And if you haven’t tried her food yet, summer might be the perfect time to do so.
