From Spain to Newfoundland, Colombia to Sri Lanka, fans of chickpea dip across the world chowed down on hummus yesterday, May 13, in celebration of International Hummus Day.

The concept for Hummus Day originated at the Innovation Israel Hackathon in March 2012, organized by then teenage whiz kid Ben Lang and his friend Miriam Young, founder of Peace, Love, Cook, Travel, Eat.

They had noticed Nutella Day, and thought to create a day like that for the Middle East centered around hummus, the chickpea (garbanzo bean) dip/spread that’s not only the most popular dish in the region but also is increasingly appreciated across the globe for its great taste and nutritional profile.

“The idea was to create a holiday around a food that could bring people together from around the world,” according to the founders.

Lang, now 22, also cofounded the interactive mapping program Mapme with his dad. So naturally there are maps showing the best places to get a plate of hummus in Israel, New York and Los Angeles.

In addition, Israeli brothers Nadav and Gideon Keyson made a website on which 1,500 users have so far rated the best hummus places in Tel-Aviv.

In honor of the holiday, many eateries offer special deals on hummus. The well-loved spread comes in a variety of flavors that build on the basic recipe of pureed chickpeas seasoned with tahini, garlic, lemon juice and salt.

If you missed Hummus Day yesterday, it’s not too late to get some pita and dig in. And there’s always International Falafel Day to look forward to on June 12.

Click here for hummus recipes to make at home.