Hummus Bodega, one of San Francisco’s very few kosher restaurants, has officially hit the road earlier this summer. The Israeli street food eatery, long known for its freshly made hummus, falafel, and shawarma, has launched a new kosher food truck called “Bodega on the Go.” The truck began operations on September 15 outside Bay Kosher, a Chabad-run kosher market located at 3477 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette. It serves the community Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing the flavors of Israel to the East Bay.
Expanding Kosher Dining Access Beyond San Francisco
Hummus Bodega’s expansion comes as welcome news for kosher diners across the Bay Area, where fully certified kosher dining options remain limited. The Lafayette truck provides greater access to kosher Mediterranean food for residents of Contra Costa County and surrounding areas, reducing the need for long drives into San Francisco for a hot kosher meal.
According to the restaurant’s team, the new mobile venture was designed to make their popular menu available to a wider audience. By situating the truck outside Bay Kosher, a central hub for kosher groceries, the restaurant connects directly with customers already shopping for kosher goods while also introducing newcomers to their Israeli-inspired cuisine.
Bringing the Menu on the Road
The “Bodega on the Go” food truck mirrors much of the menu that made the original Hummus Bodega location on Geary Boulevard a community favorite. Customers can expect favorites like hummus bowls topped with falafel or shawarma, grilled kebabs, Israeli salad, tahini-drizzled pita sandwiches, and classic Middle Eastern sides such as pickles, olives, and crispy fries.
Some of Hummus Bodega’s signature items, such as the “Tel Aviv” pita or the “Explodin’ Eggplant,” are expected to rotate through the truck’s lineup depending on demand and kitchen space. The truck also plans to offer catering services for private events across the East Bay, making it easier for local residents and synagogues to host kosher-friendly gatherings without needing to rely on city-based caterers.
Community Roots and Kosher Certification
Hummus Bodega is under the kosher supervision of Rabbi Shimon Margolin and maintains strict adherence to kosher standards across both its restaurant and mobile operations. The restaurant first opened in San Francisco’s Richmond District as one of the few places in the city offering a full kosher Mediterranean menu.
In early 2024, the restaurant briefly closed during an ownership transition before reopening later in the year, retaining its loyal customer base. The food truck launch marks the next chapter for the business as it continues to rebuild and grow its footprint across Northern California.
Looking Ahead
For Lafayette and the broader East Bay Jewish community, Hummus Bodega’s move represents an important step toward expanding kosher accessibility in an area where options have long been limited. The truck’s consistent weekly schedule offers convenience for families, travelers, and professionals seeking kosher meals without having to cross the Bay Bridge.
As the “Bodega on the Go” finds its rhythm, there’s potential for it to pop up at community events, markets, and festivals, introducing more Californians to the restaurant’s popular Mediterranean fare. For now, diners can find the truck parked right outside Bay Kosher in Lafayette, open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering fresh, flavorful, and authentically kosher food to the East Bay.
Address: 3477 Golden Gate Way, Lafayette, California
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kosher Certification: Supervised by Rabbi Shimon Margolin
Dining and Cooking