Mmmm Fried onions..
Chickpeas are not my cup of tea but olive oil, tahini, garlic and perhaps some sumac make this yummy.
I think you are correct that baking soda breaks down the beans.
The bread is key as well.
If you like Tahini, a wonderful way to use it is to sauce eggplant with it. Google ‘Roast’ or ‘Grilled’ Eggplant with Tahini sauce. One of my favorites!