What to Eat and Where to Find It
Georgian cuisine is a feast for the senses, combining rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and centuries-old culinary traditions. From the famous bread-and-cheese creations to savory stews and refreshing wines, Georgia’s food reflects its diverse cultural heritage. Here’s a guide to some of the must-try dishes and where to find them across the country.
1. Khachapuri (Cheese-Filled Bread)
What is it?
Khachapuri is one of Georgia’s most famous dishes. It’s a bread filled with various types of cheese, traditionally imeruli (circular and flat) or adjaruli (boat-shaped with cheese, butter, and egg in the center).
Where to Find It:
- Sakhachapure No.1 in Tbilisi: This popular spot offers a variety of khachapuri styles from across Georgia.
- Retro in Batumi: Famous for serving an authentic version of Adjaruli khachapuri.
2. Khinkali (Dumplings)
What is it?
Khinkali are large, juicy dumplings filled with meat (typically a mix of beef and pork), vegetables, or mushrooms. The trick is to eat them by holding the top and sipping the broth inside before devouring the rest.
Where to Find It:
- Zakhar Zakharich in Tbilisi: A popular spot known for delicious, juicy khinkali.
- Tsiskvili in Tbilisi: A traditional Georgian restaurant with a variety of khinkali flavors.
3. Pkhali (Vegetable Pâté)
What is it?
Pkhali is a colorful dish made from minced vegetables (spinach, beets, eggplant) mixed with ground walnuts, garlic, and spices, often served with pomegranate seeds on top.
Where to Find It:
- Shavi Lomi in Tbilisi: A hip restaurant known for its innovative takes on traditional Georgian dishes, including excellent pkhali varieties.
- Ethno Tsiskvili in Tbilisi: A classic Georgian dining experience where you can enjoy pkhali alongside other local delicacies.
4. Satsivi (Walnut Sauce with Poultry or Fish)
What is it?
Satsivi is a rich, flavorful walnut sauce usually served with poultry (often turkey or chicken) or fish. It’s a staple dish during the winter and particularly popular at New Year’s celebrations.
Where to Find It:
- Barbarestan in Tbilisi: A fine-dining restaurant that reinterprets old Georgian recipes, including a standout version of satsivi.
- Taghlaura in Tbilisi: A casual eatery offering hearty traditional Georgian meals like satsivi.
5. Lobio (Bean Stew)
What is it?
Lobio is a hearty Georgian bean stew flavored with herbs, onions, and garlic, often served with mchadi (cornbread). It comes in different forms, from thick and mashed to thinner, more liquid stews.
Where to Find It:
- Cafe Gabriadze in Tbilisi: A cozy, artsy spot with an excellent rendition of lobio, perfect for a laid-back meal.
- Samikitno in Tbilisi: This chain offers an affordable and tasty version of lobio along with other Georgian classics.
6. Shashlik (Mtsvadi) (Grilled Meat)
What is it?
Mtsvadi is Georgia’s version of grilled meat skewers, typically made from pork or beef and cooked over an open flame. It’s often served with raw onions, pomegranate seeds, and the sour plum sauce tkemali.
Where to Find It:
- Maspindzelo in Tbilisi: Known for its traditional Georgian barbecue dishes, including mtsvadi.
- Kakhelebi in Tbilisi: A well-known destination for top-quality mtsvadi, especially in the outskirts of the city.
7. Chakapuli (Lamb Stew)
What is it?
Chakapuli is a popular springtime stew made from lamb or veal, tarragon, green plums, and white wine. The dish has a refreshing and tangy taste, perfect for warmer months.
Where to Find It:
- Keto and Kote in Tbilisi: A chic restaurant offering beautifully presented Georgian dishes, including chakapuli.
- Ezo in Tbilisi: A local favorite for its farm-to-table approach and traditional Georgian stews.
8. Churchkhela (Georgian Candy)
What is it?
Churchkhela is a traditional Georgian sweet made by dipping strings of nuts into thickened grape juice and flour and then allowing them to dry. It’s often called Georgian “Snickers” and is a popular snack or dessert.
Where to Find It:
- Markets: Churchkhela can be found at any local market across Georgia, especially in Tbilisi’s Dezerter Bazaar or the Dry Bridge Market.
- Badagi in Tbilisi: A shop specializing in traditional Georgian sweets, including high-quality churchkhela.
9. Kharcho (Meat Soup with Walnut and Rice)
What is it?
Kharcho is a hearty soup made with beef, walnuts, rice, and a rich blend of spices. It’s deeply flavorful and perfect for warming up in colder weather.
Where to Find It:
- Sakhli #11 in Tbilisi: A warm, homey restaurant serving excellent traditional dishes, including kharcho.
- Machakhela in Tbilisi: A chain known for authentic Georgian comfort food, including their version of kharcho.
10. Georgian Wine
What is it?
Georgia is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing countries, with an 8,000-year-old wine tradition. The country’s most famous wine is made using the ancient qvevri method, where grapes ferment in clay vessels buried underground. Try red Saperavi or white Rkatsiteli wines.
Where to Find It:
- G. Vino in Tbilisi: A stylish wine bar offering a fantastic selection of natural and qvevri wines.
- Vino Underground in Tbilisi: A beloved wine bar with an extensive collection of traditional Georgian wines, perfect for tasting.
Bonus Tip: Traditional Georgian Feasts (Supra)
To fully experience Georgian cuisine, attending a supra (feast) is a must. Hosted by a tamada (toastmaster), the supra is a lively and ceremonial occasion filled with endless toasts, food, and wine.
- Where to Experience a Supra: Visit a traditional restaurant like Phaetoni in Tbilisi or book a guided supra experience through local tour companies.
Conclusion
Georgian cuisine is a unique mix of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and ancient traditions. Whether you’re indulging in hearty stews, enjoying a glass of qvevri wine, or savoring sweet churchkhela, Georgia’s food culture offers something for every palate. Be sure to try these iconic dishes and visit the best eateries and markets to fully immerse yourself in Georgia’s culinary heritage.