Georgian food carries influences from European and Middle Eastern dishes. Some of the best restaurants in Eastern Europe and especially Russia are Georgian, a sign of how delicious this cuisine is, although it is still mostly unknown in the rest of the world. Discover this delicious cuisine based on potatoes, meat, bread and cheese with the most surprising sweets!
Read on to find out about the Georgian dishes that you have to try:
1. Khachapuri
There is no better way to brave the cold Georgian winter than with a hearty Khachapuri that’s not only calorific but scrumptiously cheesy. This Georgian national dish graces the table from dawn to dusk is much akin to a pizza that comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Made of leavened dough, it is either stuffed with the buttery curds called chkinti or with sulguni cheese. While the simpler form is often an accompaniment to meals, the version shaped like a boat with an egg on top and a dollop of butter is a meal on its own! There are countless variations of this staple to be tried!
Sharbati Restaurant
Address: David Agmashenebeli Alley 13 Km, Didi Digomi Junction, 0131 Tbilisi, Georgia
Website: Sharbati Restaurant
2. Khinkali
In most Georgian restaurants and taverns, you will often find men and women devouring dozens of giant twisted dough knob dumplings that come with a variety of fillings. The Russians know this dish as Pelmeni. The most common fillings being a mix of minced pork or beef with spices. Cheese filled versions are available too!
While they’re mostly boiled, pan-fried versions much like the Japanese gyoza can be found as well. Eating one will take some practice for first timers. Gently lift the dumpling where the dough has been pinched together with the help of a fork. With the first small bite, suck in all the juice to avoid the dumpling for bursting. Enjoy the meaty mix and careful, they’re hot!
Zakhar Zakharich
Address: 3 Right Bank, Mshrali Bridge, Tbilisi
3. Churchkhela
Not to be mistaken for a candle, these sweet delicacies can be found on the streets throughout Georgia. Walnuts, hazelnuts or dried fruits are strung together and repeatedly dipped in tartara – a mixture of flour, honey or sugar and concentrated fresh grape juice that is then left out to dry to give them their waxy candle-like appearance. These are usually made in autumn after the harvest of the ingredients and are best enjoyed as a snack or as dessert. The best churchkhela is from the street market, makes sure to ask which flavors you are looking for!
4. Ajapsandali
The Ajapsandali is Georgia’s answer to the ratatouille. The vegetarian stew dish consists of eggplant, potato, tomato, onion, garlic, peppers, and spices. The eggplant, tomato, and peppers are the key ingredients for this summer dish which is enjoyed either hot or cold. It’s perfect on its own with some freshly baked bread or as a side dish to meat or fish.
Gabriadze Theatre Cafe
Address: 13 Shavteli St, 01015 Tbilisi, Georgia
Website: Gabriadze Theatre Cafe
5. Lobio
Lobio is the Georgian word for beans. The star of this stew is red kidney beans that have been stewed with spices and is best enjoyed with Mchadi – Georgian corn bread – along with cheese or with marinated vegetables. The dish is sure to remind you of refried beans, albeit a spicier (not hot) version. Lobio is either served cold or hot with the hot versions incorporating meat and vegetables at times.
Salobie
Address: Bilisi Bypass Road, AZ0000 Mtskheta, Georgia
6. Mtsvadi
The dish of kings, Georgia’s shashlik, Georgia’s mishkaki, Georgia’s kebabs or Georgia’s meat on a skewer… no matter what you call it, there is nothing like juicy tender bits of marinated and skewered meat that have been grilled over an open fire. The preferred meat for the Mtsvadi is pork, mutton or veal.
Tsiskvili Restaurant
Address: The Right Bank of the R. Mtkvari, Tbilisi
Website: Tsiskvili Restaurant
7. Kharcho
Kharcho or kharsho as it is called is a hearty meat soup that’s almost like a stew. With a tomato broth base and rich with spices, this soupy stew has several variations that could be made of beef, chicken or other kinds of meat and often contains walnuts. Puritans will swear that the national soup of Georgia should only be made with beef. For starch, rice is commonly added in the recipe. This winter warmer has a tangy twist to it brought from plum, cherry or other dried fruit purees.
Barbarestan
Address: 132 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, 0112 Tbilisi Tbilisi
Facebook: Barbarestan
8. Pkhali
Pkhali is a vegetarian appetizer that one could relate to with the Middle Eastern Mezze “Moutabel”. The cold dish consists of minced leafy greens such as spinach or a mince of other vegetables such as beetroot, beans or eggplants that are mixed together with garlic, onions, walnuts, vinegar, and herbs. The dish is often served in the form of flattened balls garnished with pomegranate seeds.
Samikitno
Address: 25 Merab Kostava St, 0108 Tbilisi
9. Lobiani
Yet another Georgian dish that contains ‘Lobio’ or ‘beans,’ the Lobiani is a red kidney bean and smoked ham or bacon filled flatbread that is either baked in the oven or pan-fried. Although the Lobiani is usually eaten during Barbaroba – the feast of St. Barbara, fear not, you will often find it on menus at traditional Georgian restaurants.
Samikitno
Address: 25 Merab Kostava St, 0108 Tbilisi
10. Tklapi
In street side stalls and shops that sell an abundant variety of the candle like churchkela, you will also commonly find the sweet and tangy leather pureed fruit roll-ups known as tklapi. The puree of Tkemali – local plums, pear, apple, kiwi or other fruits are spread thinly into a sheet which is then left to dry to create this dessert snack. The best churchkhela is from the street market, makes sure to ask which flavors you are looking for!
Don't be afraid of the unknown
Georgian cuisine is truly one to be discovered by any foodies. Some local specialties might seem unusual at first, but don’t be afraid to try them out, as we guarantee you will not be disappointed!
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