10 Must-Try Georgian Dishes

10 must-try georgian dishes
Elodie
Elodie 
Updated
| 4 min read

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

Ajaruli Khachapuri
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Yanina Bondarenko used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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2. Khinkali

Khinkali crop
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ლევან ნიორაძე used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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3. Churchkhela

Kakheti, Georgia — Churchkhela
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Levan Gokadze used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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!

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4. Ajapsandali

Ajapsandali - Georgian eggplant stew
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Georgian Recipes used under CC BY 3.0

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

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5. Lobio

Lobio with nuts
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Georgian Recipes used under CC BY 3.0

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

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6. Mtsvadi

Mtsvadi
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Paata Vardanashvili used under CC BY 2.0

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

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7. Kharcho

Kharcho soup of beef with walnuts and rice, Georgian cuisine
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lesya Dolyk used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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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

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9. Lobiani

Lobiani, Restaurant Aragvi
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sandra C used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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10. Tklapi

Churchkhela- a local favourite
Source: Photo by user shankar s. used under CC BY 2.0

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!

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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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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Elodie is an avid passport stamp collector and adventure seeker. She defines herself as storyteller, marketeer, diver and traveller - not necessarily in that order. She is currently based in Bali,...Read more

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