Georgia, a small country in the Caucasus, is a food lover’s paradise. Its rich culinary traditions blend influences from East and West, resulting in hearty, flavorful dishes unlike anything you’ve tasted before. When traveling in Georgia, you’ll quickly discover that cuisine is vital to the country’s cultural identity. If you plan a trip to this beautiful country, your taste buds are in for a treat. Here are five dishes you must try to get an authentic taste of Georgian cuisine.
Khachapuri
Every trip to Georgia is complete with sampling Khachapuri, the country’s beloved cheese bread. While there are regional variations, the show-stopper is Adjaruli Khachapuri. Picture a boat-shaped bread filled with melted cheese, topped with a raw egg and a pat of butter. To eat it, mix the egg and butter into the hot cheese and tear off pieces of the crust to dip in the gooey center. It’s indulgent, comforting, and utterly delicious.
The best place to try it is Tsiskvili, a popular restaurant chain known for its traditional Georgian
cuisine. It serves an excellent Adjaruli Khachapuri in a charming setting.
Khinkali
These twisted knobs of dough are Georgia’s take on dumplings. Filled with spiced meat (traditionally a mix of pork and beef) and broth, khinkali are tricky to eat but well worth the effort. Grab the dumpling by its topknot, take a small bite, and slurp out the broth before eating the rest. Just don’t eat the topknot – it’s left on the plate to track how many you’ve eaten!
Mtsvadi
If you’re a meat lover, you can’t miss Mtsvadi. These chunks of meat (usually pork, lamb, or veal) are skewered and grilled over grape vine cuttings, which impart a subtle smoky flavor. The meat is often seasoned with salt and accompanied by thin slices of raw onion and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.
Lobio
Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – Lobio is a staple of Georgian cuisine that packs a flavorful punch. This thick bean stew is seasoned with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices that vary from cook to cook. It’s often served in a clay pot alongside Mchadi (cornbread) and pickled vegetables. Vegetarians rejoice – this hearty dish is completely meat-free!
Churchkhela
First-time visitors often mistake churchkhela for sausages. To make them, walnuts are strung on a thread, dipped repeatedly in concentrated grape juice, and left to dry. The result is a chewy, nutrient-rich snack that Georgian warriors once carried as a source of energy.
Best place to try it: You’ll see churchkhela sold by street vendors throughout Georgia, but for a high-quality version, check out the Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi. This market is a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts traveling in Georgia.
These five dishes only scratch the surface of what Georgian cuisine offers. Each bite tells a story of Georgia’s history, geography, and culture, from the herb-packed khachapuri to the sweet-and-nutty churchkhela. Traveling in Georgia is as much a culinary journey as a visual one, with food playing a central role in the country’s warm hospitality.
So pack your bags (and your appetite) and prepare for a culinary adventure in the heart of the Caucasus. Whether dining at Tsiskvili or exploring local markets, you will surely be captivated by Georgia’s rich food culture. Who knows? You might find yourself planning your next trip back before leaving!
