When visiting Georgia, you should try the country's unique and flavorful dishes, which are a blend of European and Middle Eastern cuisines, with popular must-try dishes including Khinkali, Khachapuri, and Shashlik.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Georgia's cuisine is defined by its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a unique blend of flavors and ingredients from both continents. The country's cuisine has been influenced by various cultures, including the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Persians, as well as the Ottoman Empire and Russia. Georgian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, aromas, and spices, with a focus on fresh ingredients, herbs, and walnuts. The country's regional variations are also notable, with different regions specializing in different types of dishes, such as the Samegrelo region's focus on Sulguni cheese and Gozinaki walnuts.
Georgian cuisine is also known for its emphasis on hospitality and social gatherings, with mealtimes often serving as opportunities to bring people together and strengthen relationships. The traditional Georgian Supra, or feast, is a key part of the country's food culture, with a focus on abundant food, wine, and lively conversation. Georgian cuisine is also closely tied to the country's rich cultural heritage, with many dishes and traditions dating back centuries.
The country's cuisine has also been influenced by its geographic location, with the Caucasus Mountains providing a rich source of fresh ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The Black Sea coastline has also played a significant role in shaping the country's cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and other aquatic products.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khinkali | Dumpling | Boiled dumplings filled with spiced meat and herbs | Restaurants and cafes throughout the country |
| Khachapuri | Bread | Cheese-filled bread, often served as a side dish or snack | Bakeries and cafes throughout the country |
| Shashlik | Skewers | Skewers of marinated meat, often served with onions and bread | Restaurants and street food stalls throughout the country |
| Mtsvadi | Skewers | Skewers of marinated pork or chicken, often served with Tkemali sauce | Restaurants and street food stalls throughout the country |
| Lobio | Stew | A hearty stew made with beans, onions, and spices | Restaurants and cafes throughout the country |
| Satsivi | Chicken | A chicken dish made with walnuts and spices, often served as a cold sauce | Restaurants and cafes throughout the country |
| Chakapuli | Stew | A stew made with lamb or beef, onions, and Tarragon | Restaurants and cafes throughout the country |
| Gozinaki | Dessert | A sweet dessert made with walnuts and honey | Cafes and bakeries throughout the country |
| Churchkhela | Dessert | A sweet dessert made with grapes and walnuts | Cafes and bakeries throughout the country |
| Pkhali | Salad | A salad made with vegetables, walnuts, and spices | Restaurants and cafes throughout the country |
Street Food & Snacks
- Khachapuri: a cheese-filled bread, often sold by street vendors, $2-$3
- Shashlik: skewers of marinated meat, often sold by street vendors, $3-$5
- Lobiani: a bean-filled pastry, often sold by street vendors, $2-$3
- Gozinaki: a sweet dessert made with walnuts and honey, often sold by street vendors, $3-$5
- Churchkhela: a sweet dessert made with grapes and walnuts, often sold by street vendors, $3-$5
- Sulguni: a type of cheese, often sold by street vendors, $5-$10
- Pkhali: a salad made with vegetables, walnuts, and spices, often sold by street vendors, $3-$5
- Mtsvadi: skewers of marinated pork or chicken, often sold by street vendors, $5-$10
Drinks
- Qvevri-fermented wine: a traditional Georgian wine, made in Qvevri clay vessels, $10-$20
- Chacha: a strong spirit made from grapes or other fruits, $10-$20
- Lagidze water: a sweet, flavored water, often served as a refreshing drink, $2-$3
- Jara: a type of beer, brewed in Georgia, $5-$10
- Ayran: a yogurt-based drink, often served as a refreshing beverage, $2-$3
- Saperavi: a type of red wine, made from the Saperavi grape, $15-$30
Dining Customs
- Table manners are formal, with an emphasis on respect for elders and tradition
- It is customary to wait for the host to invite you to sit down and start eating
- Bread is an important part of Georgian cuisine, and is often used to scoop up food
- Wine is an integral part of Georgian dining culture, and is often served at mealtimes
- Tipping is not expected, but is appreciated for good service
- Reservations are not always necessary, but are recommended for popular restaurants
Where to Eat
- Restaurants: offer a wide range of traditional Georgian dishes, with a focus on local ingredients and flavors
- Cafes: often serve coffee, pastries, and light meals, with a focus on relaxed atmosphere and conversation
- Street food stalls: offer a variety of snacks and meals, including Khachapuri, Shashlik, and Lobiani
- Markets: offer a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and dairy products, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients
- Food courts: offer a variety of international and local cuisine, with a focus on convenience and affordability
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Desertirebi Market: a bustling market in Tbilisi, offering a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and dairy products
- Dezerter Bazaar: a historic market in Tbilisi, offering a variety of snacks, meals, and local products
- Tbilisi Central Market: a large market in Tbilisi, offering a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and dairy products
- Kutaisi Market: a bustling market in Kutaisi, offering a variety of local products, including Sulguni cheese and Gozinaki walnuts
- Borjomi Central Market: a market in Borjomi, offering a variety of local products, including Mineral water and Churchkhela desserts