Georgian food is a colorful mix of flavors that comes from ancient traditions and is shaped by the country’s unique location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Georgian food is a great experience for any taste because it uses a lot of fresh herbs, walnuts, and the “supra” (feast) culture that makes dining fun. Get ready to go on a food adventure through some of the most popular dishes in the country.

Classic Staples and Hearty Treats

  • Khachapuri: Khachapuri is a delicious cheese-filled bread that is often called Georgia’s national dish. There are many different kinds of it in different parts of the country. The most iconic is the Adjarian Khachapuri, shaped like a boat and generously filled with melted cheese and butter, then topped with a raw egg yolk, symbolizing the sun. The round Imeruli Khachapuri and the cheese-overloaded Megruli Khachapuri are two other well-known kinds.

  • Khinkali: These big, tasty dumplings are a must-try in Georgia. They are usually filled with tender minced meat, usually beef and pork, that has been cooked in its own juice. The dough is rolled out very thin. The “kalakuri” (city) version has chopped greens in it. People usually boil khinkali, but deep-fried ones are also popular. The trick is to hold them by the top knot, bite a small hole, slurp the hot broth, and then eat the rest, leaving the knot behind.

  • Pkhali: These colorful and very tasty appetizers are made by boiling and chopping vegetables like spinach, beets, or beans and then forming them into balls. Then, they are mixed with walnuts, garlic, and fragrant spices, and rolled into pretty balls that are often topped with pomegranate seeds. They are always present at Georgian parties.

  • Lobio: This hearty bean stew with a little bit of spice is a comforting dish that even the biggest meat lovers will love. Slow-cooked red beans are mixed with fried onions, bell peppers, and a mix of fragrant herbs and spices. They are usually served hot in a traditional clay pot.

  • Ostri: Ostri is a popular meat dish in Georgia. It’s a warming and tender beef stew. Beef cubes are cooked in their own juices with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a kick of hot red pepper. Fresh cilantro and basil are added at the end. A piece of freshly baked Georgian bread is the best thing to eat with it.

  • Chakapuli: Chakapuli is a fragrant stew made with veal or lamb that tastes like spring. The texture is soft and the flavors are bright and herbal because of the lots of fresh tarragon, green plums (tkemali sauce), onions, and garlic that are all cooked in white wine.

  • Shkmeruli: If you love garlic, you have to try Shkmeruli. This dish has crispy chicken cooked just right in a rich, creamy milk and garlic sauce. It smells great and tastes great.

  • Kharcho: Kharcho is a hearty and tasty soup that is usually made with beef, rice, a tart cherry plum purée, and chopped walnuts. It is often topped with fresh coriander. The Megrelian version is famous for its sharp, spicy kick.

Sweet Finishes and Savory Sides

  • Churchkhela: Churchkhela is a unique traditional candy that is sometimes called “Georgian Snickers.” You thread nuts (usually walnuts or hazelnuts) onto a string, dip them over and over again in a thickened grape juice mixture (tatara), and then let them dry. The end result is a chewy, sweet, and healthy snack that people often eat with tea.

  • Badrijani Nigvzit: These are soft, fried eggplant slices that are spread thickly with a rich, savory walnut paste that has garlic and spices in it. They are a popular appetizer or side dish.

  • Mtsvadi: Mtsvadi is Georgia’s version of barbecue. It consists of juicy pieces of marinated meat (usually pork, beef, or lamb) skewered and grilled over an open fire, which gives it a smoky and tasty flavor.

  • Puri: Puri, or Georgian bread, is a must-have at every Georgian meal. The dough is slapped onto the hot walls of a cylindrical clay oven (tone), which makes the crust crispy and the inside soft and airy. This bread is great for dipping into stews and sauces.

  • Traditional Georgian Salad: This simple but tasty salad is a great side dish for any meal. It usually has ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onion, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil. It is often dressed with a light oil or a walnut dressing.

Food from Georgia is more than just food; it’s a way to show hospitality, history, and community. Every dish has a story to tell, and they all invite you to enjoy the unique tastes and customs of this amazing country.