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Ready To Get A Taste Of Georgian Cuisine?

Georgian cuisine is one of the most underrated cuisines in the whole world and undoubtedly deserves more global recognition! I had the pleasure of spending two weeks in Tbilisi and Batumi exploring the depths of Georgian cuisine across hole-in-the-wall eateries to high-end traditional Georgian restaurants. From my experience, I can confidently say that a trip to Georgia is incomplete without diving into its diverse cuisine.

From traditional Khinkalis to cheese-filled Khachapuris, Georgian dishes promise a mouthwatering experience. Additionally, as the inventors of wine, the artistry of Georgia’s winemaking enhances every meal, guaranteeing a satiating dining experience.

In this post, let’s explore 11 Georgian foods that you must try during your travels in Georgia.

11 Georgian Dishes You Must Try

1. Khinkali

Khinkalis are Georgia’s version of dumplings (btw dumplings are one of my favourite types of food in the world!). These generously sized dumplings, as large as your palm, are distinctive for being filled with soup, adding a fun twist to this dish.

What makes Khinkalis even more special is that there is a very unique way to eat them: khinkalis are meant to be eaten upside down. You flip it over and hold it like a flower from the stem, then you take a small bite to create a hole. From that hole, you drink up the soup and then start eating it bite by bite.

Here's a quick YouTube Short explaining how to eat a Khinkali 👇

2. Khachapuri Adjarian

Khachapuri Adjarian is a boat-shaped bread loaded with a mix of feta and sulguni cheeses. A raw egg is cracked into the center before baking, and the bread is topped with butter.

Before you begin eating it, you must mix that egg, cheese, and butter into a creamy goo. Then you must break off the crust and dip it into the mixture and eat it. It's messy, it's delicious, it's the good stuff!

Here's a YouTube video explaining how to eat a Khachapuri Adjarian 👇

3. Khachapuri Imeretian

A variation of a khachapuri which is rounded and covered and filled with a different type of a salty Imeretian cheese. It’s a delicious rich cheesy and doughy experience!

4. Kharcho

Kharcho is a delicious, hearty Georgian soup which is a delightful combination of beef, rice, cherry plum purée, and walnuts. Kharcho uses a unique spice blend that varies across different regions of Georgia. Try this!

5. Chanakhi

Chanakhi is a lamb stew loaded with veggies and herbs, cooked up in these cute little clay pots, also named chanakhi – a single pot equals one serving. Chanakhis are usually layered, with a base of meat chunks at the bottom.

6. Satsebeli

Satsebeli is a traditional Mengrelian dish with chicken, chestnuts, spiced tomato sauce, ghomi, and sulguni cheese. The key ingredient here is the walnut sauce or paste used. It is a flavourful condiment made with walnuts, garlic, herbs, and sometimes vinegar

7. Ojakhuri

Ojakhuri is a simple, yet very delicious and popular dish in Georgian families. The name itself means family meal and it is made with fried meat, potatoes and onions. It’s pretty much Georgia’s take on a sizzler. It is tasty, but it's a little too fried and oily for my preference.

8. Chashushuli

Chashushuli is one of the main dishes in Georgia. It’s a rich and heavily spiced stew primarily containing meat and tomatoes, resembling European goulash. It’s full of flavour and worth trying!

9. Georgian Bakery Goods

Georgian sweets & bakery goods tend to get lost in the wide variety of cuisine this country offers. Don’t forget to explore the bakeries of Georgia and try all the various breads, pastries, and desserts available.

10. Nigvziani Badrijani

Nigvziani Badrijani is a classic starter in Georgian cuisine that pairs excellently with wine. It consists of thinly sliced eggplants rolled with pomegranates and a walnut paste. It’s a delicious combination of flavours and textures.

11. Chkmeruli

Chkmeruli is a simple Georgian chicken dish that is served in creamy garlic sauce — which is really rich and heavy. The ingredients are typically baked in a traditional Georgian red clay cooking vessel known as a ketsi.

And That’s A Wrap!

As someone who cherishes the joy of exploring new flavours across borders, I encourage you to visit Georgia if you’re a foodie! Georgia's culinary landscape is a call out to the country's rich history and hospitality, which leaves every traveler with flavourful memories! Are you ready for it?

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgian Food

What is the famous food of Georgia? What is authentic Georgian food?

Khinkalis and Khachapuris stand as the undisputed stars of Georgian cuisine, celebrated globally for their authenticity and rich flavours. Other famous dishes in authentic Georgian cuisine include Chashushuli, Kharcho, and Ojakhuri. Georgia is also known for its wines which go along excellently with the rich culinary array offered.

Is Georgian food healthy?

How healthy your meal is in Georgian cuisine largely depends on the dish you choose. Heavy options like Ojakhuri feature fried meats, while extremely doughy and creamy dishes like Khachapuri may not be considered particularly healthy. However, it's worth noting that many Georgian dishes are rich in healthy fats because of the nuts used in cuisine. Also, Georgian dishes tend to be low in sugar and relatively light, offering a diverse range of options to suit various preferences.

Is Georgian food heavy?

Georgian food is quite heavy with the copious amounts of meats, cheeses, and creamy sauces used in their dishes. Though you will be able to find lighter dishes such as Nigvziani Badrijani in Georgian cuisine.

What are the vegetarian options in Georgian food?

Georgian cuisine has plenty of options for vegetarians such as Khachapuris and Nigvziani Badrijani. Though the meat dishes are extremely popular, you will have vegetarian options available in most Georgian restaurants.