Why Georgian food is worth the trip
Georgian cuisine is one of the world’s best — not a marketing slogan but something travelers say again and again. Local cheeses, vegetables from the market, char-grilled meat and homemade wine from small wineries. Every meal is an event, and every full table is a celebration.
The dishes you can’t miss
Khachapuri
A “boat” of dough filled with cheese — Georgia’s national dish. There are several main versions:
- Adjaruli — cheese in the center, with an egg and butter you stir in before eating. The classic.
- Imeruli — cheese only, no egg. Simple and perfect.
- Megruli — round, with cheese inside and on top too. The richest version.
Tip: order the adjaruli hot — the cheese should be molten, not firm.
Khinkali
Large dough dumplings filled with meat and broth. Eat them with your hands only:
- Hold the dumpling by the “knob” (the thick top).
- Take a small bite from the side.
- Sip the broth from inside.
- Eat the meat and dough.
- Don’t eat the knob — leave it on the plate to count how many khinkali you ate.
Pkhali
Vegetable spreads (beetroot, spinach, eggplant, garlic) with walnuts and spices. They come as a starter — excellent with fresh bread.
Mtsvadi
Georgian char-grilled skewers — usually pork or beef, with onion and pomegranate. Served with bread and fresh vegetables.
Supra — the Georgian feast
The supra isn’t just a meal — it’s a tradition. A table loaded with dishes: salads, cheeses, meat, vegetables, bread. A tamada (toastmaster) sets the rhythm, fills the wine glasses and leads the toasts. Don’t rush — a supra lasts hours, and that’s exactly the point.
What it costs
| Type | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Local restaurant | 25–50 ₾ |
| Tourist restaurant | 50–80 ₾ |
| Full supra | 80–120 ₾ |
Tips
- The Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi — one of the most reliable, local spots for authentic food.
- Don’t order “Georgian food” at your hotel — the good restaurants hide in inner courtyards and side streets.
- House wine — at wineries and local restaurants. Ask for a recommendation — Georgians are proud of their wine and happy to guide you.
- Food tours and workshops — a culinary tour or a cooking class in Tbilisi — a great way to get to know the cuisine with a local.