There are so many reasons to visit Georgia! This enchanting country is home to ancient history, fascinating culture, stunning natural scenery, a buzzing capital city and, last but certainly not least, absolutely delicious cuisine. Georgia remains somewhat of a hidden gem and, while its cuisine has gained popularity in recent years (thanks to the viral Khachapuri – we’ll get to that in a moment), it is still not nearly as popular as it should be.
That’s why Expat Explore has put together a list of Georgian food you simply have to try!
Related: Visiting Georgia’s capital city? Here are the top things to do in Tbilisi!
Taste your way through Georgia with this traditional Georgian food:
1. Khachapuri
Starting with the country’s most famous dish (and Georgia’s national dish), this cheesy delight is essentially the Georgian version of pizza. However, some evidence suggests that it actually predates pizza itself! Khachapuri comes in a variety of styles but the most beloved and aesthetically pleasing is the boat-shaped, Adjarian Khachapuri. Dough is formed into a boat-like shape, filled with salty Georgian cheese, a gooey egg yolk and butter. It is eaten by breaking off some of the dough and dipping it into the filling.
Not only is Khachapuri delicious, filling and beautiful – it was also declared part of Georgia’s intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. National Khachapuri Day is even celebrated on 27 February every year.
Related: This is what pizza looks like around the world.
2. Khinkali
The next important icon of Georgian culture and cuisine is Khinkali. These hearty boiled dumplings are filled with broth, meat or vegetables and spices. The dumpling dough is twisted at the top and the tops are not eaten but left aside to count how many each person has eaten. Usually, they are eaten plain with just a bit of black pepper.
It is said that the best Khinkali can be found in the quaint town of Pasanauri. However, you’ll be able to find these delightful dumplings in just about any Georgian restaurant. They are also very affordable and usually cost under €1 per piece. Georgians are very proud of Khinkali and you’ll find them printed on socks, t-shirts and all sorts of other souvenirs.
3. Shkmeruli
While lesser known outside of Georgia, when in Georgia this is the dish most locals will tell you to try. This crispy, creamy and seriously garlicky recipe is a traditional favourite that will keep you coming back for more. It consists of crispy fried chicken completely smothered in a garlic and butter or milk sauce. The name is said to come from the tiny Rachan village of Shkmeri, where the dish is thought to have originated. However, its exact origins are unclear. Many legends suggest that cooks would add copious amounts of garlic to chicken to hide its age. Have no fear though, these days, the garlic is simply added for the flavour!
4. Georgian Wine
What better place to go wine tasting than in the birthplace of wine? The Kakheti region is nicknamed the “Cradle of Wine” as it is believed to be where winemaking and wine itself originated with evidence tracing back to 6,000 B.C.! The unique way in which Georgian wine is still produced today was developed by early Georgians who would bury grape juice underground in clay pots during winter.
Be sure to visit Kakheti during your trip to Georgia and indulge in a wine tasting experience at one of the region’s many wineries. Kakheti’s flagship grape is Saperavi which is known as “black” wine as opposed to red wine. It’s rich, full-bodied and unlike any other wine grape out there. There are also many fantastic white wines to try such as Mtsvane and Rkatsiteli. If you’re feeling brave, take a shot of Chacha. This uniquely Georgian pomace brandy is between 50-80% pure alcohol!
Related: Along with Kakheti, these are the world’s best winemaking regions.
5. Pkhali
While Georgian cuisine features a variety of excellent meat dishes, it also offers a wide selection of vegetarian and even vegan dishes. One such dish is Pkhali, a flavourful mix of chopped and mixed vegetables and creamy walnut sauce. There are many types of Pkhali but spinach, beetroot and white beans are the most common.
6. Nigvziani Badrijani
Another delectable vegan Georgian dish which uses creamy walnuts is Nigvziani Badrijani. Also referred to as Georgian Eggplant Rolls, this dish is made with thinly sliced, fried eggplant which is rolled and filled with a walnut and garlic paste. It is usually topped with pomegranate seeds for a bit of sweetness.
Related: Vegan travellers will love these delicious, plant-based dishes around the world!
7. Churchkhela
Georgian cuisine is not big on dessert and generally favours hearty savoury and salty food over sweet treats. However, there is one exception and that is Churchkhela, sometimes called “Georgian Snickers”. Made with grape juice, nuts, flour and no added sugar, these Georgian sweets are also on the healthier side! Georgian warriors even carried Churchkhela with them for energy. Interestingly, Churchkhela is only really eaten as a dessert for Christmas and New Year. The rest of the year it is just seen as a snack between meals.
All over Georgia, you’ll find people making and selling these candle-shaped treats which make an excellent souvenir to bring back home. Choose from an array of nut fillings such as almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts.
Are you ready to taste your way through Georgia? Discover the wonders of this spectacular country and its incredible cuisine when you embark on our Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia tour!
Hungry for your next adventure? Book a tour with Expat Explore now and prepare to make memories to last a lifetime.