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Georgian food is both unique and comforting so be sure to try as much as you can on your travels! While you might find yourself eating more bread and cheese than normal (is that a bad thing?) you will also discover new flavours and one-of-a-kind dishes that you will remember long after leaving. Keep reading this Georgian food guide for 15 must try food and drinks in the country.
Arguably one of the best appetizers in Georgia, badrijani is an eggplant and walnut lovers dream. The dish itself is cooked eggplant rolled with a walnut paste and topped with pomegranate seeds. This delicious combination makes for a great appetizer before any meal.
You can’t go to Georgia without trying khinkali, these popular dumplings are a favourite amongst many. They are commonly made with a meat filling like pork or beef. However, you can also find mushroom and even snail-filled khinkali! How to eat: bite a small hole in the bottom of the dumpling and suck the juice out before eating the rest. Except for the top handle, that part is discarded!
Khachapuri is the most famous dish of Georgia made with fresh bread and local cheeses. Needless to say this is one of the Georgian dishes you have to try! While visiting, you’ll find Imeretian and Adjarian khachapuri on menus across the country. Pictured above is the Adjarian, which as you can see is sort of shaped like a boat and topped with an egg yolk and butter (very satisfying!). Whereas the Imeretian looks like a pizza and does not have the additional egg and dollop of butter.
How to eat the Adjarian Khachapuri: mix the egg, butter, and cheese together. Then tear off the outside of the bread, dip, and enjoy!
Cheese wrapped in cheese? Yes please! Nadugi is a local specialty that is not as common as the previous three dishes, but certainly a must try dish. The appetizer is usually a mix of ricotta and imeretian cheese (and possibly mint), wrapped in a very thin sulguni cheese wrap. In the picture above, the nadugi was topped with a creamy mint sauce. Whichever way it comes, it is always absolutely delectable.
Chirkhirtma is the Georgian chicken soup that may not look like much or even sound like much, but just you wait. This traditional soup is a bit creamy but very light and comforting. As a well as a flavourful delight in every bite! If you don’t know what to eat in Georgia, chikhirtma is a great dish to start with.
Georgians know how to make a good soup, so if you’re looking for another one to try, Kharcho should be your next pick. It’s a hearty beef soup with fresh spices and herbs that you’ll probably crave for long after. Be sure to order a side of puri (bread) for the perfect lunch pairing.
A Georgian food guide would not be complete without this candle-like candy! Churchkhela is a unique semi-sweet treat eaten year round. The candy is made with walnut pieces (or hazelnut) covered in grape juice. How to eat: cut into small half-inch thick pieces and eat as is. Also, it’s a great addition to any charcuterie board!
As Georgia is known as the birthplace of wine, it’s a must try while visiting! Of course there are a wide variety of grapes to try but some of the popular ones are Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, Mtsvane, and Kisi. But the list goes go on, and on! Furthermore, be sure to try Georgian Amber wine as it is made using the traditional method in a qvevri (large clay pot) underground. If you’re visiting for a while, it’s worth it to see and learn about on a wine tasting in the Kakheti region.
Wine flavoured ice cream is a fun thing to try once while in the country, it’s usually infused with either Saperavi or Kindzmarauli wine. To be honest, the flavour is pretty light and not as “wine-y” as you’d think, but it’s a unique flavour to enjoy on a hot Tbilisi day.
Really this is just a plate of stretchy cheese mixed with cornmeal and cornflour. That being said, it’s a fun dish to order because you stretch the cheese practically to the ceiling before it breaks off! It should be noted that it only works like that when it’s hot, so enjoy it as soon as you get it!
Gomi is similar to elarji but the porridge-like base of cornmeal is the star here. As you can see, there is cheese as well but it is cut into smaller pieces and placed on top. It’s a very hearty dish but unique nonetheless, and a good one to order if you need to soak up all that dinner wine!
Pickled vegetables and sprouts are sort of a standard Georgian appetizer. If ordered or given, you’ll most definitely find jonjoli on the plate (shown on the bottom) that comes from the Georgian plant. In addition, the plate might also come with puri or mchadi (Georgian corn bread shown above).
If traditional Georgian food is what you’re looking for than lobiani is another great add to the list. This mashed bean-filled bread is quite common in most bakeries and a beloved on-the-go snack. In some cases you might find additional spices in the mix, but for the most part it’s just beans and bread.
Lobio is somewhat of a basic traditional Georgian dish made with beans, vegetables, and herbs. However it’s served in mini clay pots across the country ready to warm the bellies of those who want to try Georgian cuisine.
You might think that this last item is an unusual add considering lemonade is found practically everywhere. Even so, the carbonated lemonade found in Georgia is quite unique thanks to its interesting flavours like Tarragon and Saperavi. Moreover, you can also try regular flavours like lemon, orange, and pear in street stalls around the cities.
Thanks for reading! Hopefully you found some inspiration on what to eat in Georgia. If you enjoyed this Georgian food guide then be sure to sign up to the Arrival Plans newsletter for more travel inspired content.
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