Georgian Cuisine
Georgian dishes that make you want to go back again and again
Arriving in Georgia is like stepping into an endless dinner invitation – even if you don’t know anyone. Here, hosting is not just a gesture, it’s a way of life. And once you’re invited, you can be sure: the table will be groaning with ever more delicious bites.
The first evening you just look, then you taste, then they refill without asking. And just when you think it’s over, the next course comes. Sound familiar?
The khachapuri – a cheesy wonder without equal
The undisputed king of Georgian cuisine is undoubtedly the khachapuri. But don’t think of it as just a cheese bread! It’s so much more. The most famous version, the Adjaruli khachapuri, is like a little boat: crispy dough outside, melted cheese inside, topped with butter and an egg yolk. Hot, eaten with hands, dipping. You can say goodbye to your diet – but who cares?
The khinkali – Georgian dumplings that you need to know how to bite into
Another must-try: the khinkali. These soup-filled dumplings are a staple in every street eatery and family table. The trick is in the eating: don’t spear with a fork, don’t cut in half. Grab it, bite, and carefully slurp out the juice inside before devouring the whole thing. If you spill on yourself, no problem – in Georgian, that’s part of the learning.
And what’s more to come: eggplant, walnuts, spices
Georgia could also be a paradise for vegetarians. Eggplant with walnut paste, beetroot salad, lobio (bean stew), fresh herbs everywhere. And the churchkhela? A sweet made from nuts and thick grape juice – it looks like a candle but tastes more like an energy bomb.
Wine, bread, and a little “tamada”
A real Georgian feast requires not just food, but also wine. And it should be homemade, poured from a big jug. And of course, there is the tamada, the master of the table, who gives toasts, tells stories, and ensures that no one is left without a glass.
Which Georgian dish would you try first? Or have you had a meal that made you long to return to a country?
