Georgia's Iconic Dishes
While taking into account the gastronomic influences breathed in by its neighboring countries, Georgians cultivate an authentic culinary art. They have invented generous and typical dishes.
While taking into account the gastronomic influences breathed in by its neighboring countries, Georgians cultivate an authentic culinary art. They have invented generous and typical dishes. With an unexpected variety, Georgian cuisine has something to please every palate and leaves no one out, as even the most experienced vegetarians will find themselves delighted.
Whether their source of inspiration is Asian, Oriental or Western, the typical dishes of Georgia can combine various ingredients. Still, it is nuts, cheese, spice and fresh fruits that are found most often. To learn more about the dishes you can taste during your stay in Georgia, here is a small non-exhaustive list of the main Georgian dishes.
Khinkali
Khinkali is a large dumpling typically filled with beef seasoned with various spices. For vegetarians, it can also be filled with spinach or potatoes. In their usual form, this Georgian meal is directly inspired by the Chinese dumpling and Russian pelmeni.
Khachapuri
Typically Georgian, Khachapuri is the icon of local gastronomy. It is a sort of pizza shaped according to a traditional recipe. This recipe combines on a flat and soft bread plenty of melted cheese called sulguni and an egg. Since this recipe is very famous, Georgians swear by it, just as Italians do with pizza or Japanese with sushi. It is part of the must-tries of Georgian cuisine as it can be found almost everywhere in Georgia, from neighborhood convenience stores to the most starred restaurants.
Churchkhela
Named by foreigners the « Georgian Snickers », Churchkhela is a typically Georgian sweet treat. Also very popular with locals, this delicacy is made of nuts that will then be gelled and dried with grape juice.
Badrijani
Although meat is one of the main ingredients in Georgian dishes, vegetables are not excluded from their recipe. Vegetarians can thus enjoy Badrijani. Also known as Nigvziani, this typical recipe showcases fried eggplant. It is rolled with spiced walnut paste.
Le Pkhali
Pkhali is also created to stimulate the palate of vegetarians. Its preparation is presented by balls of spiced walnut paste with fresh herbs and vinegar. These small balls will then be served fried or boiled and garnished with a few pomegranate seeds.
Georgian Wine Varieties
Speaking of Georgian food, it is impossible not to mention wine. The country indeed has one of the most unique grape harvesting and winemaking techniques in the world. This has been classified as UNESCO World Heritage since 2013. Georgian wine vintages are therefore the result of more than 8,000 years of expertise passed down from generation to generation. For this reason, local winemakers use a typical container called « qvevris » giving a unique vintage with a darker color and a more pronounced flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Khachapuri is undoubtedly the most iconic dish in Georgia. It is a soft, flat bread topped with melted cheese (sulguni) and an egg. It can be found everywhere in Georgia, from small neighborhood shops to fine dining restaurants.
Yes, Georgian cuisine offers several vegetarian options. Khinkali can be filled with spinach or potatoes, Badrijani is made with fried eggplants and walnut paste, and Pkhali is composed of herb and walnut balls. Vegetarians will be able to enjoy themselves without difficulty.
Churchkhela is a traditional Georgian sweet treat, nicknamed the 'Georgian Snickers' by foreign travelers. It is made of nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds) strung on a thread, then dipped and dried in gelled grape juice. It is a popular snack and highly appreciated by locals.
Yes, Georgia is considered one of the cradles of world viticulture, with more than 8,000 years of wine history. Its winemaking technique in earthen jars buried underground called 'qvevris' was classified as UNESCO Intangible Heritage in 2013, making it a unique practice in the world.
Khachapuri is ubiquitous in Georgia: you can find it in convenience stores, bakeries, local fast-food restaurants and fine dining establishments. There are several regional variations, including Khachapuri adjaruli (boat-shaped, originating from the Adjara region), particularly appreciated by travelers.
