Food In Georgia: Discover The Soul Of Georgian Cuisine

Food in Georgia is a delightful mix of hearty dishes and fresh ingredients rooted in centuries of tradition. The famous foods in Georgia, such as khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, which are broth-filled dumplings, provide satisfying and filling meals. Using herbs, spices, and slow-cooked meats, each dish offers rich flavours that reflect Georgia’s unique culinary heritage. These dishes highlight the country’s deep food culture, making them a must-try for anyone looking to explore the tastes of Georgia. Each bite introduces the country’s history and love for bold flavours.

10 Best Foods In Georgia

Here are the 10 delicious foods you should try in Georgia with really great aromas:

1. Khinkali

Photo: Francesc Fort / Wikimedia Commons

Khinkali are traditional Georgian dumplings with a thick dough exterior and a juicy, flavourful filling of minced meat, onions, garlic, and aromatic spices. The dough is pleated at the top, creating a small handle. One bites a small hole to sip the broth inside to eat Khinkali before consuming the rest. These dumplings are a staple of Georgian cuisine and are often enjoyed with a sprinkle of black pepper for added warmth and spice.

Best Places To Try: Shavi Lomi, Keto and Kote, Cafe Littera

2. Khachapuri

Photo: Jelger Groeneveld / Wikimedia Commons

Khachapuri, a famous food in Georgia, is beloved for its rich, indulgent flavours. This delicious bread is filled with a blend of melted cheese and often topped with a soft egg, creating a perfect balance of textures. The bread is slightly crispy outside while remaining soft and warm inside. Khachapuri is typically served as a main meal or snack and is perfect for any time of the day. Its comforting, cheesy filling and freshly baked bread offer a unique, satisfying experience. Khachapuri is a must-try dish that perfectly captures the essence of Georgian cuisine.

Best Places To Try: Iveria, Samikitno, Guria

3. Lobio

Photo: Georgian Recipes / Wikimedia Commons

Lobio is a slow-cooked bean stew made with red kidney beans, garlic, onions, coriander, and chilli for a deep, earthy flavour. The beans are either mashed into a thick paste or left whole, depending on the preferred texture. Traditionally, it is served with Mchadi, crispy cornbread, and pickled vegetables, making it a nutritious and filling dish. The combination of fresh herbs and spices enhances the beans’ natural sweetness, creating a well-balanced and hearty meal. This dish is truly one of the best foods in Georgia, offering a rich taste of the country’s culinary traditions.

Best Places To Try: Taverna Krikoni, Racha, Gusto

4. Badrijani Nigvzit

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Badrijani Nigvzit is the best food in Georgia, consisting of thinly sliced eggplant fried and rolled around a walnut and garlic paste. The walnut mixture is blended with vinegar, spices, and sometimes pomegranate juice to create a smooth, tangy filling. Each roll is garnished with pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs, adding colour and a slight tartness. This dish is a well-known Georgian appetiser, offering a balance of creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet essence. The soft texture of the eggplant complements the rich, aromatic filling.

Best Places To Try: Ketsi, Bina N37, Marani

5. Churchkhela

Photo: Victoria Vasilieva / Wikimedia Commons

Churchkhela is a Georgian confection made by dipping a string of nuts, usually walnuts, into a grape juice mixture known as Tatara. The coated strands are then dried, forming a chewy, naturally sweet snack. The grape juice coating varies in colour based on the type of grapes used, ranging from deep red to golden brown. Churchkhela is high in natural sugars and nutrients, making it a popular energy-boosting treat. It is often associated with traditional celebrations and markets.

Best Places To Try: Mtskheta Village Market, Shavi Lomi, Khvanchkara Winery

6. Mtsvadi

Photo: Vladimer Shioshvili / Wikimedia Commons

Mtsvadi is a traditional Georgian dish of skewered meat, typically made with pork, beef, or lamb. The meat is cut into large chunks, seasoned simply with salt, and then grilled over an open flame, allowing it to develop a smoky, charred aroma. This grilling method gives Mtsvadi a distinctive flavour, making it a favourite for outdoor cooking and gatherings. It is often served with fresh onions and Georgian bread and complements the rich, juicy texture of the meat. The smoky taste, combined with the simplicity of the seasoning, makes Mtsvadi one of the best foods in Georgia..

Best Places To Try: Phaeton, Khareba Winery, Levant

7. Chkmeruli

Photo: Gigi Griffis / Wikimedia Commons

Chkmeruli is a Georgian dish featuring crispy, pan-fried chicken served in a creamy garlic sauce. The sauce is made with milk, butter, and a generous amount of garlic, creating a rich, fragrant coating for the chicken. Originating from the Racha region, this dish is often prepared in a clay pot, which helps the flavours meld together. The sauce’s thick consistency allows it to cling to the crispy chicken skin, ensuring every bite is infused with garlicky essence.

Best Places To Try: Marani, Bina N37, Tsiskvili

8. Lobiani

Photo: Gigi Griffis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Lobiani is a Georgian bread filled with mashed beans, often flavoured with onions, spices, and sometimes smoked ham. The beans provide a mild, slightly nutty taste, while the crispy, golden crust adds texture. This dish is traditionally eaten on fasting days but remains popular throughout the year. Lobiani is often compared to Khachapuri but has a more savoury, earthy essence. It is commonly served warm, making it an ideal accompaniment to pickled vegetables or fresh herbs.

Best Places To Try: Samikitno, Gusto, Tsiskvili

9. Satsivi

Photo: Lesya Dolyk / Wikimedia Commons

Satsivii, a famous food in Georgia, is a dish where poultry, usually turkey or chicken, is coated in a thick, cold walnut sauce. The sauce is made by blending ground walnuts with garlic, coriander, vinegar, and spices, resulting in a creamy, slightly tangy consistency. The dish is often prepared for special occasions, particularly during New Year’s celebrations. The richness of the walnuts complements the tender meat, while the garlic and vinegar add depth to the flavour.

Best Places To Try: Tbilisi’s Samikitno, Phaeton, Kura

10. Pkhali

Photo: Georgian Recipes / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Pkhali is a traditional Georgian vegetable pâté made by combining finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, beets, or carrots with ground walnuts, garlic, vinegar, and fresh herbs. This mixture is shaped into small, colourful mounds and often garnished with pomegranate seeds, adding colour and freshness. The smooth texture of Pkhali, along with its nutty undertones, creates a flavourful and satisfying dish. It is commonly served at Georgian feasts, either as a side dish or enjoyed with bread. This vibrant, healthy dish showcases the rich combination of earthy vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it one of the best foods in Georgia.

Best Places To Try: Phaeton, Shavi Lomi, Khareba Winery

Food in Georgia showcases a rich array of distinctive flavours, with dishes like Khachapuri, Khinkali, and Mtsvadi offering hearty and satisfying meals. Vegetarian options such as Lobio and Pkhali also highlight the country’s diverse culinary offerings. Each dish is a reflection of Georgia’s unique food culture. Book your trip with TripXL to experience the best Georgian food and immerse yourself in the country’s rich culinary traditions.,

Cover Photo: salvagekat / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions