I sat down to write about our trip to Georgia, but I couldn’t stop thinking about all the delicious food we devoured. Honestly, the meals stole the show. So before diving into sightseeing, I had to get this out of my system.
Warning: If you’re hungry, this post will only make it worse. You’ve been warned!
Georgia’s cuisine is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly familiar. Much like Turkish food, it’s hearty and full of variety. We tried quite a lot — so here are the must-eat Georgian dishes that left the biggest impression.
Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings)
Think of khinkali as the Georgian cousin of Turkish mantı, Italian ravioli, or Japanese gyoza — but super-sized. These soup-filled dumplings are about the size of a fist and tricky to eat (trust me on that).
The secret? Bite a small hole first and sip the broth, then eat the rest. They’re usually eaten by hand — it’s just easier that way. You’ll find both boiled and fried versions, and both are delicious.
Khachapuri (Cheese-Filled Bread)
This iconic Georgian dish is similar to Turkish pide, but much cheesier. Sulguni cheese is baked inside thick dough. The best version? Adjaruli Khachapuri — where a raw egg and melted butter are added on top right before serving.
It’s eaten with your hands too. Tear off the crust and dip it into the gooey center. Messy, but worth it.
Pkhali (Vegetable & Walnut Spread)
A colorful, healthy appetizer made from vegetables like beetroot, spinach, or carrots, mixed with walnuts, lemon juice, and garlic. They’re formed into bite-sized balls and served as a cold starter.
Lobio (Bean Stew)
This dish is somewhere between a soup and a stew. Made with red beans, cilantro, garlic, and spices, it’s bold in flavor and sometimes an acquired taste. It’s often served with mchadi, a dense cornbread that complements it perfectly.
Lobiani (Stuffed Flatbread)
We first noticed this dish in Tbilisi street stalls, then saw it in everyone’s hands. It’s a bean-filled flatbread, spiced and buttery. It makes for a perfect grab-and-go snack when you’re sightseeing and short on time.
Jonjoli Salad (Pickled Plant Appetizer)
Jonjoli is a local plant, similar to linden flowers, that’s pickled and served with onion and garlic. If you like tangy, bold flavors (like Turkish rock samphire), you’ll probably enjoy this. I did — my husband didn’t.
Kitris da Pomidvris Salata Nigvzit (Georgian Tomato & Cucumber Salad)
This is Georgia’s version of a classic Mediterranean salad, with a twist. Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions are tossed in a spicy walnut paste dressing. Simple and refreshing.
Churchkhela (Georgian Candy)
You’ll see these hanging in markets all over Georgia. They look like colorful sausages but are actually made from grape juice, nuts, and flour — very similar to Turkish cevizli sucuk. Sweet, chewy, and energy-boosting!
Georgian Wines: Ancient and Unique
When I thought of wine, I used to think of France or Italy. Turns out, Georgia is considered the birthplace of winemaking — dating back 8,000 years! What makes it special?
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Over 500 native grape varieties
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A unique method of fermenting wine in Kvevri (large clay vessels buried underground)
Many families outside the cities make their own wine at home. You can even visit family-run wine houses to try homemade varieties. We stayed at a vineyard hotel, so we enjoyed plenty of tastings — without worrying about driving.
If you’re visiting Georgia, skipping the wine would be a huge mistake. Even wine-tasting tours are a thing here!
Chacha: Georgian Grape Brandy
After wine is fermented in Kvevri, the leftover grape mash is distilled into chacha, a strong local brandy. It’s not for the faint of heart — the alcohol content is intense. I tried it once. I survived. Barely. 😅
Georgian Soft Drinks
If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try Georgian sodas. They come in several unique flavors — the pear soda was our favorite.
Beer in Georgia
Like everywhere else, beer is popular here too. Look for local brands like Argo and Shavi Lomi, which are widely available and well-loved.
Final Thoughts
Georgia’s landscapes are beautiful, yes — but the food? Unforgettable. If you’re heading there soon, come with an open mind and an empty stomach. You won’t regret it.
And yes, I promise to write about the places we visited next… now that my cravings are out of the way.
