Traditional Georgian Food: 20 Dishes You Must Try in Tbilisi

Perhaps one of the most underrated cuisines in the world, traditional Georgian food will surprise you.

It has a diverse background and so many delicious dishes. Everyone I know who has been to Georgia talks about the great food and wine scene and it’s becoming a popular destination to move to as well.

Georgian food sits where east meets west. Trade routes brought spices and recipes from Persia, Turkey and the Silk Road.

Empires and neighbors left cooking ideas that locals made their own. Wine and walnuts are everywhere because the land grows them and people have used them for centuries.

Georgian Food 101

If you’re looking for more reasons to travel to Georgia, one life hack is to meet new people online and ask them for advice in person. This is easy to do using CallMeChat video chat and a constant stream of people to chat with.

Georgians love to share plates and talk while they eat. Expect lots of small dishes and a slow meal. Wine is part of the table culture. If you like wine tastings, Kakheti is a two hour drive and worth the day trip.

If you want a quick rule of thumb, start every meal with bread and cheese. Order two or three mains to share and add a few vegetable plates.

Georgia produces over 500 grape varieties. Ask for local wine by grape variety and try qvevri wines if you like natural styles.

20 Iconic Traditional Georgian Foods

Khinkali

These are meat dumplings with a hot broth inside. You hold the top knot and eat the bottom first. Perfect for a chilly evening and usually very affordable.

Mtsvadi

Mtsvadi means grilled meat on a skewer. It tastes smoky and simple. You’ll find it at open air markets and family run kebab spots.

Pkhali

Pkhali are finely chopped vegetable spreads made with walnuts and herbs. Beet pkhali is rosy and slightly sweet. These often arrive as part of a shared spread.

Kharcho

A spicy beef rice soup with plum paste and walnuts in some versions. It is hearty and full of deep flavors. You will see regional variations.

Nigvziani Badrijani

Thin eggplant slices rolled around a walnut paste. It is salty and herb forward. Often garnished with pomegranate seeds for a bright pop.

Lobio

Lobio is a mashed bean stew or salad. It is seasoned with herbs and sometimes served in a clay pot. It can be rustic and very comforting.

Khachapuri

Khachapuri is cheese bread you will see a lot. It comes in regional versions like Adjarian with an egg on top. Tbilisi bakeries and small restaurants make it fresh all day. Try it hot and tear pieces with your hands.

Satsivi

Chicken or turkey in a cold walnut sauce. Satsivi is usually served at holidays but you can try it year round. The walnut sauce is creamy without dairy.

Chakapuli

A spring stew made with lamb tarragon and green plums when available. It is tangy, fresh and herbal. Cafe Littera is known for a modern chakapuli version.

Ghomi

Ghomi is coarse cornmeal porridge. Think polenta but a little denser. It is a staple in western Georgia and often topped with cheese.

Elarji

Elarji is ghomi mixed with sulguni cheese. Comfort food at its best. Expect creamy stringy bites.

Kupati

A local sausage; coarse and spiced. Often served grilled with onion. It pairs well with a light local wine.

Churchkhela

A string of walnuts dipped in thickened grape juice and dried. It looks like candy and keeps well. Great as a snack on the move.

Mchadi

Cornbread rounds are often eaten with cheese or stews. They are simple and pleasant. Street vendors make them fresh.

Chikhirtma

A clear chicken soup thickened with egg and lemon. It’s soothing and light. Good if you want something gentle after many heavy plates.

Sulguni

A white brined cheese known for its stretch. You will see it served melted or fresh. It plays a big role in khachapuri and elarji.

Kubdari

A meat filled bread from Svaneti. This is the mountain version of a meat pie. It travels well so you will find bakeries making it in the city.

Ajapsandali

A vegetable stew of eggplant peppers, tomato and onion. It smells of summer herbs. Vegetarians will love how satisfying it is.

Shkmeruli

Chicken cooked in a garlicky cream-like sauce. It is rich but bright with garlic. Try it with fresh bread to soak up the sauce.

Matsoni

A tangy cultured milk similar to yogurt. Locals eat it plain with honey or use it in sauces. It’s a daily dairy favorite.

Best Georgian Restaurants Where Locals Eat

Avoid tourist traps and eat with locals. Here are family run places and chef run spots where locals actually go.

Barbarestan
Davit Agmashenebeli Ave 134.

Barbarestan cooks from a 19th century cookbook and the food feels rooted and creative. It is slightly upmarket but loved for its links to old home cooking.

Shavi Lomi
28 Zurab Kvlividze St.

Shavi Lomi is a relaxed spot known for creative versions of classics. Locals mention its seasonal ingredients and cozy rooms.

Keto and Kote
Zandukeli Dead End 3.

Keto and Kote are pretty and comfortable. It serves traditional plates in a pleasant setting and is a favorite for quiet dinners.

Sakhli #11
11 Galaktion Tabidze St.

Sakhli #11 is family run and focuses on home cooking. It is the kind of place you go for honest portions and a friendly table.

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