With it being ten years since I last visited Georgia, I had honestly forgotten just how good Georgian cuisine was. Full of meat, bread, cheese, and an overall hearty vibe, but now with a modern twist.
Georgia is no longer some ex-Soviet backwater. It is fast becoming a cosmopolitan place with digital nomads, foreign influences, and a killer nightlife. Here is my guide to contemporary Georgian cuisine.
What the Georgia?
Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a rugged landscape and a tumultuous history that has shaped its culture and cuisine. Known for its dramatic mountains and ancient traditions, the country’s culinary scene is as much a reflection of its diverse peoples as it is of its geopolitical position.
The hospitality here is legendary (although not so much the service). Georgians are famously proud of their food and wine, inviting strangers to feast as if they were family. The capital, Tbilisi, has become a magnet for travelers looking for vibrant street life and eclectic food scenes.
The Basics of Georgian Cuisine
Georgian food is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients, often grilled or slow-cooked, with generous use of herbs and spices. Meat is king. Lamb, pork, and beef dominate. But the vegetable dishes, cheeses, and breads hold their own. Georgian cuisine also heavily features walnuts, pomegranates, and of course, their world-renowned wine. Traditional dishes are hearty and rustic, yet in Tbilisi and other cities, chefs are reinventing classics with contemporary flair.
The result is food that is both comforting and exciting. The influence of regional ingredients like sulguni cheese and walnuts is essential to dishes across the country.
Photo: Elena Vesna
10 Must Try Georgian Foods
So, very much in order, we list the 10 best Georgian dishes that we feel are must try foods.
10 Lobio, a hearty bean stew often flavored with coriander and served in a clay pot, perfect for cold days
Photo: Just Kitchen
9 Pkhali, a vibrant assortment of vegetable pâtés made with spinach, beetroot or eggplant and walnuts
Photo: Verde Minds
8 Khachapuri, possibly Georgia’s most famous export, this is a cheese filled bread with endless regional variations. The Adjaruli version has a runny egg cracked on top, making it dangerously delicious.
7 Shkmeruli, garlic chicken cooked in milk, a comforting, creamy dish that might convert even the most skeptical garlic avoiders
Photo: Meet Me Here – Tbilisi
6 Mtsvadi, skewered and grilled chunks of marinated pork or beef, basically Georgian barbecue on steroids
Photo: Little Tbilisi
5 Chakhokhbili, slow cooked stewed chicken with tomatoes, herbs and spices
4 Churchkhela, sometimes called the Georgian Snickers, it is a sweet made by dipping strings of nuts in thickened grape juice and dried.
Photo: Churchkhela
3 Badrijani, fried eggplant slices rolled around a walnut and garlic filling, a perfect starter or snack
Photo: Wayne Goguel
2 Sulguni, a salty cheese with a springy texture that is often stretched and wrapped like string. It is the cheese that dreams are made of.
1 Khinkali, Georgian dumplings filled with juicy spiced meat. Eating them properly is a skill. Bite the top off, slurp the broth, then eat the rest. It is like a culinary rite of passage.
International Dining in Tbilisi
Tbilisi’s dining scene has exploded in recent years. Beyond traditional Georgian fare, you can find excellent burgers, the best mac and cheese I have had in a long time, and more. Even McDonald’s here offers local twists on the menu, with the female servers all looking pretty hot in what was far from a standard McDonalds. They also had a very unique take on a cheese dip which I doubled down on.
Fun fact. When Russia and Georgia went to war, it shattered the myth that no two countries with McDonald’s had ever fought, though it was not the first time that happened. The city’s international restaurants reflect its growing cosmopolitan vibe, making it easy to find something for every palate. The rise of these eateries is well documented on Eater’s guide to Tbilisi.
Street Food Georgia
While Georgia can be chilly, especially in the mountains and winter months, the street food scene is quietly thriving. You will not find as many open air stalls as in warmer countries, but small local eateries serve up quick, hearty snacks like khachapuri slices, grilled meat skewers, and fresh bread.
The simplicity here fits the climate, more cozy indoor joints than street carts, but the flavors are just as bold. I will cover this in greater depth, but until then check out The Culture Trip’s report.
Drinking in Georgia
This topic deserves its own article, but a quick note. Georgians love their drinks. Vodka and wine are twin pillars of civilization here. Georgian wine is experiencing a renaissance, no longer just the best in the Soviet era but gaining international recognition and even popping up on global shelves.
I once had a bottle of Stalin Wine in Shenzhen from a Russian stall, proof that sanctions do not stop the love for Georgian vino (WineSpectator.com/georgian-wines). Tbilisi nightlife buzzes with bars, and yes, there is a vibrant strip club scene too, with venues ranging from classy lounges to more raucous spots.
10 Must Try Drinks in Georgia
As stated Georgia is a boozers heaven and honestly you could list 50 drinks to try in Georgia. I will though keep it simple with a mere top 10!
10 Natakhtari Beer, a refreshing lager from Georgia’s leading brewery
9 Borjomi, naturally carbonated mineral water straight from the Caucasus mountains and pre-dates the USSR
8 Tsinandali Wine, a classic white wine from eastern Georgia
7 Chacha, the Georgian equivalent of grappa, a potent grape spirit
6 Kindzmarauli, sweet red wine with rich berry notes
5 Pirosmani Wine, named after Georgia’s famous painter, a good introduction to Georgian reds
4 Lemonade (Lagidze Water), a traditional Georgian fizzy drink made with natural syrups
3 Saperavi, deep, dark, and dry red wine with intense fruit flavors
2 Vodka (local variants), Georgian vodka has a unique smoothness. Available EVERYWHERE!
1 Rkatsiteli, one of Georgia’s oldest white grape varieties, crisp and floral. For official wine classifications and producers see Georgian Wine Agency (wine.gov.ge)
Conclusion on Georgian Cuisine
Georgia is not just a country to visit, but a place to feast. The food is hearty and honest, with roots in centuries of tradition but with eyes on the future. Whether you come for the khinkali, the wine, or just the chance to share a supra with new friends, Georgian cuisine will leave you full and happy.
And while you are here, take time to explore the stunning landscapes and welcoming culture. This country deserves a spot at the top of your travel list.
Click to check out our tours to Georgia with my agency Young Pioneer Tours.