Food in Georgia: The 7 best dishes & drinks

You want to learn more about the delicious food in Georgia and many Georgian dishes? Then this article is just for you! Georgians are known for their unsurpassed hospitality. They love their food, to cook, to celebrate and to live life. Their culture is influenced by Persian, Ottoman and Anatolian influences and it is this diversity that is reflected in their cuisine. In Georgia there's only shashlik? Wrong thought! The cuisine in this country is characterized above all by fresh ingredients and fine spices and flavors. Cheese, nuts, garlic, sauces and various fruits - you will never get enough of Georgian cuisine (even as a vegetarian or vegan)! 

We have compiled the most famous and popular dishes for you here, so that you know what you should not miss on your next trip to the country on the Black Sea.

Badrijani: Eggplants stuffed with walnut paste

Eggplant is often found in recipes of Georgian cuisine. At Badrijani eggplants are first roasted in the oven, then Walnut paste* filled and rolled up. For garnish a few Pomegranate seeds* sprinkled on top. 

Pkhali: Hearty walnut balls

There are many different types of Pkhali from spinach, beetroot, beans or cabbage, which are mixed with walnuts to form a paste. This is best served with fresh, warm bread, e.g. Georgian flatbread. Schoti.

Chatschapuri: Cheese bread au gratin

Let's start with probably the most popular food in Georgia: Bread with lots and lots of cheese, or as the Georgians call it: Khachapuri. It is not only typical street food, but also found on every menu of a good restaurant. A ship is formed from yeast dough, the inside of which is filled with cheese and then baked. Depending on the region, the ingredients vary a bit and sometimes it is served with onions or fried egg and butter. It tastes fantastic, no matter which variation - how could it be any different with this combination?

Chinkali: Georgian dumplings

The traditional Chinkali you can easily recognize them by their characteristic shape. The delicious dumplings are made from a thin dough consisting of flour, water and salt. meat, potatoes, cheese or mushrooms stuffed, folded and then cooked in salt water. This is also the secret of the Chinkali, because by cooking in salt water, these are incredibly juicy. A tip from us: Eat the Chinkali with your hands, because only in this way you manage to drink the spice broth in the dumpling at the same time without it getting lost on the plate.

Mzwadi: Georgian shashlik

Known as the national dish of the country and so popular among the Georgians that no picnic without the traditional Meat skewers Mzwadi can do without. Before the skewers are put on the grill, they are marinated with onion, pepper, salt, bay leaf, wine or vinegar. It makes the meat very tender and gives it the right seasoning. Pork is usually used, but sheep, chicken or veal can also be grilled, depending on taste. Vegetables, salads or bread with various sauces (for example from mirabelle plums, tomatoes or as a hot dip with chilli peppers) are served as side dishes. 

Tchacha: Georgian marc brandy

In the past Tchacha Rather a by-product of wine production, today it must not be missing from any traditional Georgian feast. Tchacha is a strong Georgian liquor, which is still often brewed by the population in the countryside and therefore each family maintains its own secret recipe. But beware, some home-brewed liquor has an alcohol content of up to 70%.

Georgian wine

Did you know that the country on the Caucasus belongs to the Countries of origin of viticulture counts? The beginnings of the Viticulture are estimated to be about 7,000 years old. As a wine lover, you should not miss the chance to taste the ancient and world-famous Georgian wine. Wine tastings are offered all over the country, where you can taste the different wines. 

You want to try the food in Georgia for yourself?

Would you like to try all these delicious dishes? Or even attend a Georgian cooking class? That's exactly what you can do on our unique Georgia trip. From our local experts you will get an authentic and unfiltered insight into the country Georgia and immerse yourself in its unique culture. 

You can find more visual impressions about this and many other countries at TripLegend on Instagram and Pinterest.

*Links marked with an asterisk are affiliate links, if you buy a product through these links, we get a commission. The product will not be more expensive for you.