Georgian cuisine is one of the main reasons to visit the country: hearty, fragrant and incredibly varied. From cheese-oozing khachapuri to juicy khinkali and smoky mtsvadi, every dish tells a story of hospitality. In this guide we've gathered 15 dishes worth trying in Georgia, with approximate prices in lari and tips on where to order them. Bring your appetite — portions at a Georgian table are generous.
Bread and cheese: the foundation of the feast
1. Adjarian khachapuri
A boat of dough with melted cheese, butter and an egg in the center. Served hot, it's eaten by tearing off the edges and dipping them into the yolk-and-cheese core. Price — 12–25 GEL.
2. Imeretian khachapuri
A round flatbread with imeruli cheese inside — a classic cooked all over the country. About 8–15 GEL.
3. Megrelian khachapuri
A double dose of cheese — inside and on top. For the hungriest.
4. Achma
A layered "pie" of boiled dough and cheese, reminiscent of lasagna. Filling and tender.
Meat dishes
5. Khinkali
Juicy dumplings of dough filled with minced meat and broth. Eaten by hand, held by the "tail," which is not eaten. Cost — 1–2.5 GEL each; people usually order 5–10 per person.
6. Mtsvadi
Georgian barbecue of pork or veal grilled over grapevine. Served with onion and tkemali sauce. A portion is 18–35 GEL.
7. Chakhokhbili
Braised chicken with tomatoes, onion and herbs — a homey, fragrant stew.
8. Chakapuli
Young lamb or veal braised in white wine with tarragon and green cherry plum. A spring dish.
9. Ojakhuri
A "family" dish of fried meat with potatoes — simple and very filling.
Vegetarian and Lenten dishes
10. Lobio
Stewed beans with spices, often served in a clay pot with mchadi corn bread. About 8–15 GEL.
11. Pkhali
Cold pâté-like appetizers of spinach, beetroot or cabbage with walnut and spices, topped with pomegranate seeds.
12. Badrijani
Rolls of fried eggplant with walnut paste — a must on any table.
13. Ajapsandali
A vegetable stew of eggplant, pepper, tomatoes and herbs.
Sweets and drinks
14. Churchkhela
The "Georgian Snickers": nuts threaded on a string and dipped in thickened grape juice. The perfect souvenir, 3–7 GEL each at the market.
15. Pelamushi and kozinaki
A thick grape pudding and kozinaki — nut-and-honey brittle — are traditional desserts.
What to drink
- Qvevri wine — amber and red, a glass in a cafe from 5 GEL.
- Chacha — a strong grape distillate.
- Natakhtari lemonade in various flavors — tarragon, pear, feijoa.
Where to eat and how to order
Georgia has many family restaurants with home cooking. An average lunch costs 25–50 GEL per person, a bit more with wine. Order dishes "for the table" and share — that's the custom. Don't shy away from a feast with toasts: the tamada (the head of the table) raises glasses to the homeland, to parents and to guests.
Conclusion
Georgian cuisine is not just food but a whole philosophy of hospitality, where the table groans with dishes and the guest is always welcome. Try even half of this list and the trip will stay with you for a long time. Want to plan a culinary journey? Explore our guides to Georgia's regions and build a delicious itinerary.
Read also:
FAQ
Is Georgian cuisine spicy?
More aromatic than hot. Ajika and the sauces can be fiery, but they're served on the side.
Are there vegetarian dishes in Georgia?
Yes, and plenty of them. Orthodox fasting has shaped a rich tradition of Lenten cooking — pkhali, lobio, eggplant, mushrooms.
How many khinkali should I order?
On average 6–8 per person as a main course. They're large and filling.
What food should I bring home?
Churchkhela, spices (khmeli-suneli, Svaneti salt), honey, a bottle of wine or chacha.