A journey through the flavors and traditions of the Georgian capital
A trip to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, offers the opportunity not only to discover the natural, artistic, cultural, and historical beauties of the city but also to experience its oldest culinary and hospitality traditions. It is precisely by savoring an authentic meal served with native Georgian wine that one relives its ancient enogastronomic heritage rich in colors, taste, and special aromas. Not surprisingly, Georgia is also renowned for its delicious cuisine and especially for its wines.
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Thanks to the warm-humid climate of the Black Sea and the fertile soil nourished by the pure waters of the Caucasus Mountains, wine production in Georgia is ancient, dating back more than 8,000 years with the earliest traces of viticulture found in the Neolithic settlement of Shulaveri Gora from the 2nd and 3rd millennia BC.
Fountains with amphorae qvevri Photo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
At the heart of Georgian winemaking is the qvevri, an egg-shaped terracotta vessel used for producing, aging, and storing wine. The qvevri containing the wine is sealed and buried in the ground, fermenting for five or six months before it is ready to drink. Since 2013, the ancient traditional Georgian qvevri winemaking method has been listed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and continues to produce quality wine from over 500 varieties of cultivated grapes.
Surrounding the city of Tbilisi are nine regions dedicated to vine cultivation for the production of local wines like Kakheti (the main wine-producing region of Georgia that houses 65-70% of all Georgian vineyards, where one can taste the semi-sweet wines Kindzmarauli and Akhasheni), Kartli (a region that starts from the outskirts of Tbilisi and extends to Imereti, known for its high-quality sparkling wines), Mtskheta-Mtianeti (a region with several wineries known for mountains, archaeological sites, and the Gudauri ski resort), ideal for venturing into a gastronomic itinerary in the spirit of ancient traditions, wine tastings, and typical dishes.
Dishes of traditional Georgian cuisine Photo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Traditional Georgian cuisine is hearty and offers a variety of dishes always paired with various wild herbs, chili, mint, basil, garlic, coriander, and spices in large quantities. A staple food is meat, such as ribs, but also vegetarian dishes with salads, vegetables, and fruits grown locally. Traditional Georgian dishes are prepared with pork, lamb, chicken, or fish to which hazelnuts, walnuts, cheeses, pickles, eggplants, plums, corn, pomegranates, beans, and shallots are added.
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Khachapuri Photo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Worth trying is the national Georgian dish eaten with hands, Khinkali, boiled dumplings stuffed with meat, originating from the mountainous regions of the Caucasus of Khevsureti, Mtiuleti, Tusheti, and Pshavi. Another national dish is Khachapuri, a sort of pizza made of Georgian bread and cheese.
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Cheese is typical in every region of Georgia and is prepared in different ways. Imeruli is a traditional white, cow's milk cheese that originated in Imereti and is a favorite for preparing Khachapuri. Two well-known Georgian cheeses are Tenili (a variety of string cheese from the Samtskhe-Javakheti region) and Dambal-khacho (mold cheese from the Pshavi region).
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Mtsvadi Photo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Vegetarians can also try Pkhali made with chopped vegetables seasoned with walnuts, vinegar, onions, herbs, and spices. Among the unique main dishes is Mtsvadi, Georgian barbecue with grilled meat prepared on a vine-wood grill, with fresh pomegranate juice squeezed on top. Among the various meat soups, one can savor Chikhirtma (white meat broth with beaten eggs in vinegar flavored with garlic, parsley, and fennel).
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Dishes are also accompanied by special sauces like Ajika (a spicy typical Georgian sauce rich in herbs and spices) and Tkemali, a sort of Georgian ketchup, red or green from sour Tkemali plums. It is also available in bottles, ideal to take home as a typical product and travel souvenir.
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Pelamushi Photo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Desserts include traditional Churchkhela (nuts strung on a thread and dipped in a mixture of grape juice and flour, then hung to dry), Gozinaki (caramelized walnuts and hazelnuts with honey, a typical delicacy for Christmas and New Year), and Pelamushi (prepared with fruit, nuts, grape juice extract, sugar, and flour).
The markets of Tbilisi Photo Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Tbilisi's markets, like the Dezerter Bazaar, are ideal for immersing oneself in the local atmosphere, offering spices, dried fruits, cheeses, herbs, and other typical products. When deciding where to eat, the choices are plentiful. The city of Tbilisi is dotted with venues of all kinds, from elegant restaurants that offer international menus alongside traditional cuisine, to traditional restaurants, wine bars, and pubs where one can taste traditional Georgian wines and local beers accompanied by tasty snacks.
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In villages outside the city, more picturesque restaurants offer products and dishes from the tradition, making the enogastronomic experience truly enjoyable. In Tbilisi, the culinary experience always satisfies every palate, telling the story and culture of Georgia through unique and authentic flavors.
Text by Alisè Vitri
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Where to sleep in Tbilisi
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RECOMMENDED TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN TBILISI
In Tbilisi, you can explore the old city with a walking tour that includes visits to the Sioni Cathedral and the Narikala Fortress or venture into the lesser-known districts of the city to admire street art and architecture. Join a culinary tour to savor Georgian cuisine, tasting khinkali and khachapuri at local restaurants. Discover the winemaking traditions in the Kakheti or Kakhety regions with a tour of historic wineries. Moreover, enjoy a cheerful and educational experience with a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Georgian dishes by hand and then taste them.
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Kakheti wine region tour with tastings
Depart from Tbilisi for a tour in the Kakheti wine region. Visit a traditional winemaking warehouse, where you can taste local wines and brandy and purchase bottles. The tour continues to Sighnaghi, the "City of Love," with panoramic views of the Alazani Valley, the Caucasus mountains, and Sighnaghi's historic fortification wall. Visit the Bodbe Monastery with the relics of Saint Nino. Finally, stop at a winery to learn about traditional Georgian winemaking techniques. 7-hour tour with a local guide. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a full refund. Discover the tour.
Georgian cooking class in Tbilisi
Culinary experience in Tbilisi with traditional Georgian dishes like khinkali and khachapuri. At the DecanTer bar and restaurant, enjoy a glass of Georgian wine, a plate of local cheeses, and a refreshing salad with ripe Georgian tomatoes and cucumbers, seasoned with aromatic Kakheti oil, while learning how to prepare the dishes. During the preparation of khinkali and Imeretian khachapuri, hear stories about the city of Tbilisi. Conclude with a tasting of the culinary creations prepared on-site. 2.5-hour activity with an instructor. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a full refund. Discover the tour.
Tour from Tbilisi to Kakhety with wine tastings
Tour in Kakhety, a wine region in Eastern Georgia, to admire landscapes, savor local dishes, listen to folk songs, and learn about the Georgian winemaking process. First stop: the village of Badiauri, with a visit to a local bakery and tasting of typical bread and cheese. Visit the Bodbe Monastery. Continue to Sighnaghi, the "City of Love," for a walking tour. After lunch, visit the Alazani Valley and the Khareba winery. At the Kindzmarauli Corporation, a winery dating back to 1533, enjoy a wine tasting. 12-hour tour with a local guide. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a full refund. Discover the tour.
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Tbilisi culinary tour
Tour to delight the palate while exploring Tbilisi. In an authentic courtyard, taste traditional cornbread with cheese, accompanied by Georgian wine or beer. Then, in a Georgian bakery, enjoy typical sweets like Lobiani and Khachapuri, expertly prepared by a woman from the high mountains of Georgia. Walk among street art, hidden courtyards, parks, and cafes of Tbilisi. The culinary journey concludes with tastings of delights like Churchkhela and Tklapi, handcrafted using ancient techniques. 3-hour tour with a guide. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a full refund. Discover the tour.
City tour of Tbilisi with tastings and cable car ride
Guided tour of Old Tbilisi that combines history, culture, and flavors. Walk through narrow cobblestone streets, Narikala Fortress, the Sulfur Baths, the Clock Tower, and the Peace Bridge. Take a cable car ride over the Mtkvari River to admire the city from above. Taste traditional delicacies, including Churchkhela, Tklapi, traditional wine, and a Georgian alcoholic shot, with a sweet finale of local chocolate. 3-hour tour with a local guide. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a full refund. Discover the tour.
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Street Art, Dezerter Bazaar, and tastings in Tbilisi
Walking tour with a guide to explore the hidden side of Tbilisi, the street art in less-known districts, and the city's agricultural market. Walk past street artworks, the former residence of a famous Georgian painter, and the architectural heritage of the city. Last stop at Tbilisi's oldest farmer's market to taste Churchkhela, Tklapi, dried fruits, Georgian cheese, and traditional Georgian wine. After the tour, shop at the market. 3-hour tour with a guide. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a full refund. Discover the tour.
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