Top 10 Must-Try Georgian Dishes: A Culinary Journey Through Georgia

Georgia, a country nestled between Europe and Asia, boasts one of the world’s most ancient and diverse culinary traditions. Its cuisine is a reflection of its rich history, cultural influences, and fertile land that produces fresh, organic ingredients. From mountains to coastlines, each region of Georgia offers distinct flavors and specialties, making it a gastronomic paradise for food lovers. If you’re planning to visit Georgia or simply want to explore its cuisine, here are the top 10 must-try Georgian dishes that capture the essence of this country’s unique culinary heritage.

1. Khachapuri (Cheese Bread)

Khachapuri is arguably Georgia’s most famous dish, often compared to pizza but with a unique twist. This bread is filled with different types of cheese, depending on the region. The most popular version is Adjaruli Khachapuri, where the bread is boat-shaped and topped with sulguni cheese, butter, and a raw egg. As you tear into the soft, warm bread and mix the cheese and egg, you’ll be introduced to a flavor explosion that is both savory and comforting.

2. Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings)

These delicious dumplings are filled with a variety of ingredients such as spiced meat (usually beef or pork), mushrooms, or cheese. Eating khinkali is an art: the top of the dumpling acts as a handle, and you bite into the bottom to sip the savory broth before finishing the rest. A well-made khinkali should have a perfect balance of juicy filling and thin, chewy dough.

3. Pkhali (Vegetable and Walnut Spread)

Pkhali is a cold appetizer made from finely chopped vegetables (such as spinach, beets, or eggplant) mixed with a rich walnut paste, garlic, vinegar, and herbs. The earthy, creamy spread is often garnished with pomegranate seeds, adding a touch of sweetness and color. This dish highlights Georgia’s love for walnuts and fresh vegetables, making it a healthy yet flavorful starter.

4. Badrijani Nigvzit (Eggplant with Walnut Paste)

Another walnut-based delight, badrijani nigvzit is thin slices of fried eggplant rolled around a creamy walnut-garlic filling. This dish is often served as part of a traditional Georgian feast, or supra, and showcases the unique way Georgians combine simple ingredients to create layers of flavor. The rich nuttiness of the filling paired with the slightly bitter eggplant makes it a must-try.

5. Mtsvadi (Georgian Shashlik)

If you love barbecue, then mtsvadi will be a favorite. This is Georgia’s version of shashlik, where large chunks of marinated pork, lamb, or beef are skewered and grilled over an open flame. Often served with fresh onions, pomegranate seeds, and traditional tkemali sauce (a sour plum sauce), mtsvadi is tender, smoky, and bursting with flavor.

6. Chakhokhbili (Chicken Stew)

This hearty Georgian chicken stew is slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. Chakhokhbili is a perfect comfort food, rich in flavor and often served with freshly baked Georgian bread to soak up the savory broth. The dish reflects Georgia’s strong use of fresh, organic produce, and its slow-cooking method brings out deep, satisfying flavors.

7. Lobio (Bean Stew)

A humble but delicious dish, lobio is a traditional bean stew made with red kidney beans, onions, garlic, and herbs. The stew can be served hot or cold and is often accompanied by mchadi (cornbread) or chvishtari (cheese-filled cornbread). Lobio is a staple of the Georgian diet, especially during fasting periods, and is a great example of how simple ingredients can produce bold flavors.

8. Churchkhela (Georgian Candy)

A unique sweet treat, churchkhela is made by dipping strings of walnuts or hazelnuts into a thickened grape juice mixture, then drying them to create a chewy, energy-boosting snack. Often called “Georgian snickers,” these colorful strings of nuts are commonly enjoyed during the grape harvest season and are a great souvenir to take home after your trip to Georgia.

9. Satsivi (Chicken in Walnut Sauce)

Satsivi is a luxurious dish made of chicken or turkey served cold with a thick walnut sauce seasoned with garlic, coriander, and saffron. Traditionally prepared during the winter holidays, the dish is creamy, aromatic, and full of deep, nutty flavors. Its rich sauce elevates the chicken, making it one of Georgia’s most indulgent dishes.

10. Tklapi (Fruit Leather)

Georgia is known for its abundance of fresh fruits, and tklapi is a testament to how Georgians preserve their fruit harvests. This traditional fruit leather is made from pureed fruit (usually plums, apricots, or peaches) that is spread thin and sun-dried. Sweet or tangy depending on the fruit used, tklapi is often eaten as a snack or used to add flavor to stews and soups.