Georgia is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, and any foodie visiting the country should definitely make trying local dishes a top priority. Two dishes that are a must-try in Georgia are khachapuri and khinkali. Here is a foodie's guide to finding the best of these two dishes in Georgia.
Khachapuri is a Georgian cheese-filled bread that comes in many shapes and sizes. The most famous type of khachapuri is the Adjarian version, which is boat-shaped and filled with melted cheese, butter, and an egg on top. To find the best khachapuri in Georgia, head to a bakery or cafe that specializes in this dish. One such place is the famous Acharuli House in Batumi, where you can indulge in a piping hot Adjarian khachapuri that oozes with cheese and butter. In Tbilisi, make sure to try khachapuri at Tone Cafe, where the bread is baked in a traditional clay oven and the cheese filling is made from high-quality local cheese.
Another Georgian dish that is a must-try for any foodie is khinkali, which are Georgian dumplings filled with spiced meat or cheese. Khinkali can be found in almost any Georgian restaurant, but the best ones are found in the mountainous regions of Georgia, where the dish originated. In Kazbegi, head to Rooms Hotel Kazbegi for some of the best khinkali in the country. Their meat-filled dumplings are cooked to perfection and come with a side of tangy tkemali sauce. In Tbilisi, visit Samikitno for some of the juiciest khinkali in town. Their dumplings are filled with a flavorful mixture of beef and pork, and are served with freshly chopped cilantro and black pepper.
When it comes to Georgian cuisine, there are many other dishes that are worth trying, such as the hearty bean stew lobio, the grilled meat skewers known as shashlik, and the fragrant herb-filled soup kharcho. And of course, no Georgian meal is complete without a glass of the country's famous wine. Georgian wine is made using traditional methods that date back thousands of years, and is often fermented in clay vessels called qvevri. To taste the best of Georgian wine, visit a wine bar or restaurant that specializes in local wines, such as 8000 Vintages in Tbilisi.
In conclusion, Georgia is a foodie's paradise, and no visit to the country is complete without trying khachapuri, khinkali, and other local dishes. Whether you're in Tbilisi or a small mountain village, there are plenty of places to indulge in the best of Georgian cuisine. So, bring your appetite and get ready for a delicious culinary adventure in Georgia.
