What to Try in Georgia: A Guide to Traditional Georgian Cuisine

Georgia is not just about mountains and history — it’s a true paradise for food lovers. This guide reveals the top must-try Georgian dishes: khachapuri, khinkali, mtsvadi, lobio and more. We tell you where to eat them in Tbilisi and other cities, how much they cost, and what makes each dish special.

What to Try in Georgia: A Guide to Traditional Cuisine

Georgian cuisine is a true gastronomic journey, full of rich flavors, spices, and traditions. We’ve gathered the top dishes you must try when visiting Georgia.

1. Khachapuri – Georgia’s Culinary Signature Dish

This cheese-filled bread comes in several regional varieties:

Adjarian – boat-shaped, with egg and butter in the center
Imeretian – round and filled with soft cheese
Megrelian – topped with extra cheese on top

Where to try it? In any bakery or restaurant, for example:

Bakerline

Location: (specify location)

Price: 8–15 GEL (~3–5 USD) per portion

Opening hours: 09:00 – 20:00

2. Khinkali – Juicy Georgian Dumplings

Khinkali are eaten with your hands – first you sip the broth inside, then eat the dough and filling

Classic khinkali are filled with beef or pork
Mushroom and cheese khinkali are perfect for vegetarians

Where to try it? “Shemoikhede Genatsvale” restaurants in Tbilisi

Opening hours: 12:00 – 02:00

Price: From 1.9 GEL (~0.7 USD) per piece (minimum order – 5 pieces)

3. Lobio and Mchadi – A Vegetarian Georgian Classic

A thick bean stew with herbs, traditionally served with cornmeal flatbreads.

Where to try it? At the restaurant “Salobia Biaa”

Opening hours: 12:00 – 02:00

Price: From 17 GEL (~6 USD) per portion

4. Churchkhela – A Long-Lasting Sweet Snack

Nuts strung on a thread and dipped in thickened grape juice. Churchkhela is nutritionally dense and was once used by warriors to survive for days without other food.

Where to buy? At markets and local shops. “Badagi” is a popular chain selling traditional Georgian sweets.

Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00

Price: From 10 GEL (~3 USD) per piece

5. Shashlik (Mtsvadi) – A Cult-Favorite Georgian Dish

Grilled meat skewers served with tkemali (plum sauce).

Where to try it? One of the best places is “Barbarestan” in Tbilisi

Opening hours: 14:00 – 23:00

Price: From 70 GEL (~25 USD) per portion

How to Get to Georgia for a Culinary Adventure?

By Plane: Direct flights from major cities to Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kutaisi

By Car: Convenient routes through Vladikavkaz (Russia) or Turkey

By Train: From Yerevan or Baku

Georgia is not just mountains and ancient fortresses – it’s also home to incredible food!

Take a culinary tour with EASYBOOKING and discover the true taste of Georgia!