Food, cafes and restaurants
What to try in Georgia, how to eat Adjarian khachapuri and khinkali the local way, how much to tip and where to eat well for less in Tbilisi and Batumi.
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What food should you definitely try in Georgia?
In Georgia, be sure to try khinkali, Adjarian and Imeretian khachapuri, pkhali and aubergine rolls with walnuts, mtsvadi, lobio in a clay pot and chkmeruli.
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How do you eat Adjarian khachapuri properly?
Adjarian khachapuri is eaten by hand: first stir the yolk and butter into the hot cheese in the middle of the boat with a fork, then tear off pieces of crust from the edges and dip them into the filling.
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What are Georgian dishes called: khinkali, khachapuri, pkhali, chakapuli and more?
Khinkali are Georgian dumplings filled with meat and broth, with a knot on top; khachapuri is cheese bread, round or boat-shaped; and pkhali is a starter of minced vegetables or greens with walnuts.
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Where can you eat good khinkali in Batumi?
Good khinkali in Batumi are served at specialist khinkali houses and Georgian restaurants, including ones away from the boulevard with more locals and lower prices.
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Where can you have breakfast in Tbilisi?
In Tbilisi you can breakfast at cafes in the Old Town, Sololaki and Vake serving European breakfasts, syrniki, eggs and coffee, or at Georgian cafes with khachapuri and chvishtari.
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Where can you eat well and cheaply in Borjomi?
In Borjomi you can eat at family cafes and restaurants in the centre and on the way to the Mineral Water Park, serving khachapuri, khinkali, mtsvadi and Georgian soups.
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Where can you eat well and cheaply in Kobuleti?
In Kobuleti you can eat cheaply at cafes and canteens along the seafront and main street, and at family restaurants serving Adjarian cuisine.
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Where can you eat well and cheaply in Kutaisi?
In Kutaisi you can eat well and cheaply at family-run Georgian restaurants and cafes in the centre, around the Colchis Fountain and the Green Bazaar.
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Where can you have breakfast in Batumi?
In Batumi you can breakfast at cafes on the boulevard and in the Old Town serving European breakfasts, syrniki and coffee, or at Georgian cafes with Adjarian khachapuri.
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What is Svan salt, and what is it used for?
Svan salt is coarse salt mixed with garlic and spices: blue fenugreek (utskho suneli), coriander, dill, caraway, hot pepper and Imeretian saffron.
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Where can you buy churchkhela, and how much does it cost?
Churchkhela is sold at markets such as Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi and the Central Market in Batumi, at roadside stalls on the way to Kakheti and Kazbegi, in supermarkets and souvenir shops.
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What kinds of khachapuri are there, and how do Adjarian, Imeretian and Megrelian differ?
Imeretian khachapuri is a round bread with cheese inside; Megrelian is the same but with cheese on top too.
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What is Georgian tkemali sauce, and what other sauces are there?
Tkemali is a sour, spicy sauce made from cherry plums, in green and red versions, served with meat, potatoes and khinkali.
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Where can you eat good khinkali in Georgia, and how do you eat them?
Khinkali are eaten by hand: hold the knot, bite into the side, drink the broth and only then eat the dough and filling, leaving the knot on the plate.
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Where can you eat well and cheaply in Tbilisi?
In Tbilisi, eat well and cheaply at canteens, khinkali houses and family cafes away from Shardeni and Rustaveli, where lunch for one usually costs up to 30 GEL.
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Where can you eat well and cheaply in Batumi?
To eat well and cheaply in Batumi, go to local canteens, khinkali houses, bakeries and cafes away from the seafront and Europe Square, where lunch usually costs 20-30 GEL.