How do you accept an invitation to the table in Georgia?
The supra, the tamada, toasts and thanking your hosts.
Short answer
An invitation to a supra, the Georgian feast, is worth accepting: it is the best way to get to know the locals. Thank your hosts with gmadlobt.
Why
- The tamada, the most eloquent and respected guest, leads the feast.
- The rules of a supra are firm, and several toasts are obligatory.
- Guests share happiness and respect and cheer one another up.
Details
The table is usually laden with cheese, bread, pickles, greens, meats, fish, mushrooms, khachapuri and khinkali, with wine at the centre. The order of dishes and toasts depends on the region and the occasion. The feast ends with the kvelatsminda toast (to all saints), after which guests toast the tamada.
Tip
If you are called to the table, join in: the main rule is not to be shy and to speak sincerely.
People also ask
- What does modi mean?
Sources
- Georgia Travel: Georgian SupraChecked at:
- Georgia Travel: TamadaChecked at:
The transliteration is approximate; the Georgian spelling gives the pronunciation most accurately.
Russian-Georgian phrasebookRelated questions
-
What language is spoken in Svaneti and Mingrelia?
The official language of Georgia, including Svaneti and Mingrelia, is Georgian, and the Svans have their own language and folklore.
-
What does the phrase 'too late to drink Borjomi' mean?
'Too late to drink Borjomi' is a Russian colloquial saying meaning it's too late to fix things and action should have been taken earlier.
-
Which is correct: Sighnaghi or Signagi?
In Russian the town's name is written as Signakhi or Signagi, and both try to render the Georgian spelling of its name.
-
What does 'aba' mean in Georgian?
Aba is a conversational Georgian word that roughly means 'well', 'so' or 'come on'.