Where can you buy spices in Tbilisi?
Dezerter Bazaar, Old Town stalls and what to buy.
Short answer
Spices in Tbilisi are cheapest at Dezerter Bazaar, where they're sold by weight, and also in Old Town shops and packaged in supermarkets. Popular buys are khmeli-suneli, utskho-suneli, Svan salt, adjika, Imeretian saffron and coriander. Market sellers usually let you smell and taste before buying.
Why
- Old Town tourist shops are pricier but package spices nicely as gifts.
- Dry adjika is a mix of chilli and herbs, unlike Russian adjika.
- Spices travel well in checked luggage in tightly sealed bags.
Details
Khmeli-suneli varies between sellers, so try a few. Imeretian saffron is dried marigold petals, not true saffron.
Tip
Ask the market seller to vacuum-seal your spices so they keep their aroma on the way home.
What may differ
Prices in tourist spots are higher than at markets and neighbourhood shops.
Common misconception
What actually happens
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Information checked on October 3, 2026.
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