What Food To Try in Tbilisi and Food Prices

Kachapuri - Cheese-filled bread - This deliciously cheesy bread comes with a molten center of local cheese, often baked until golden. Locals enjoy it fresh from bakeries any time of day, traditionally eaten by tearing pieces off and dipping into the cheese.

Mtsvadi - Grilled skewered meat - Juicy chunks of marinated meat, usually pork or lamb, grilled and served with fresh vegetables. Commonly found at outdoor barbecue spots, it's a favorite for gatherings, especially on weekends.

Khinkali - Dumplings - These dumplings are stuffed with spiced meat and broth, perfectly wrapped for that delightful burst when you take a bite. Popular at casual eateries, I learned the hard way to eat them carefully to avoid a splatter!

Ajapsandali - Ratatouille-style vegetable stew - A hearty mix of eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, slow-cooked to perfection. Often enjoyed as a vegetarian main course during family dinners, it’s a comforting choice in cooler months.

Pkhali - Mixed vegetable pâté - This colorful dish combines cooked vegetables, herbs, and nuts, often served with a side of fresh bread. A common choice for vegetarians, locals love to enjoy it as an appetizer or main dish during gatherings.

Chakapuli - Herb and meat stew - Tender pieces of meat stewed with fresh tarragon and plums, creating a unique sour-sweet flavor. Traditionally served for family lunches, it’s a warming dish to enjoy even in winter.

Talakh - Grape leaf rolls - These stuffed grape leaves are filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, rolled up tight and simmered. Often served as a light dinner or appetizer, they’re best enjoyed with friends over a long chat.

Ossetian Pie - Osseturi Pkhali (savory pie) - A pastry filled with cheese and potatoes, baked to a golden brown. It’s popular among locals for breakfast or any casual meal, often paired with a cup of hot tea.

Limonade - ლიმონათი (refreshing lemonade) - This is a chilled, slightly fizzy lemonade made with fresh lemons, water, and sugar, often served with mint leaves. It's a staple at summer gatherings, with locals enjoying it on leisurely afternoons, especially during sunny months.

Chaikhana - ჩაი (traditional tea) - Strong black tea often brewed with fresh herbs like mint or lemon verbena, served steaming hot in small, ornate glasses. Locals sip this calming drink throughout the day, with the leisurely ritual of brewing often turning into an affair among friends.

Mtsvadi - მწვადი (grilled meat skewers) - While primarily known for the meat served, these skewers are often accompanied by homemade wine, specifically Saperavi. These robust flavors are best enjoyed during casual picnics in the summer, with a popular local custom being to toast with a "Gaumarjos!" (Cheers!).

Khachapuri - ხაჭაპური (cheese-filled pastry) - A heavenly pastry filled with a blend of Georgian cheeses, often topped with an egg and served hot from the oven. It's a beloved comfort food, typically devoured for breakfast, and sharing one among friends is a cultural norm.

Churchkhela - ჩურჩხელა (walnut candy) - A unique treat made from walnuts dipped in thickened grape juice, dried to perfection. It's not just street food; you’ll often find it at festivals celebrating the grape harvest, enjoyed as a snack while mingling with locals. By the way, whenever I see these hanging in the market, I can’t resist buying a few for a sweet pick-me-up!