6 traditional Georgian dishes that you must try - To travel is to live!

Food is primarily a source of energy for human beings. For me, it is also a source of happiness and motivation. While planning the trip to Georgia, I knew that the food there mostly revolved around bread and cheese. I am a little fussy about food. I enjoy experimenting, but I also need Indian cuisine. Having said that, wherever your Georgian journey takes you, there are several dishes you shouldn't leave the country without trying - and the hospitable locals will certainly ensure that you don't. Below are some memorable bites that will keep Georgia on your mind and maybe even in your kitchen.

1. Khachapuri

I ought to start the list with Khachapuri, the national dish of Georgia. It is a traditional Georgian dish featuring bread filled with cheese, eggs, and butter. Being a vegetarian, I had it without the egg. The first time, you would find khachapuri just like any other cheese sandwich, but it is not so. Firstly, the Georgian bread is eaten fresh from the tone (clay oven). Secondly, the cheese is fresh as opposed to what we are used to - processed cheese slices and cubes.

The dish reflects the rich dairy culture of Georgia, where cheese, particularly Sulguni, is a staple.

Interesting fact: Khachapuri is often considered a comfort food in Georgia and is so beloved that it's used as an informal economic indicator, known as the "khachapuri index."

2. Shoti Bread

Shoti bread, a staple of Georgian cuisine, is a traditional flatbread, baked in a "tone," a clay oven similar to a tandoor. It is made from simple ingredients-flour, water, yeast, and salt-yet its flavor is distinctively rich, with a crisp crust and soft, airy interior. I tried it for the first time in a village near Tbilisi and even enrolled in a baking masterclass. It was a memorable experience baking Shoti bread while a Georgian woman helped me with the instructions. I had it with cheese and some tomato slices.

Interesting fact: The shape of Shoti bread is symbolic, representing the traditional Georgian canoe, an essential part of the country's river culture.

3. Khinkali

If you're ever traveling along the breathtaking Georgian Military Highway, make sure to stop by Pasanauri, the birthplace of some of the best khinkali you'll ever taste. Many people refer to Pasanauri as 'the home of khinkali'.

I tried mushroom, potato, and cheese khinkali. The mushroom khinkali was juicy and tasty. The potato khinkali was bland but tasted great with Adjika (traditional Georgian spice) and the cheese khinkali. Whether you like cheese khinkali depends on your love for trying cheese in different parts of the world.

Good to know: The khinkali is primarily a steamed stuffed dumpling. So, you might find it a little bland depending on your food habits. Do request the server to get you some Adjika on the side.

Interesting fact: Khinkali was historically a highland dish, providing sustenance to shepherds and warriors, making it a symbol of Georgian resilience and hospitality

4. Churchkhela

Funnily, I had seen photos featuring Churchkhela in many articles I read while planning for Georgia. However, I scrolled down assuming it was something similar to sausage. It was only 4 days before the trip that I realized that it is a traditional Georgian candy, which makes for a non-perishable souvenir.

It is made by dipping strings of nuts, typically walnuts or hazelnuts, into a thickened grape juice mixture called "tatara." This process is repeated until a chewy, sausage-shaped candy forms. It has a mildly sweet, fruity flavor with a pleasant chewiness and nutty crunch. The abundance of grapes in Georgia led to the creation of this nutritious snack.

Interesting fact: Historically, churchkhela was carried by soldiers due to its long shelf life and high energy content. It is that it's often referred to as the "Georgian Snickers."

5. Adjika (Georgian spice)

You might say why would I care about foreign spices when India is the "land of spices"? Sure. However, I am keen on trying the spices, and food native to a country solely because a few ingredients of that specific spice or food are also native (or at least geographically closer and trade-wise economical) to the region.

Adjika is a spicy Georgian condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, spices like coriander and blue fenugreek (native to Georgia), dried marigold petals, etc. Adjika is known for its intense, savory heat, balanced by a complex mix of flavors, making it a popular accompaniment to meats, vegetables, and bread.

Interesting fact: A lesser-known fact is that the name "adjika" comes from the Abkhaz word for "salt," as the original version was a salty paste used to preserve meat. It's also believed to enhance the body's warmth, making it a favored addition in colder climates.

6. Lobiani

The last one and my favorite has to be Lobiani. I had it a couple of times in Tbilisi and then again at Tbilisi airport while leaving Georgia. This dish satisfied me the most after Indian cuisine.

Lobiani is a traditional Georgian bread filled with mashed kidney beans (the reason why I loved Lobiani), usually seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices. The dish is popular during the Georgian Orthodox fasting periods when people avoid meat and dairy. The bread has a soft, slightly crispy crust, while the filling is hearty and savory with a rich, earthy flavor.

Interesting fact: Locals consider Lobiani a symbol of prosperity and share it with friends and family during celebrations.

If you are looking to dive into Georgian cuisine, these seven traditional Georgian dishes are your golden ticket. You could also consider joining a Georgian culinary classes. From cheesy khachapuri to the fiery kick of adjika, there's a little something for every taste bud. These aren't just meals-they're bite-sized pieces of Georgian culture you can't miss. So, dig in and enjoy the flavors of Georgia.

I hope this post helped you. I have tried to make it as comprehensive as possible. Do you have any questions about the traditional Georgian dishes? Please leave a comment below and I'll try my best to help out.

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