Georgian cuisine has definitely a lot to offer. For sure I didn’t try all those typical meals in Georgia, but at least the main ones. First thing from Georgia I tried was a typical homemade bread called Tonis Puri. Traditional Georgian breads are baked in ovens which look like a well. I was invited to see the inside of the traditional bakery in Tbilisi where very kind old woman was baking the bread which we bought right after that.
After a Chinese lunch made by my couchsurfing host Yanan, I left to explore the city of Tbilisi and its cuisine. For snack I tried Adjaruli Khachapuri, bread filled out typically with cheese and eggs, but you can find many other variations. There is also different type of Khachapuri called Imeruli Khachapuri. This one I tried in Caucasus mountains in village of Stepantsminda. In one local bar the owner made for me a homemade Imeruli Khachapuri, which could be described as cheese pie. It is so popular, that 80% of Georgians prefer Khachapuri to pizza.
In the same village I was served a various plates for diner consisting of Khinkali, Georgian dumplings usually filled with meat, onions, herbs, garlic or mushrooms, cheese and potatoes instead of meat. Then some Georgian cheese, meat with potatoes and Khachapuri as well, but this time it was that good as for lunch.
While wandering around Tbilisi I found a small pushcart with grill where an old lady was preparing Shashlik, grilled meat typically a lamb, but also pork or beef depending on cultural preferences. I paid 1 euro for amazing grilled meat with bread, onions and sauce. It was very tasty and just the way I like it, on the street. Where ever I go I always try to taste something from the street. Most of the time you can get traditional, homemade and really tasty food right there on the street.
After a whole day discovering Georgian cuisine I wrapped it up with something sweet. I bought 10 small donuts all for just 1 lari which was about 44 cents. Great value and delicious taste.
When going to Georgia I was really excited to try local beers and spirits as well. I tasted at least 4 different types of beer from which all of them were pretty good. I saw many Czech restaurants and bars in Tbilisi and was told that Georgians like Czech beer. Their beer was good, but not as good as our Slovakian or Czech beer.
It is a pity I haven’t tried Georgian wine, but I skipped and went straight for hard liquor. Again in Stepantsminda, I was offered to try homemade Chacha, which stands for any moonshine or homemade alcohol from fruits. This Chacha was made from grape and often is called ”wine vodka”, “grape vodka” or “Georgian vodka”. I tried it in 2 bars and both times it was stored in huge barrels. Since my grandpa also makes moonshine (homemade alcohol) I am used to drinking it and it was very cool to have some shots with friendly people in Georgia.
