Georgian food, I think it is enough reason to visit the country. I have lived most of my life in St. Petersburg, there are many Georgian restaurants, and they are one of my favorites. My friends, even though they visited these restaurants in Russia, still told that ones in Georgia are way better.
From now on, by Jai Schmidt:
Why is Georgian food significant?
Georgia, a country in the South Caucus, has always been on the border of east and west. The fact that it is situated in what used to be known as the Silk Road means that it has the influence of neighboring influences that affects its culture and food while still staying true to its own identity in its food and restaurant scene.
There are some main staples of Georgian cuisine that every tourist should try at least once. Since every region of the country has its own variation on the food, it is likely that you can try something more than once and get a different taste.
Khachapuri
Katchapuri is one such Georgian food with different variations. Khachapuri is also known as the cheese pizza of Georgia. The most simple of khachapuri is baked bread with cheese on top. There is also a style that has cheese on top of the bread and stuffed inside the bread, as well as some versions that are stuffed with meat. The most interesting of the khachapuri comes from the Black Sea region of Adjara and is known as Adjaruli Katchapuri. The dough is shaped like a boat that collects melted cheese that represents the sea and an egg yolk symbolizes the sun in its basin on top of the dough.
Khinkali
Equally as important to Georgian cuisine is khinkali, a dumpling that has a handle for holding. Yes, unlike Chinese dumplings or Polish perogies, khinkali must be eaten with your hands. You look like a tourist otherwise. But do not worry because it will not be long until a Georgian walks you through the delicate process of khinkali eating. First, grab the khinkali by the handle. Take a small bite out of the side that will allow you to suck the broth out of thekhinkali before eating the rest. Don’t worry if you spill broth down your arms as you are learning. It is all about the fun of learning a new skill and culture.
Georgian food, about the restaurants
With Georgia becoming one of the hottest destinations for travel right now, Tbilisi has a thriving restaurant scene. Like Europe and the US, there are a few chains that are still going strong throughout the country. There are also mom and pop restaurants that are more friendly and open to tourists, as well as some locals-only spots where people may look at you with suspicion if you are new. Like most world cuisine, the best is always homemade because of the extra touch put into the overall experience. It is not common to find a restaurant that is actually someone’s home in Tbilisi, but The Wine Cellar is one such place where you are treated as family when you walk in the door.
Home-style restaurant – “Wine Cellar”
The Wine Cellar is located on Mashniavili Street 4. Since the house is tucked away from the road by a driveway, you may easily pass it. The location is only identifiable by a sign above the entrance to the doorway that reads Wine Cellar.
Walk to the back and you will be happily greeted by a Georgian family. Going with someone who speaks Georgian or Russian is a definite asset here because English is not spoken. Depending on when you go, there may be an Iranian staff member who can speak Farsi though.
If the weather is nice, you may sit outside. But an even more authentic experience is to sit inside the floor level of the house, which is the designated area for the restaurant. You will immediately walk into the dining area that is small and cozy. Wine bottles and cultural, Georgian pictures and costumes line the walls. The dining room is right next to the kitchen, so it is easy to look over and see your food being made.
How they serve?
Besides the freshness of the food, The Wine Cellar is one of the most affordable places for a group to eat and drink in Tbilisi. First, the family will serve wine that has been made in a suburb of Tbilisi and then brought onsite. Shortly after, your table will be filled with appetizers. The salad is made with local vegetables, so it will be one of the best salads you will eat in your life.
Before you finish the salad and bread, some main courses will be brought out such as a stew and a beef soup. The stars of the night, however, was the roasted chicken that melted in your mouth as well as the flavorful roasted potatoes and onions. Don’t forget to try their khachapuri because it is different than the usual one you will find because the dough is thinner.
But no Georgian meal like this can be complete without cheese, and The Wine Cellar does not disappoint. They bring out a cheese board so big that it is the centerpiece of the table. There is around five or six different types of Georgian cheeses with toothpicks for dipping in honey, a condiment used for cheese that is unique to this restaurant.
About drinks and toasts
After the meal, the family was nice to answer questions about their culture and the food. It is also a good time for more wine drinking and to let the food settle in your stomach as you socialize with friends. This might be a good time to participate in your very first Georgian toast, whether you have a tamada, a toastmaster or not. For a group of foreigners, it will be enjoyable for every person to take a turn being the tamada; each coming up with something more creative than the other.
One of the aspects that set The Wine Cellar apart from a commercialized restaurant is the fact that the family cares for each of its patrons. This can easily be seen with them advising you on what to drink and what not to drink. Not just by taste but by safety. Georgian wine is stronger than what many are used to. But if you mix it with chacha, a Georgian vodka, it can be dangerous and make you sick. They do watch over you and will advise you not to drink chacha after a few glasses of their wine. This is not because they are being mean. For one thing, this is a classy place and the most classiest thing that you can do is get sick in their house. But they, of all people, know how strong their home-brewed drinks are. Listen to them wisely.
The Wine Cellar is sure to be the most unique experience you will have dining in Tbilisi. It is great for a family, but if you are in a nearby hostel, grab a group of your friends, make a reservation and head on over.
About the author
Jai Schmidt has loved travel for as long as she can remember. It has always been a dream to travel the world and experience other cultures. She currently is traveling through Europe and doing writing and website design. Lived in Georgia.
Blog: Pretty much anything
Further reading
If you want to know more about Georgian restaurants – check out this list of Georgian restaurants in Tbilisi
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