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Tbilisi food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Tbilisi.
Photo by Masha Koko on Unsplash
What to eat in Tbilisi
5 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Khachapuri Adjaruli
$4–$8
A boat-shaped bread filled with melted cheese, topped with a raw egg and a pat of butter. It's a rich, decadent experience best enjoyed by tearing off pieces of bread and dipping them into the gooey center.
Where to try: Bakeries and cafes across the city, particularly in the Sololaki and Avlabari neighborhoods.
Khinkali
$0.5–$1
Large, twisted dumplings typically filled with spiced meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and broth. The trick is to slurp the broth first before eating the dumpling, holding it by the 'kudi' (top knot).
Where to try: Specialized khinkali houses throughout the city, especially in the Vera and Chugureti districts.
Mtsvadi
$8–$15
Georgian shashlik, typically made with marinated pork, lamb, or veal, grilled over an open flame. The smoky char and tender meat make it a carnivore's delight.
Where to try: Outdoor grills and restaurants in the Vake and Saburtalo areas, often found near parks.
Badrijani Nigvzit
$3–$6
Fried eggplant slices spread with a rich walnut paste, often seasoned with garlic and herbs. These are a flavorful and popular appetizer.
Where to try: Traditional Georgian restaurants and appetizer sections of menus city-wide, common in the Old Town (Kala).
Kharcho
$5–$9
A hearty and flavorful soup made with beef, rice, walnuts, and a blend of Georgian spices, often with a sour plum base (tkemali). It's deeply savory and warming.
Where to try: Traditional Georgian eateries and soup stalls, particularly around the Dezerter Bazaar.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Old Town (Kala)
Historic, atmospheric, bustling with tourists and locals alike.
Traditional Georgian cuisineExploring historical architectureCasual dining
Sololaki
Bohemian, artsy, with hidden courtyards and charming cafes.
Artisan bakeriesCozy cafesBoutique dining
Vera
Chic, upscale, with trendy restaurants and wine bars.
Modern Georgian cuisineWine tastingUpscale dining
Chugureti
Authentic, local, with a mix of old-world charm and vibrant street life.
Authentic khinkaliLocal marketsStreet food
Dietary notes
Georgian cuisine is traditionally meat-heavy, with dishes like khinkali and mtsvadi featuring prominently. However, vegetarian options are increasingly available, particularly dishes based on eggplant, spinach, beans, and cheese-filled breads like khachapuri.
Local etiquette
- •When eating khinkali, hold it by the knot, take a small bite to slurp the broth, then eat the rest. The knot is usually discarded.
- •It's customary to offer guests a shot of cha-cha or wine, often accompanied by toasts (gaumarjos!).
- •Tipping is not strictly mandatory but appreciated for good service, usually around 10% in restaurants.
- •While many places accept cards, it's wise to carry some cash, especially for smaller cafes, markets, and street vendors.
Plan the rest of your Tbilisi trip
Food guides elsewhere