Having a Georgian father, I grew up with Georgian cuisine - and having arrived in Batumi on the 30th of January, 2025, I've already had the opportunity to try quite the variety of local food. Below, I've compiled a list of must-try dishes for those that are interested in Georgian dishes.
Like any national cuisine, there are those that adore it, and those that have a strong dislike for it. Personally, I'm very fond of it - but, your mileage may vary!
These large dumplings, containing either chicken or beef, are a must-try for all that visit Georgia. When freshly cooked, these doughy little packages are full of boullion, and are typically eaten with one's hands. By grasping the "tail" on the top of the dumpling, one can bite into the side, and drink the boullion, before eating the dumpling itself.
There are several varieties, some of which contain Georgian spices - which I love, but which I find some visitors from Eastern Europe, and Asia, can find to be a little overwhelming.
Even those that have never visited Georgia, and know nearly nothing about it, are often familiar with khachapuri - Georgia's national dish, the humble khachapuri is a cheese-filled bread / pastry. Given how many subcultures exist within the country, there are just as many varieties of khachapuri - Megrelian, Imerian, Adjarian, and Tushetian are just a few types. Personally, I like Adjarian khachapuri.
One can visit one of the many compact kiosks or shops lining the streets of Batumi, to pick up some freshly-made khachapuri for a low price - only a couple lari should get you a lunch.
A timeless classic - baked meat with stewed potatoes, seasonings, and vegetables. With a name translating to "family meal", this is a culinary staple - filing, and delicious, it's perhaps one of the first dishes you can try making at home, when in Georgia (or anywhere else, really, if you're longing for a taste of Georgia.
Another classic, this time, a dessert - a string of nuts is dipped into a juice jelly, and then dried - the dipping process is repeated until a thick candy coating forms over the nuts. This chewy dessert comes in a variety of flavours, and a variety of nuts - walnuts are my favorite.
When left to sit for a while, it tends to become rather hard, and challenging to chew. Eat fresh.