Georgia
What to eat and drink in Georgia: dishes, etiquette and dietary tips
Try khachapuri, khinkali, mtsvadi, pkhali and lobio; skip pork if you need halal. Adjust dishes if you’re vegetarian, vegan or have nut allergies. Georgian food is walnut, herbs, cheese, bread and grilled meat, eaten at long tables. The supra feast, led by a tamada who proposes toasts, is the heart of social life. Vegetarians eat better here than anywhere else in the Caucasus thanks to walnut-based vegetable dishes and Orthodox fasting food.
More
GuideGeorgia
Key facts
- Typical restaurant mealcheck
- 10–15 GEL (≈$3–$5)
- Street food snackcheck
- 2–5 GEL (≈$0.7–$1.5)
- Wine glasscheck
- 5–8 GEL (≈$1.5–$2.5)
Quick answer
The core dishes to sample are khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (meat dumplings), mtsvadi (grilled meat), pkhali (walnut‑herb spreads) and lobio (bean stew).
How much does a meal cost in Georgia?
A basic lunch at a mid‑range restaurant costs about 10–15 GEL (≈$3–$5). Street‑food items such as a khinkali or a small khachapuri are 2–5 GEL (≈$0.7–$1.5). A glass of local wine in a tavern is 5–8 GEL (≈$1.5–$2.5). Prices can vary in tourist hubs like Tbilisi.
| Venue | Typical price (GEL) | USD approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant lunch | 10–15 | $3–$5 |
| Street snack | 2–5 | $0.7–$1.5 |
| Wine glass | 5–8 | $1.5–$2.5 |
Is street food safe in Georgia?
Street vendors in busy areas (e.g., Tbilisi’s Dry Bridge Market) have high turnover, which reduces risk. Choose stalls where food is cooked to order and served hot. Avoid pre‑cooked items left out for long periods.
- Look for a queue of locals.
- Watch the dumplings being boiled or grilled.
- Prefer fresh khachapuri made on site.
Dining etiquette
At a supra (feast), the tamada leads toasts; drink wine only after a toast. Khinkali are eaten by hand; leave the knot (kudi) on the plate. Hosts may overfill plates—leaving a small amount shows satisfaction.
Questions people ask
What are the must‑try dishes in Georgia?
Khachapuri, khinkali, mtsvadi, pkhali and lobio are the essential Georgian foods to sample.
How much does a meal cost in Georgia?
Restaurant meals are about 10–15 GEL ($3–$5); street snacks 2–5 GEL ($0.7–$1.5); a glass of wine 5–8 GEL ($1.5–$2.5).
Is street food safe in Georgia?
Generally yes in busy spots where food is cooked fresh and served hot; avoid stalls with long‑standing pre‑cooked items.
What is a supra?
A traditional Georgian feast with many dishes and wine. A tamada leads toasts; drink wine only after a toast. It is the heart of social life.
Can vegetarians eat well in Georgia?
Yes. Dishes like pkhali, lobio, badrijani nigvzit and khachapuri are vegetarian. During Orthodox fasts, many restaurants offer vegan menus.
Is Georgian food suitable for vegans?
Possible thanks to fasting food. Ask for 'samarkhvo' (fasting) dishes. Many walnut‑based dishes and lobio are naturally vegan.
What should I know about nut allergies in Georgia?
Walnuts appear in many dishes and sauces. Risk is high. Carry a card in Georgian: 'me makvs alergia nigozi-ze' (I have a walnut allergy).
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Georgia
Loading…
Was this useful?