What is Georgian cuisine?
Part of our Ultimate Guide to World Cuisine. Click to see more answers to your questions.
Georgian cuisine is known for its unique flavors, combinations of herbs and spices, and a variety of dishes that reflect the country’s history and cultural influences. Georgian cuisine features an abundance of fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and meats, including lamb, beef, and chicken.
Pictured here, from Georgian restaurant Sakartvelo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is Imeruli khachapuri, bread filled with melted cheese, with a pkhali trio dish.
Khachapuri is a type of Georgian bread that is usually filled with cheese and sometimes with other ingredients, such as eggs, vegetables, or meat. The pretty pkhali are a traditional Georgian dish made with finely chopped vegetables, spinach, beet leaves, and eggplant, mixed with ground walnuts, herbs, and spices. The mixture is formed into small balls and served as a starter dish.
Some other popular dishes are khinkali, Georgian dumplings usually filled with meat (beef, lamb, or pork), but sometimes with cheese or mushrooms. Khinkali are typically boiled and served hot, and can be eaten as a main course or a snack.
Chakhokhbili is a Georgian stew made with chicken, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. The dish is often served with Georgian bread or rice.
Lobio is a traditional Georgian dish made with kidney beans, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. The beans are usually cooked in a clay pot and served hot as a main course.
The country of Georgia is located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north and northeast, Azerbaijan to the east and southeast, Armenia to the south, and Turkey to the southwest. The Black Sea forms Georgia’s western boundary.
Georgia has a rich and diverse culture that has been shaped by its unique history and geography. The country has been a crossroads of various civilizations for thousands of years, including Greek, Persian, Roman, Arab, Mongol, Ottoman, and Russian influences.
The Georgian people are known for their warm hospitality and love of food, wine, and music. Georgian polyphonic singing, which involves multiple vocal harmonies, is recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
