A Foodie’s Road Trip Through Georgia: What to Eat in Every Region

🏛️ Mtskheta & the Greater Tbilisi Area – The Place of Khinkali

Your foodie adventure begins just outside the capital in Mtskheta, one of Georgia’s oldest cities. Here, you’ll find Khinkali, Georgia’s beloved dumplings, traditionally filled with spiced meat and a hot broth inside. The trick? Bite, slurp, then eat!

🧉What to drink: Try it with a shot of local chacha—Georgia’s famous grape spirit.

📝 Don’t miss: In Tbilisi, head to a traditional duqani (tavern) for house-made khinkali and a side of fresh tarragon lemonade.

🍇 Kakheti – The Land of Wine and Sweet Treats

Next stop: Kakheti, Georgia’s premier wine region. While wine is king here, the food holds its own.

🍢 Must-try:

• Churchkhela – a sweet snack made from grape must, nuts, and flour. Think of it as Georgian trail mix on a string.
• Khashlama – boiled beef or lamb, perfect with house red wine.

🍷 What to drink: Saperavi, a bold, dark red wine native to Georgia.

📝 Don’t miss: A traditional supra (feast) with homemade mtsvadi (grilled meat skewers) and qvevri (clay-pot) wine.

🌊 Adjara – Cheese, Butter, and Boats

Roll into Batumi, where the Black Sea breeze adds extra flavor to everything.

🧀 Must-try:

• Adjarian Khachapuri – boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, topped with an egg and a knob of butter. Tear, dip, repeat!
• Borano – cheese melted in butter. Yes, it’s as rich as it sounds.

🍶 What to drink: Try a glass of Tsolikouri, a crisp white wine from western Georgia.

📝 Don’t miss: A morning market walk with local cheese tastings and a seaside lunch.

🏔️ Svaneti – High Mountains, Hearty Meals

As you climb into the Caucasus, regional cuisine in Georgia gets even more distinct. In Svaneti, traditional dishes are built to fuel hikers and herders.

🥟 Must-try:

• Kubdari – a meat-filled bread with onions and spices, kind of like a rustic pie.
• Tashmijabi – mashed potatoes mixed with gooey cheese.

🍶 What to drink: Locally brewed rakhi or a glass of mulled red wine in colder months.

📝 Don’t miss: Visit a family-owned guesthouse for a real Svanetian dinner.

🌄 Racha – Bacon Heaven and Bean Surprises

Racha might be Georgia’s most underrated foodie region. It’s smoky, hearty, and unforgettable.

🥓 Must-try:

• Lobiani – bean-filled bread, often with chunks of Racha’s famous smoked ham.
• Rachuli Lori – the smoked pork that adds depth to everything.

🍷 What to drink: Dry Rachuli wines or try a farmhouse beer if you find it.

📝 Don’t miss: Stop at a roadside shack for freshly made lobiani right out of the clay oven.

🌾 Imereti – Comfort Food Central

Heading west, you’ll reach Imereti, the home of tangy flavors and comfort dishes.

🧀 Must-try:

• Imeretian Khachapuri – flatter than its Adjarian cousin, but stuffed with a unique salty cheese.
• Kupati – flavorful sausages made from pork and spices, often packed with liver and garlic. Grilled to perfection, they’re crispy outside and juicy inside.

🍷 What to drink: Tsolikouri or Krakhuna – light, golden Imeretian wines that cut through the richness of the sausages.

📝 Don’t miss: A visit to a local bazaar to taste pickles, cheeses, and freshly grilled kupati sizzling right off the coals.

🌌 Samtskhe-Javakheti – Spice & Simplicity

In Georgia’s south, you’ll discover Armenian influences, hot springs, and surprisingly spicy food.

🍲 Must-try:

• Apokhti – dried meat often rehydrated and cooked in soups.
• Chirbuli – eggs scrambled with walnuts and tomatoes—a rich breakfast favorite.

🍶 What to drink: Matsoni (fermented yogurt drink) or local homemade wine.

📝 Don’t miss: Sample a market stall’s spice blends or dried fruits.

Final Bite: Georgia on Your Plate

From east to west, mountain to sea, every bite in Georgia tells a story. Whether you're slurping khinkali, dunking bread in melted cheese, or sipping on qvevri wine under the stars, this country offers a one-of-a-kind culinary journey.

If you’re planning your next trip, make it a Georgian food tour. You’ll taste more than just food—you’ll discover tradition, hospitality, and a culture that lives around the table.

Ready to explore the flavors of Georgia?

Let Select Georgia Tours help you plan the ultimate road trip with food tastings, local guides, and unforgettable meals.