Georgian food is one of the great surprises of travel. It is generous, bold and endlessly sociable, and it blends Eastern and Western flavours into something completely its own. Add some of the oldest winemaking traditions on Earth, and you have a destination that rewards hungry travellers.

At Untravelled Paths, we love eating our way across Georgia on our small-group trips. So, here is our guide to the dishes you must try, the wine you must taste and the feasting customs that make a meal here unforgettable.

Khinkali and Khachapuri: The Dishes You Cannot Miss

Start with khinkali. These large, twisted dumplings are filled with spiced meat and a rich broth. Traditionally, you hold one by the top knot, take a small bite, and sip the juices first. Then you eat the rest, but you leave the doughy knot on the plate.

Next, order khachapuri, the famous cheese-filled bread. Every region has its own style. The boat-shaped Adjarian version comes topped with a runny egg and a pat of butter, and you tear off the crust to dip it. Together, these two classics are the heart of Georgian food, and they are best shared with new friends.

The Supra: Georgia’s Great Feast

A supra is more than a meal. It is a long, joyful feast, led by a toastmaster known as the tamada. Tables fill with salads, grilled meats, walnut sauces, fresh herbs, breads and cheeses. Moreover, new plates keep arriving until you cannot eat another bite.

Between courses, the tamada proposes toasts to friends, family, peace and the country itself. Everyone raises a glass and joins in. As a result, a supra becomes a warm introduction to Georgian hospitality. On our trips, we arrange meals like this so you can experience the tradition properly.

Georgian Wine: 8,000 Years of Qvevri Tradition

Georgia is widely described as the birthplace of wine. Winemakers here have used qvevri, large clay vessels buried in the ground, for thousands of years. This method gives the famous amber wines their golden colour and distinctive, slightly tannic taste.

The vineyards of Kakheti, in the east, are the best place to taste. You can walk among the vines, meet family producers and sample wines straight from the cellar. In addition, red varieties such as Saperavi are deep and full-bodied. Therefore, a visit to a vineyard is a highlight of any food-focused trip.

Tbilisi: Spice Markets, Old Town Cafés and Street Food

Tbilisi is the perfect place to put it all together. Wander through the markets and you will find bowls of fragrant spices, dried fruit, churchkhela candies and fresh bread. Furthermore, small bakeries and cafés tucked into the old streets serve everything from pastries to hearty stews.

Take your time. Then, finish the day on a terrace overlooking the balconied houses with a glass of local wine. Compared with many European capitals, Tbilisi feels relaxed and refreshingly affordable. Above all, the food scene shows how proud Georgians are of their cooking.

Ready to Taste Georgian Food for Yourself?

There is no better way to understand Georgia than by sitting down at its table. From the first khinkali to the last toast, every meal tells a story about the people and the land.

Join us on our Georgia Experience, a small-group adventure travel trip with a local guide. Many of our 2027 dates are currently 15% off, so it is a good time to start planning.

Written by James Chisnall