Top 10 Georgian dishes to try in Batumi

Georgian cuisine is very rich and tasty. It is difficult to find anywhere else as many different dishes of meat and vegetables, as represented in Georgia. And the passion of Georgians for various herbs and spices gives their dishes a special flavor. The originality of Georgian cuisine lies in the fact that almost every national dish  – is the ancient home recipe that is at least one hundred years old. All that has changed over the years is the cooking utensils and accessories that greatly simplify the life of a chef; the recipes and tastes are unchanged. In this article we will tell you about the most delicious dishes that you definitely need to try on arrival in Batumi and Georgia generally.

1. Khinkali. Large dumplings, cooked in the form of bags of tight dough, with the lamb mince and beef broth inside. The story says that this delicacy appeared during the wars with the Persians. Wounded soldiers were to recover after the battle and gain strength. That is why Georgian women created a recipe of khinkali. According to the tradition, they should be eaten with fingers, and the separated tails should be placed on the edge of the plate – this is how the most “professional” eater was determined. The most delicious khinkalis in Batumi are prepared in the restaurant “Saghighino” (34 Baratashvili st.).

Khinkali. Photo: zenge.kz

2. Khachapuri. The name comes from the words “hacho” (cottage cheese) and “puri” (bread). Cheese buns were baked for the first time in  Middle Ages in the mountainous regions in the north-west of Georgia. Different districts had their own unique khachapuri recipes: the shape was changing, cheese was poured with an egg. But the main secret of delicious pastries is to cook with love and warmth in your heart. You can try the best khachapuri of Batumi in the cafe “Laguna” (18 Zurab Gorgiladze st.).

Khachapuri. Photo: zira.uz

3. Chakhokhbili. Poultry stew is one of the most common dishes of Georgian national cuisine. According to legend, a lady once needed to cook a pheasant, but as luck would have it, neither oil, nor any fat in the house was found. Then the enterprising hostess fried the meat “dry”, adding after the spices and stewing in tomato sauce. So this dish first appeared. It can be found in the restaurant “Heart of Batumi” (11 Gen. Mazniashvili st.).

Chakhokhbili. Photo: izkuricy.ru

4. Suluguni on ketsi. To visit Georgia and not try the local suluguni … There are many recipes of preparing and serving this cheese: it is spiced with herbs, fried, smoked, served in its pure form or as part of a salad. In cafes and restaurants you can often meet Suluguni on ketsi. Ketsi is a frying pan made of clay with high sides. Thin mugs of potatoes or tomatoes are covered with large pieces of suluguni. It is necessary to fry all this under a tightly closed lid, and a few minutes before cooking remove the lid. We recommend to try this dish in the restaurant “Tavaduri” (Lermontova st., 36/38).

Suluguni on ketsi. Photo: ojakhuri.ru

5. Chicken Chkmeruli. The name comes from the place of creation of the recipe – the village Chkmeri which is located in the north of Georgia. This is fried chicken in cream garlic sauce. Chicken is marinated in sunflower oil with hot red pepper. We advise you to try this delicacy in the restaurant “Shemoikhede Genatsvale” (8 Noe Zhordania st.).

Chicken Chkmeruli. Photo: cf.ua

6. Chikhirtma. It is thick chicken soup, cooked without vegetables with egg and flour dressing. On the  one hand, this first dish is considered very light, and on the other hand, it is very satisfying because of the addition of flour to it. Sour from the lemon gives the soup a special smack. One portion is enough for the whole day. Taste chikhirtma in the restaurant “Zakhar Zakharych” (53 Parnavez Mepe St).

Chikhirtma. Photo: yandex.ru

7. Churchkhela. This unique Georgian sweetness is made from grape juice and flour. There are different types: with walnuts and hazelnuts, wheat or corn flour, with sour saperavi. History tells that the Georgian soldiers took this delicacy with them on the road, because it is very nutritious and does not spoil on the way, keeping all the vitamins. In Batumi it is best to buy churchkhela in the “Badagi” shop (23 Baratashvili st.), because there it is of high quality, without adding sugar.

Eastern delicacy churchkhela as background

8. Falafel. Bean balls, deep fried and seasoned with spices.  This dish originated in Egypt. It was eaten in Lent instead of meat. This element of vegetarian cuisine is very popular in Batumi. Try falafel in the cafe “Radio” (11 Shota Rustaveli st.).

Falafel. Photo: askme.zone

9. Chakapuli. It is a stewed meat with herbs and spices. Most often they use for cooking mutton and on holidays lamb. Prepare chakapuli in late spring and early summer when you have the necessary ingredients. Often they eat this dish on Easter and in St. George. In Batumi you can eat chakapuli with fragrant tarragon in the restaurant “Kiziki” (24 Melikishvili st.). 

Chakapuli. Photo: deskgram.net

10. Mtsvadi. That`s what they call classic Georgian shish kebab. Its main feature is the absence of a marinade that can cut the taste of meat, only salt and pepper. They prepare mtsvadi on a dry grapevine – it is believed that the wood of fruit trees makes the kebab more fragrant. They serve mtsvadi with wine, sauces to choose from – tkemali and satsebeli, vegetables and greens. You can find this dish in almost every institution in Batumi. It is tasty cooked in “The White Restaurant” (84 Sheriff Khimshiashvili st.).

Mtsvadi. Photo: weproject.kz

In the same restaurant you can enjoy all the above dishes. This unique institution is located near our hotel “Rock Hotel First Line” (15-A Sheriff Khimshiashvili). After a satisfying lunch or dinner, you will definitely want to relax. If you need not just place to sleep a night, but a cozy atmospheric room, come to us! “Rock Hotel First Line” is always happy to new guests!