If you're a bread lover, then Georgia should be on your travel bucket list. The country is known for its delicious bread varieties, each with its own unique taste and texture. From the crispy shotis puri to the soft and fluffy mchadi, Georgian bread is a must-try for foodies visiting the country. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular Georgian bread varieties and where to find them.
Shotis Puri
Shotis puri is arguably the most famous Georgian bread variety. It's a traditional bread baked in a clay oven called a tone. The dough is made from wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast, and it's shaped into a flat, round disc and slapped onto the walls of the oven, where it bakes for a few minutes until it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The bread is usually served hot, and it's perfect for dipping into soups and stews. The best place to try shotis puri is at a local bakery or restaurant, where you can watch the bakers make the bread in the traditional way. In Tbilisi, one of the best places to try shotis puri is at the famous Puris Sakhli bakery, where the bread is made fresh every day.
Mchadi
Mchadi is another popular Georgian bread variety that's made from cornmeal. The dough is mixed with water and salt and shaped into small discs, which are then fried or baked until they're golden brown.
Mchadi is often served with cheese, honey, or butter, and it's a great snack to have on the go. You can find mchadi at local markets and bakeries, and it's also a popular street food in Georgia. One of the best places to try mchadi is at the Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi, where you can find vendors selling freshly made mchadi with a variety of toppings.
Puri
Puri is a type of bread that's similar to shotis puri but with a softer texture. It's made from wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast, and it's baked in a tone oven.
Puri is a staple food in Georgia, and it's served with almost every meal. It's also used to make khachapuri, a popular Georgian cheese bread that's a must-try for foodies visiting the country. In Tbilisi, one of the best places to try puri is at the famous Puris Sakhli bakery, where the bread is made fresh every day.
Khachapuri
Khachapuri is a Georgian cheese bread that's made with puri dough and filled with a mixture of cheese, eggs, and butter. The dough is rolled out into a flat disc, and the filling is added to the center. The edges of the dough are then folded over the filling to create a boat shape, and the bread is baked until it's golden brown.
Khachapuri is a staple food in Georgia, and it's often served as a breakfast or lunch dish. There are many different varieties of khachapuri, each with its own unique filling and shape. In Tbilisi, one of the best places to try khachapuri is at the famous Khachapuri House, where you can find a variety of different khachapuri dishes.
Barbari
Barbari is a type of bread that's popular in the Kakheti region of Georgia. It's a flatbread that's made from wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast, and it's baked in a tone oven.
Barbari is usually served with cheese, vegetables, or meat, and it's a great addition to any meal. You can find barbari at local markets and bakeries in the Kakheti region. In the town of Telavi, one of the best places to try barbari is at the famous Shavi Lomi bakery, where the bread is made fresh every day.
Nazuki
Nazuki is a sweet bread that's made with honey, cinnamon, and other spices. The dough is mixed with the spices and honey and then shaped into small loaves, which are baked in a tone oven.
Nazuki is a popular dessert in Georgia, and it's often served with tea or coffee. You can find nazuki at local bakeries and markets, and it's a great treat to bring back home as a souvenir. In Tbilisi, one of the best places to try nazuki is at the famous Cafe Leila, where you can find a variety of different sweet treats.
Tips for Trying Georgian Bread
- Look for local bakeries and markets to find the freshest bread.
- Don't be afraid to try different varieties of bread to find your favorite.
- Ask the locals for recommendations on where to find the best bread.
- Try the bread with different toppings, such as cheese, honey, or butter, to experience the full range of flavors.
- Watch the bakers make the bread in the traditional way to learn more about the baking process.
Conclusion
Georgian bread is a must-try for foodies visiting the country. From the crispy shotis puri to the sweet nazuki, there's a bread variety for every taste. Make sure to try different varieties and toppings to experience the full range of flavors, and don't forget to visit local bakeries and markets for the freshest bread. Whether you're in Tbilisi, Kakheti, or any other region of Georgia, you're sure to find delicious bread that will leave you wanting more.