Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, is a food lover's paradise. The city is famous for its vibrant street food scene, which offers a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From traditional Georgian cuisine to international flavors, Tbilisi's street food scene has something for everyone. In this post, we will take you on a culinary journey through the streets of Tbilisi, exploring the best street food spots and dishes that you must try.
Khachapuri – A Georgian National Dish
If you are a cheese lover, then you must try Khachapuri, a Georgian national dish that is loved by locals and tourists alike. Khachapuri is a type of cheese-filled bread that comes in various shapes and sizes. The most famous types of Khachapuri are Imeruli and Adjaruli. Imeruli Khachapuri is a round-shaped bread filled with melted cheese, while Adjaruli Khachapuri is boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, butter, and a raw egg. Adjaruli Khachapuri is a must-try dish when in Tbilisi, as it is a unique and delicious culinary experience. You can find Khachapuri in almost every corner of Tbilisi, but the best ones are found at street vendors.
Georgian Barbecue – A Meat Lover's Delight
Georgian barbecue, also known as Mtsvadi, is a meat lover's delight. Mtsvadi is made from marinated chunks of meat, usually pork or beef, grilled over an open flame. The meat is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, making it a popular street food dish in Tbilisi. You can find Mtsvadi at almost every street corner in Tbilisi, but the best ones are found at the old town of Tbilisi.
Churchkhela – A Nutty Sweet Treat
If you have a sweet tooth, then Churchkhela is the perfect street food for you. Churchkhela is a traditional Georgian sweet made from nuts, usually walnuts or hazelnuts, that are dipped in a thick grape juice mixture and left to dry. The end result is a chewy, nutty, and sweet treat that is perfect for a mid-day snack. You can find Churchkhela in almost every street market in Tbilisi, but the best ones are found at the Dezerter Bazaar.
Lobiani – A Vegetarian Delight
Lobiani is a Georgian vegetarian dish that is perfect for those who prefer plant-based meals. Lobiani is a type of bread filled with a spiced bean paste, usually made from red kidney beans. The bread is soft and fluffy, while the filling is flavorful and spicy, making it a perfect street food dish for a cold winter day. You can find Lobiani at almost every street food vendor in Tbilisi, but the best ones are found at the Agmashenebeli Avenue.
Khinkali – A Dumpling Delight
Khinkali is a type of dumpling that is popular in Georgia. Khinkali is filled with meat, usually pork or beef, and spices, and is boiled in water. The dumplings are juicy and flavorful, making them a perfect street food dish for a quick snack or a light meal. You can find Khinkali in almost every street food vendor in Tbilisi, but the best ones are found at the Dzveli Tbilisi (Old Tbilisi) area.
Adjarian Khachapuri – A Must-Try Dish
Adjarian Khachapuri is a must-try dish when in Tbilisi. It is a unique and delicious culinary experience that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The dish is boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, butter, and a raw egg. The egg is usually mixed in with the cheese and butter, and the whole thing is baked until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. The end result is a gooey, cheesy, and delicious dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can find Adjarian Khachapuri at almost every street food vendor in Tbilisi, but the best ones are found at the old town of Tbilisi.
Kebab – A Middle Eastern Delight
Kebab is a Middle Eastern dish that has become popular in Tbilisi's street food scene. Kebab is made from marinated chunks of meat, usually lamb or beef, that are grilled over an open flame. The meat is tender and flavorful, and is usually served with fresh vegetables and pita bread. Kebab is a perfect street food dish for a quick snack or a light meal. You can find Kebab at almost every street food vendor in Tbilisi, but the best ones are found at the Rustaveli Avenue.
Chakhokhbili – A Hearty Stew
Chakhokhbili is a traditional Georgian stew that is perfect for a cold winter day. Chakhokhbili is made from chicken or beef, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices. The stew is hearty, flavorful, and filling, making it a perfect street food dish for lunch or dinner. You can find Chakhokhbili at almost every street food vendor in Tbilisi, but the best ones are found at the old town of Tbilisi.
Conclusion
Tbilisi's street food scene is a must-visit for any food lover. The city offers a wide variety of street food dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. From traditional Georgian cuisine to international flavors, Tbilisi's street food scene has something for everyone. So, the next time you visit Tbilisi, make sure to explore the city's street food scene and try out these delicious dishes.