You can find us in the following cities in Georgia:

• Kvareli (Kakheti)
• Tbilisi

Welcome to Georgia

Welcome to Georgia, a land where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with warm hospitality and unforgettable cuisine. Here, food is more than just nourishment – it is a celebration of life, culture, and connection. Every shared table tells a story, from the famous supra feast filled with heartfelt toasts to the lovingly prepared family recipes passed down through generations. Dining with a Georgian family is not just a meal, it is an invitation into their home, their history, and their way of life.

Cultural Snapshot

Georgia’s culture is a rich blend of ancient traditions, deep spirituality, and a profound sense of community. Family lies at the heart of daily life, and hospitality is considered a sacred duty. Sharing food is central to Georgian culture, with long tables filled with homemade dishes and wine bringing people together. The supra, Georgia’s traditional feast, is a living expression of unity, where stories, songs, and heartfelt toasts intertwine with the flavors of the cuisine. To experience Georgian dining is to witness the warmth and soul of the people themselves.

Local Dining Etiquette

• Be prepared for generous hospitality – it is polite to accept the food and wine offered to you, as refusing may be seen as disrespectful.
• During a supra, the traditional feast, listen to the tamada (toastmaster) and wait for their toast before drinking.
• Clinking glasses is a sign of respect and unity, so make eye contact when toasting with others.
• Meals are served family-style, with dishes placed in the center of the table for everyone to share.
• When visiting a Georgian home, bringing a small gift such as sweets, flowers, or wine is a thoughtful gesture of appreciation.

Signature Dishes & Local Delicacies

Georgia’s cuisine is a feast of bold flavors and comforting dishes, deeply tied to the land and its traditions. Be sure to try khachapuri, the iconic cheese-filled bread that comes in many regional varieties, and khinkali, juicy dumplings filled with meat and spices. Taste the rich stews like chakapuli made with lamb and tarragon, or satsivi, chicken in a creamy walnut sauce. And of course, no Georgian meal is complete without sampling the country’s world-renowned wines, some of the oldest in the world, crafted using ancient clay qvevri vessels.

National Holidays and Special Days

• New Year’s Day – January 1, celebrated with family gatherings and festive meals
• Orthodox Christmas – January 7, a deeply spiritual holiday marked by church services and family feasts
• Independence Day – May 26, commemorating Georgia’s declaration of independence with parades, concerts, and traditional food
• Day of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – October 14, an important religious celebration in Mtskheta, Georgia’s spiritual capital
• Grape Harvest Festival (Rtveli) – late September to October, a joyful time of wine-making, music, and abundant tables of food

Note: During these special days, Georgian families often open their homes with even greater warmth, making it a truly unique moment to share in their traditions and culinary treasures.

Safety and Travel Tips

Georgia is a welcoming and generally safe country for travelers, with locals known for their hospitality. Still, it is always wise to stay mindful of your surroundings. Tap water is safe to drink in many places, but bottled water is often preferred by visitors. Roads in rural areas can be challenging, so take care when traveling outside the cities, and if you are driving, be prepared for mountain routes. When dining with families or joining a supra, pace yourself with the food and wine, as the toasts and generous hospitality can last for hours.

Language Corner

• “Hello” – Gamarjoba (გამარჯობა)
• “Thank you” – Madloba (მადლობა)
• “Yes” – Ki (დიახ / კი)
• “No” – Ara (არა)
• “I am allergic to…” – Me makvs alergia… (მე მაქვს ალერგია…)
• “How much?” – Ra ghirs? (რა ღირს?)

Fascinating Facts & Fun Tidbits

• Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine, with a tradition of winemaking that goes back over 8,000 years.
• The Georgian alphabet is one of only a few unique alphabets in the world, known for its beautiful, rounded script.
• Hospitality is so important in Georgia that a guest is often referred to as a “gift from God.”