The number one dish you must try in Tbilisi and Georgia is Khinkali – meat or vegetarian dumplings. Made with a simple dough of flour and water, Khinkali’s authentic taste lies in its diverse fillings. Traditionally enjoyed with a spiced meat mixture of beef, lamb, or pork, these dumplings can also be stuffed with mushrooms, potatoes, or cheese, catering to various palates.
Khinkali is typically boiled, resulting in a dough that encases a flavorful broth alongside the filling. This broth is a cornerstone of the Khinkali flavor. Held by its twisted knob (known as the “kuchi“), take a small bite and drink the broth before savoring the rest. Discard the kuchi. In this post, we provide all the best places to try one of the country’s national dishes.
Cafe Daphna
Photo Source: Cafe Daphna Facebook Page
Cafe Daphna is a modern Sakhinkle (a venue that serves mainly Khinkali) with many other modern Georgian dishes in its minimalist and attractive interior. The menu has a variety of types of Khinkali, both meat and vegetable-based. They have both mountain (with dried herbs) and Kalakuri (with fresh herbs), as well as ones with mushroom, potato, and potato and cheese mixture. And if you are up for trying something very different, order a Dambalkhacho dumpling made with mountain-aged cheese. However, note that it has a very distinctive taste.
Pictograma
Photo Source: Pictogramma Facebook Page
Pictograma is one of the best places to eat mountain-type Khinkali based on the most authentic recipe. Apart from the meat, they also have a mixture of cheese and potato with erbo and Georgian ghee. Pairing your Khinkali with their mountain beer is a must. The place is small and usually gets packed in the evenings, so reserve a table.
Zodiako
Photo Source: Zodiako Facebook Page
Zodiako is another favorite Sakhinkle for many locals. This Tbilisi branch of Telavi restaurant offers tasty Khinkali. Their Kalakuri and Mountain ones are flavorful and delicious. We also recommend trying the Nadughi and Sulguni cheese mixtures, as they make one of the best in town. Even though it’s big with many tables, it gets busy, especially over the weekend, so you may be asked to wait in line.
Tsiskvili
Photo Source: Tsiskvili Facebook Page
Tsiskvili is a local restaurant chain with a few eateries in Tbilisi, Mtskheta, and Tskneti. Their Ethno Tsiskvili branch is the most famous and another excellent choice for Khinkali and other traditional Georgian food.
The exterior and the courtyard of Ethno Tsiskvili are impressive, with a natural waterfall and an old water mill, while inside, it looks like a small museum where you can see traditional and folk items. With live music and traditional Georgian dance shows, it is an excellent restaurant where you can simultaneously savor Georgian culture and cuisine.
Shemomechama
Photo Source: Shemomechama Facebook Page
Shemomechama is another favorite restaurant for Khinkali for many. The word means something like, “It was so good, I accidentally ate everything.” Making some of the best Khinkali in Tbilisi, there are three branches in various neighborhoods. With the concept of a quick eatery, you can watch the Georgian women hand-wrapping Khinkali in their window-covered kitchen. Their Khinkali are both flavorful and juicy.
Pasanauri
Photo Source: Pasanauri Facebook Page
Pasanauri is another restaurant chain known for its tasty Khinkali. Like typical restaurants, Pasanauri’s menu also offers a wide choice of dumplings and other Georgian food. Come here to try their house version, Pasanauri, seasoned with their blend of spices.
Bernard
Bernard has long been a local’s favorite Sakhinkle as it serves as a draft beer house and a sports bar and is open all day. While the menu is extensive with many choices, locals come here for Khinkali, beer, and maybe a few other dishes. Their Kalakuri version is quite good, but you can’t go wrong with different types. And remember to pair it with a beer.
Asi Khinkali
Photo Source: Asi Khinkali Facebook Page
Asi, or 100 Khinkali, is a small basement-level venue with indoor and outdoor seating. It is another popular eatery among locals and visitors, so booking a table during busy days (weekends) or evenings is recommended. They have both meat and vegetarian versions. They also make their own special one with tarragon.
Amo Rame Bani
Photo Source: Amo Rame Facebook Page
Located on Aghmashenebeli Avenue, a few minutes walk from Marjanishvili metro, Amo Rame Bani offers three types of Khinkali – beef, cottage cheese, and potatoes. While they all are quite tasty and distinctly hand-wrapped, the cottage cheese ones are the prettiest, shaped like a cute fish. Apart from Khinkali, you can order salads, pasta, Kahahpuris, soups, and desserts.
HB
Photo Source: HB Facebook Page
Trying Khinkali in this German beer restaurant is another excellent place to add to your list. The dumplings here have thin dough but stay intact, while the broth is flavorful and well-balanced.
The mountain-type one is well-spiced and one of the best to try here. Pairing them with HB beer goes without saying. They also have vegetarian ones made from black beans, potato, and cheese. And if you feel like it, you can also order other Georgian or German meals.
