Tbilisi Culinary Adventure with a Tea Tasting Ceremony

Food might seem like just an ordinary thing that we require daily for survival and it is, but the Georgians know how to make every single meal a unique and fun social occasion! For centuries, traditions of toast-making, food sharing and slow cooking have been kept alive by enthusiastic local cooks. Today, we’re going to experience a meal, Georgian-style and tap into their particular brand of hospitable magic. 

Georgia’s cuisine is a unique fusion of Middle Eastern, Persian and other influences. It can be characterised by an abundance of fresh green herbs, vegetables, garlic, walnuts, different kinds of bread, cheese and generous meat dishes. Our tour will begin with an introduction to Georgian cooking with a stop at one of our favourite little gastronomic stores, where we’ll explore the eclectic assortment of spices and cheeses and talk about the origins of traditional Georgian food.

Next we will stroll the backstreets of the Old Town towards a restaurant that’s popular with the locals for its traditional cuisine. Here we’ll dine on khinkali (dumplings filled with meat and steaming broth), Georgian salad and vegetable pkhali (crushed aubergine/spinach/beetroot with walnut and garlic paste) which we will wash down with a glass of local wine or even chacha (a type of strong, local brandy) if you're brave enough.

Our final stop is a museum/shop that focusses on all things ‘tea.’. You will learn about some of the old school tea traditions that were embraced during Tbilisi's heyday as a major trading stop on the Silk Route. We’ll also discuss the growing revival of tea-drinking in Georgia while we indulge in a tea ceremony that are ancestors would be proud of! Our host will share his fascinating stories about his work and his life growing up in Tbilisi.

Your tour ends here but if you wish to continue your food and drink adventure, your guide will be able to recommend more stops to keep those hunger and thirst pangs at bay. Before you go, don’t forget to ask for more tips on what else to there is to see and do in Tbilisi while you’re in town.