Street food in Tbilisi, the heart of Georgia, is another gem you shouldn’t overlook when you are traveling in this wonderful country. From sizzling meats to warm, cheesy pastries and refreshing local drinks, street food in Tbilisi captures the essence of Georgian street food culture very well. It doesn’t matter if you are strolling down Rustaveli Avenue or getting lost in the Old Town; there is a guaranteed chance that there will be something delicious to grab around the corner. If you’re wondering what to eat in Tbilisi, this guide will walk you through some of the most beloved dishes and drinks that make the city a haven for food lovers.
Tbilisi’s Best Food
When it comes to the best food, the topic gets more complicated, since there are so many options to choose from. From cheese to meat to vegetables, you will find dishes with anything, suitable for any taste, doesn’t matter if you are looking for quick snack or a meal to go with your Georgian wine, there will be something for you. Let’s take a look at the local favorites that you must try while visiting.
Khachapuri
First on the list, of course, we have Khachapuri. This dish is Georgia’s iconic cheese bread and a must-try for anyone exploring street food in Tbilisi, Georgia. While there are many regional versions, the most popular in Tbilisi is Imeretian Khachapuri—a round, doughy bread filled with tangy, salty cheese. You can find khachapuri everywhere, from fancy restaurants to the street bakeries, where it’s often served hot and fresh, wrapped in paper for easy eating on the move.
Shawarma
Even though this dish is not native to Georgia, shawarma has been wholeheartedly embraced as part of Tbilisi street food culture with ease. Spiced chicken or beef is stacked on a vertical spit, shaved thin, and wrapped in lavash with veggies and sauces. There are tons of restaurants and street vendors that sell this dish, and its mouthwatering aroma will certainly be a giveaway that you are near the place that sells shawarmas. Affordable, fast, and flavorful, it’s a go-to snack for locals and tourists alike.
Lobiani
If you are not a fan of cheese or want something meat-free, try lobiani—a bean-filled pastry that’s hearty, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Lobiani is a very similar dish to Khachapuri visually, but the filling is what makes it different. Lobiani is often enjoyed during Orthodox fasting periods; it’s one of the most common forms of food from country Georgia, found at bakeries and street food stalls. This food is also shaped in different forms, not just circles, and the type of dough can also vary.
Kubdari
Kubdari originates from the Svaneti region. This dish has made its way into the Tbilisi street food scene with great ease. It’s a meat-filled bread packed with chunks of pork or beef, garlic, and Georgian spices, and because of its bold flavors and rustic texture, it became a beloved choice for those wanting an authentic Georgian street food experience. But be careful to not mistake kubdari with lobiani and khachapuri, since they look similar.
Mtsvadi
If you’re craving grilled meat in Georgia, Mtsvadi is the answer to your wishes and definitely on the list for being one of the best meals among the best Georgian cuisine. This traditional Georgian barbecue features marinated pork skewered and grilled over an open flame and charcoals, sometimes with onions and vegetables. While mtsvadi is often served in restaurants, you’ll also find street vendors firing it up over coals, filling the air with aromas of fire and meat that are hard to resist.
Churchkhela
Now if we go to the traditional sweet treats, we have to talk about Churchkhela! Churchkhela looks like a string of colorful candles, but it’s actually a natural, sweet snack made from grape juice, nuts, and flour. It’s a staple of street food in Tbilisi Georgia perfect for those wanting a sugar fix that’s also traditional and handmade. You can find churchkhelas that are different colors—those are usually ones that are made from other juices. There is also a wide variety of nuts to choose from when choosing your churchkhela. Another great thing about churchkhela is that it doesn’t go bad soon; you can take it with you during travel and not worry about it.
Lagidze Water
If you want a refreshing break from all the eating, Lagidze Water is a fizzy, flavored soda made with natural syrups that you can find in restaurants, malls, and stalls in Tbilisi. It comes in unique flavors like tarragon, chocolate, and cream, as well as more well-known ones like pear, grape, cherry, and so on. You’ll find it at kiosks across the city, making it one of the most nostalgic drinks in street food Georgia culture.
Achma
Think of Achma as Georgia’s cheesy lasagna, a cousin to Khachapuri. This layered dish made with thin sheets of dough and melted cheese is best enjoyed warm and gooey. It’s a bit heavier than your average street snack, but so rich and delicious it’s worth every bite. Just like other baked goods, it’s easy to find when searching for street food in Tbilisi.
Qada
For one more treat, we can recommend Qada. Qada is a flaky, sweet, or savory pastry often sold at bakeries and street stands. This food from Georgia country has a crumbly, buttery texture and can be filled with sugar, jam, nuts, or cheese. For many locals, it’s a go-to breakfast on the run.
Chebureki
Originally from Central Asia, Chebureki has found a home among Tbilisi best food options. These crispy fried turnovers are stuffed with minced meat and spices, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. You’ll often spot them sizzling in oil on the streets, stalls, and bakeries of Tbilisi. This dish certainly adds its own spark to the scene of street food Tbilisi.
Ponchiki
Ponchiki are another sweet treat you can grab in the streets of Tbilisi. It’s the Georgian version of donuts—deep-fried, fluffy, and filled with sweet cream or jam. Sold warm and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re a childhood favorite that continues to delight locals and tourists alike, even though the name Ponchiki is also not originally from Georgia.
Conclusion
Tbilisi’s street food scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, cheesy, or meaty, there’s always a treat waiting just around the corner. From the smoky skewers of Mtsvadi to the fizzy sip of Lagidze Water, every bite tells a story of tradition and flavor. So next time you find yourself wandering the streets of Georgia’s capital, be sure to indulge in the unforgettable street food in Tbilisi—it’s one of the best ways to truly taste the soul of the city.
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