Georgia: A Haven for Vegetarian Foodies

Georgia has so much to rave about - Khorumi dancing, a rich ancient history, one of the world's oldest languages, post-card mountain villages and glistening Black Sea beaches, just to name a few. It's considered the birthplace of wine and prides itself with unmatched hospitality paired with warm smiles, picturesque-churches such as Kazbegi's Gergeti and rich history that spans millennia. When Georgia's not wowing you with all of this, it's sweeping you off your feet with mouthwatering dishes.

From Adjarian khachapuri to fresh pkhali, there is something for everyone, especially vegetarians! Many of Georgia's tastiest dishes are completely meat-free. Georgian cuisine is loaded with locally grown produce, cheeses of every kind and the liberal use of chili with flavor-packed herbs which makes for memorable and savory dishes. Whether you are vegetarian, fasting or just trying to cut back on meat, you will never have to settle for a bland salad with these drool-worthy foods!

Khinkali

These little pouches of flavor heaven can be filled with everything from potato, cheese and herbs, mushrooms and more. My favorite is potato with a generous dash of black pepper! To eat, grab the dumpling by the dough ball on the top, bite a small hole and slurp out the juices first. It's the best part!

Lobio

If you think boiled beans are plain, think again. Georgia has a knack for taking the humblest of dishes and turning them into masterpieces. Simmered with onion, walnuts, garlic, cilantro, and heavy spices, lobio takes stewed kidney beans to a whole new level.

Khachapuri

Khachapuri has many different faces, but the most famous one is Adjarian. Adjarian khachapuri is a bread boat loaded with butter, cheese and topped with a raw egg. There are plenty of alternative versions the most popular being Imeruli and Megruli. You can't go wrong with either of these!

Mkhlovani

Mkhlovani, alternatively called fkhlovani, a bread pie packed with spinach, cheese, and fresh herbs. It hails from the mountain regions of Georgia and manages to be both comforting and refreshing at the same time.

Ajapsandali

This warm and hearty stew is packed with eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes and tons of spice leaving it completely in a league of its own and perfect for a wholesome dinner.

Top off any one of these tasty dishes with traditional chacha! Georgia is famous for more than just it’s ancient wine techniques! Chacha is a clear and stout Georgian brandy, sometimes called vine vodka and pairs nicely with most Georgian dishes, specifically khinkali.