Every country offers many different kinds of tasty dishes. For the past couple of years, I've been traveling to new countries and trying traditional foods. Either if you're going to be traveling to these countries in the future, or you're just interested in what other countries have to offer, join me on this food tour!
The first country I'll be sharing with you is my home country, Georgia. Georgia is a beautiful country on the west side of the Black Sea, below Russia, above Turkey. The small country has lots of things to see and do. If you're looking for cultural/traditional foods, don't worry, Georgia has lots and lots of amazing different kinds of foods so here are some must-try:
Acharuli Xhachapuri
Khachapuri (ხაჭაპური) is a traditional Georgian dish that is known as a cheese-filled-bread that is made in many different ways. The most popular way, and after trying many kinds, my favorite way is Acharuli Khachapuri (აჭარული ხაჭაპური). The bread is filled with melted cheese and egg which creates a dipping sauce after baking. To eat, you must rip off small parts of the bread's outer crust and dip into the cheese. Another type of Khachapuri is Imeruli Khachapuri (იმერული ხაჭაპური). Now this one's different, but it's the same concept. From the outside, it looks a bit like a pizza, and it's even cut like a pizza! But there are no sauces on the outside. The outside is just dough! What's on the inside is what counts. The inside is stuffed with more than enough cheese and then baked on a hot pan.
Georgian Lemonade
This cheesy deliciousness is usually served with authentic Georgian Lemonade. Now Georgian Lemonade isn't your typical squeezed lemon juice with sugar, it's much different. It is a carbonated drink that can be found in many flavors like cream, lemon, pear, and saperavi grape. It's a sweet refreshing drink that is also one of the many must-try of Georgia.
Khinkali
Khinkali (ხინკალი) may be one of the most popular dishes in Georgia as well. Khinkali is a dumpling filled with beef and pork stuffing. After the dumplings are boiled. Depending on the restaurant you eat it, you will choose what kind you want, Kalakuri or Khevsuruli. Kalakuri Khinkali has chopped parsley in it where Khevsuruli Khinkali does not. Some people like one more than the other but, it's all personal preference. Many people like to sprinkle black pepper on top but, that also depends on personal preference. Now when you eat Khinkali, you have to eat it with your hands. After taking a small bite, drink up all the juice, and then enjoy the rest.
Now if you're looking for something sweet, Churchkhela (ჩურჩხელა) is a treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth! Churchkhela is a traditional Georgian, candy-shaped, candy. Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts are threaded onto a piece of string and then are dipped into a thick grape juice/fruit juice type of pudding. The fresh Churchkhela is then hung up to dry and harden. There are many different flavors and styles but the most popular type is walnuts and grape juice. Because Georgia is the original wine country, there are hundreds of vineyards. Most of the vineyards are for winemaking but some produce grapes that can be eaten as a fruit or used in making jams or Churchkhela!
Now, this is most definitely not all that is the country has to offer, but they are some of the most popular dishes. Georgia is a very beautiful country to visit and see, and you definitely won't be hungry when you're there.
