The British Berliner
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Georgia – a basic guide to food!
And so it’s here!
The food post!
It goes without saying that my stay in Georgia was lovely.
If you had asked me about Georgia a few years ago, I couldn’t even have shown you where it was in the map, and now I can’t stop writing about it!
Really, I’m becoming quite the expert!
Georgia has been nothing but smashing!
And the Georgian locals have been fantastically welcoming, friendly, and enormously helpful.
It was first time to go to the Caucasus but it certainly, won’t be the last. If you’re just tuning in, and why is that?!
Here’s what you missed:
For those of you just catching up, here’s what I’ve been doing:
- How to use the train in Europe 2019 – 10 tips to help you!
- I’m going to Poland, Georgia & Ukraine – What fun!
- Let’s go to Georgia. In Europe!
- Brexit is Boring!
- 30 Years after the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Berlin, you’re not a teenager anymore!
- An introduction to Georgia. Not that one. The other one!
- The British Berliner is 6 years old. It’s my birthday and I’ll sing if I want to!
- An introduction to Tbilisi – 5 places you have to visit!
Gosh!
WHY GEORGIA?
Because I’m weird and I like going to interesting exotic places such as Taiwan, India, Romania and Scotland!
Scotland isn’t exotic I hear you scream!
One of the amazing things about travelling to a country that is extremely small, is that you can do soooo many things.
I spent five (5) jam-packed days in Georgia, and not once did I get anywhere near bored!
I didn’t have time to do everything, but if you’re determined, YOU certainly can!
‘Remember how I told you about 5 places you have to visit in Tbilisi!? Well, what I didn’t tell you was what to eat.
I didn’t tell you so because Georgian food needs a post all on it’s own, and here’s why!
Isn’t Georgia somewhere in Eastern Europe?
Yes.
And No!
It can’t be both, surely?
Well, geographically, it’s one of the previous communist states.
Eek!
Don’t worry.
Breathe!
However, in recent years, Georgia has begun to re-invent itself, so that even though it is actually in Central Asia, it’s marketed as a country in Eastern Europe, and South-East Europe too!
In truth, it has the vibe of the Mediterranean, and you’d be hard pressed not to think that in certain parts of Georgia, you could actually be in Turkey, or dare I say it. Ukraine!
And this is reflected in it’s food!
So let’s get started:
WHAT IS GEORGIAN FOOD?
Georgian food is defined by the diversity of Georgia’s landscape, climate, history and neighbouring traditions, as well as it’s religions, towns and villages. And each region has its own distinct culinary tradition rooting back to ancient times!
In fact, present-day Georgia is heavily influenced by food from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Belarus, Ukraine, Greece, and Russia!
The best way to experience how a nation really lives, is to go to the market place and sample street food. Or even better, indulge yourself on a guided food tour so that you can get inside knowledge from local experts!
In this case, my local experts were the executive members of the Tourism Development Department of Tbilisi City Hall who personally showed me around and catered to my every comfort with a car and chauffeur who picked me up every morning!
Thank you so much ladies!
And why?
Because food.
And lovely delicious drinks.
Yum!
I adore rustic food as it’s ultimately the best way to get to the culture of a nation.
I’ve been to many countries, and sampled many a nations’ cuisine, and Georgia was no exception!
The major characteristic they have in common is that they are made from locally produced ingredients.
Most ingredients used in Georgian food would be:
- cheese
- walnuts (yuk!)
- poultry
- mutton / lamb
- beef
- pork
- dumplings
- potatoes
- barley
- beans
- soup
- bread
- spices
- vegetables
- grapes
- oils
- honey
Take a look below:
GEORGIA – A BASIC GUIDE TO FOOD!
I could write pages and pages of what Georgian food consists of and how they make it, but instead, I’ll let the pictures do the talking and if you have further insight, let me know in the comment section below!
I stayed at the lovely boutique Museum Hotel Orbelani – one of Tbilisi’s finest and historically important hotels – beautifully designed, architecturally intriguing, located in the heart of Tbilisi, and situated mere minutes from the Bridge of Peace, Freedom Square, the Dry Bridge Flea Market, the Kura river and the egg-shaped-glass-dome-not-open-to-visitors, Presidential Palace!
I was in one of the largest rooms – the Telegraph Double room – which was enormously comfortable.
My room was huge and had a large double bed, a wide desk, a huge double wardrobe, a wide-screen TV, a mini-fridge, a large en-suite bathroom, sustainable bathroom shower gels, bathroom slippers, plenty of fluffy towels, lots of mirrors, and of course, most importantly, free fast Wi-Fi!
They even had a kettle with teabags and coffee sachets supplied, so that I could make myself a cup of tea!
The variety of nationalities visiting the hotel was nice, ranging from a tour group of elderly people from Britain, a tour group from India, a sprinkling of young Americans, and a few Korean backpackers!
The service was warm and friendly.
Prices are from €90.00 per night, including breakfast. For two people, easily €45.00 a pop!
Awesome!
Book Museum Hotel Orbeliani here or here!
BREAKFAST:
SNACKS:
LUNCH:
All the lunches I had were pretty much fantastic and highly recommended, but the dinners?
Not so much!
I simply can’t understand how a country that prides itself on it’s food can do so badly. And sadly, the food that was very disappointing was from some of Tbilisi’s most superior restaurants.
Most of that came from forgetting what was ordered, slow service and in some cases, not returning at all!
As well as undercooked pork with ribs so tough that you felt as if your teeth would fall out at the effort of chewing, cold meals that should have been hot, platters filled with food covered by grease and slime, unappetising mush, boring presentations, and nuts, when my hosts had not only written and called to state that I was allergic, but I mentioned it once again when we sat down.
And what did some of my meals have?
Walnuts!
Back to the kitchen you go!
Here’s the best of what I had!
DINNER:
DESSERT:
Dessert in Georgia was alright but not exceptional. Most of that was down to the fact that because I’m allergic to nuts, I really have to watch out.
I always having to be careful ‘cos of the liberal sprinkling of nuts and the combination of chocolate!
I don’t like chocolate either!
Don’t hate me.
Eek!
I do, on the other hand, like ice-cream.
And who doesn’t like ice cream?!!
Delicious!
Doesn’t this look yummy?
It does, doesn’t it.
Sadly, I couldn’t indulge.
And why?
Almonds.
Otherwise known as nuts!
And the little petit four above, had walnuts right on top of it’s head!
So no can do.
Thank goodness for apple pie.
And doughnuts!
Phew!
DRINKS & REFRESHMENTS:
The food culture in Georgia, as in the Caucasus, Persia and many Eastern European and Mediterranean States is that of food sharing.
And drinking.
The cost is relatively peanuts, and the quality is great.
So why shouldn’t you indulge?
Did you know that Georgia was the first country in the world, to ever produce wine?
Ever!
In fact, experts calculate that the first wine discovered was deemed to be as far back as 8,000 years ago.
It’s no wonder that wine was absolutely everywhere.
But be warned, Georgian wine is extremely strong.
I can’t under-estimate the number of times that I spluttered at the table thinking that the glass just served was a simple aperitif!
Georgian wine isn’t French champagne but it’s quite nice!
p.s. Don’t forget to hang out with the locals! I had such a great time with my guides, that we just discarded my schedule and went out for drinks in the middle of the afternoon!
Good times!
I could go on and on, but I ought to leave something for you to discover, don’t you think?
That’s it for now.
See you next week!
p.s If you’re booking hotels, houses and apartments, use this link to save 20% or more, between 5th January and 31st March 2021!
Booking.comGEORGIA – A BASIC GUIDE TO FOOD!
This article is possible thanks to the support of Tbilisi City Hall who invited me to discover the city of Tbilisi, nevertheless, absolutely all opinions and the marvellous food that I noshed on, are my very own!
Many thanks to:
- Museum Hotel Orbeliani
- Culinarium Khasheria – კულინარიუმ ხაშერია
- Azarphesha – აზარფეშა
- Kafe Leila or Cafe Leila – კაფე ლეილა
- Veriko – ვერიკო – the Wine Factory
- Puri Guliania
- Alubali – ალუბალი
- Chveni – ჩვენი
- Keto and Kote – ქეთო და კოტე
For travelling across Europe, or from Germany, please take a look at the tabs at the top of the article, my country destination page and book your hotel here!
I’ve got plans for Autumn.
If you’re not in Berlin, you’re a lost soul!
Watch this space!
DISCLOSURE!
Please note that The British Berliner is a participant in affiliate programmes designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to World Nomads Travel Insurance & Booking.com.
In short, there are two affiliate link companies connected to this post!
Every time one of these services is used, booked, and paid for via my link, I get a little percentage, but at no extra cost to yourself!
A win-win for all!
Note! I never travel without insurance as you never know what might happen.
I learnt my lesson in Spain. And obviously, in countries like Qatar, where technically the risk is higher, I can’t imagine going that far beyond WITHOUT INSURANCE. No siree! You can get yours here, at World Nomads!
So what are you waiting for?
Thanks a million!
What do you think of Georgian food & drink. Do you think I’m right or wrong? Let me know in the comments below!
See you in Berlin.
If you have any questions, send me a Tweet, talk to me on Facebook, find me on LinkedIn, make a comment below or send me an Email: victoria@thebritishberliner.com
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