Supra: The Georgian Feast Tradition
For centuries, the Georgian Supra (feast) has been much more to the Georgian people than just lunch or dinner. It's a tradition where family members and friends gather around a large table, enjoying delicious traditional dishes, reminiscing about childhood stories, and sometimes even singing traditional Georgian polyphonic songs called "Mravaljamieri."
In this blog, we'll introduce you to the Georgian dishes and customs integral to this ritual.
Signature Georgian Dishes
The main pride of a Georgian feast lies in the diversity of traditional dishes. Each is special not only for its taste but also for its preparation method and history.
Khinkali: From Mountains to Modern Tables
Khinkali originates from Georgia's mountainous regions. Initially, it was prepared only with lamb and beef and was a favorite among shepherds—a hot, juicy dish that would satisfy and warm them when they were spending long days outside. Today, khinkali is popular throughout Georgia and comes in many variations—traditional meat along with cheese, mushrooms, and others.
Khachapuri: A Journey Through Regional Varieties
Khachapuri is a special Georgian food. Every part of Georgia makes it differently:
Imeretian style: Round bread filled with cheese;
Megrelian style: Like Imeretian, but with extra Sulguni cheese on top;
Adjarian style: Looks like a boat! It's filled with cheese and topped with an egg yolk. People say the egg stands for good weather and safe boat trips.
At "Tsiskvili" restaurants, we make a particular kind - khachapuri on a skewer. The baker wraps Sulguni cheese in the dough, skewers it like mtsvadi, and cooks it over hot coals.
Mtsvadi: The Georgian Barbecue
Mtsvadi is one of Georgian cuisine's most popular dishes, known for the cooking technique and aroma. The meat (usually pork or beef) is cut into big chunks and grilled over hot coals. Each region makes it a bit differently: Some soak the meat in spices first, Others add salt. But no matter how it's made, It is an integral part of the Georgian table.
Pkhali: A Vegetarian Delight
Georgian cuisine offers a unique gastronomic experience for people of all tastes and dietary preferences. This is evidenced by the Pkhali assortment, mainly prepared with spinach, beetroot, various herbs, and seasonings. The dish is known for its diverse flavors and lightness. Moreover, it's perfectly suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
The Tamada: Master of Ceremonies
Georgian feasts are distinguished by particular customs, central to which is the tamada (toastmaster). The tamada is the feast's leader, who gives toasts and manages the entire supra.
Picking a tamada (toastmaster) is a big deal at Georgian feasts. They're like a party host who tells great stories, makes people laugh, knows all the traditions, and keeps everyone happy and having fun.
It's noteworthy that toasts follow a particular hierarchy. The Lord is always praised in the first toast, followed by toasts to the homeland, parents, and ancestors. Special place is given to toasts about love, friendship, and peace. The tamada embellishes each toast with stories, poems, and folk sayings.
While the institution of tamada remains essential, it has taken on a more modern form. Today's tamadas focus more on guest engagement, facilitating exciting dialogues, and creating a light atmosphere rather than strictly formalized toasts.
Georgian Wine Culture
Gatherings are unimaginable without wine. Georgia, the homeland of wine, boasts an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition.
Traditional Georgian winemaking is based on the unique Qvevri method. Qvevri wine is special and known for its exceptional taste, dark color, and intense, diverse aroma. Both white (Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, Khikhvi) and red (Saperavi, Mukuzani) wines are typical at the feast.
Wine drinking has its own rules. At the supra, wine is only drunk after a toast, while before that, guests attentively listen to the feast leader. Drinking wine without a toast at a Georgian feast is considered a violation of tradition.
Properly pairing of wine and dishes is a must. For example, white wine pairs well with khachapuri and Pkhali, while red wine is ideal with Mtsvadi and other meat dishes.
Georgian supra is a process where traditions, gastronomy, and human relationships merge. The feast customs, the institution of tamada, and the wine culture add even more profound meaning.
To experience an authentic Georgian feast, visit "Tsiskvili" restaurants. Here, you can taste the dishes, spend an evening with Georgian music and dance in the background, and fully experience the diversity of Georgian culture.
Other news
For centuries, the Georgian Supra (feast) has been much more to the Georgian people than just lunch or dinner. It's a tradition where family members and friends gather around a large table, enjoying delicious traditional dishes, reminiscing about childhood stories, and sometimes even singing traditional Georgian polyphonic songs called "Mravaljamieri."
Although you can taste kebabs in many restaurants, finding a truly noteworthy version of the dish is often challenging. That's because meat quality, preparation method, and ingredient selection all play crucial roles - mess up one part and you’ll mess up a whole dish. This blog will briefly introduce you to the main criteria that will help you make the best choice—whether it's lamb, veal, chicken, or mixed meat kebab.
Enjoy delicious grilled dishes and authentic Georgian flavors, alongside a wide selection of German, Austrian, Dutch, and Czech beers. With top-quality service, an outstanding atmosphere, and live music, Beer Square is the perfect place to experience all of this in one space. Don’t miss out on your visit!
For those looking to celebrate "Svetitskhovloba" and relax outside the city, they discovered a fantastic atmosphere, delightful dishes, and a perfect mood at “Tsiskvili in Mtskheta”.
If you’re seeking a cozy atmosphere paired with high-quality cuisine, the beer square is the perfect destination. Don’t miss out on this exciting two-day beer festival!
Guests enjoyed unforgettable moments in a yard filled with autumn leaves and delicious dishes, where Georgian hospitality and joy were seamlessly intertwined.
Georgia's cultural heritage, shaped over centuries, stands out in visitors’ eyes with its diversity and depth. One of such standout elements is local folklore, including traditional dances and songs.
Georgia is known as the birthplace of wine. Archaeological data confirms that winemaking in the region began approximately 8,000 years ago, giving the country a uniquely important place in the history of viticulture.
Georgian traditional cuisine is famous for its diversity of ingredients and flavors. But you might be surprised to learn that these dishes also reflect culture, lifestyle, and history. Adjarian khachapuri is a clear example of such a dish.
Still haven’t decided what to see in Tbilisi and, most importantly, how to experience Georgian hospitality? We assure you that the capital of Georgia is a place rich in historical and cultural monuments, and you certainly won’t have time to get bored. And you should definitely visit the "Tsiskvili Group" restaurants along the way to get an authentic Georgian culinary experience.
To mark this special day, the restaurant's courtyard was beautifully decorated, with each corner thoughtfully arranged for guests to take stunning photos, making the event even more charming and memorable.
Georgian cuisine has a rich history and is characterized by unique flavors. The most famous dishes reflect the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Georgian nation. Behind each dish is a story closely related to various aspects of Georgian culture - from the religious holidays to the everyday customs.
Large-scale celebrations and corporate events can be important times in our lives that deserve special attention. Be it a birthday, anniversary, wedding, engagement, or corporate event - all of them require careful planning so the guests can have a pleasant time.
With the summer in full swing, more and more people face the challenge of finding comfortable places for meet-ups and hangouts.
"Tsiskvili Group" has opened another new restaurant - "Tsiskvili Terrace", which will host guests from today. It is located in Tbilisi, on the Zviad Gamsakhurdia Embankment 80, and is the 8th restaurant in a row of "Tsiskvili". The new branch combines a hall, terrace, and stained glass spaces.
Initially, "Tsiskvili" was a restaurant for 100 guests, which was built in 2002 on Beliashvili Street. At that time, there was no transport in this area, so no one believed that in a few years it would become a complex of this scale. Originally, there was "Ethno Tsiskvili," which still maintains trust and quality, and as a result, holds an unshakable position in the market.
One of the most distinctive dishes of Georgian cuisine is Mtsvadi. Its history spans centuries. Unlike American barbecue, which is cooked on a special closed grill, Mtsvadi is prepared over an open fire - The meat put on a skewer is placed on a slow fire and gradually approaches its final condition.
Today's pace of life differs significantly from the past. While going to restaurants and cafes was more common in the past and there was enough free time for it, today, due to the fast-paced and busy lifestyle, customers prefer to order dishes delivered to their homes. Against this backdrop, the popularity of delivery services is rapidly growing, as it allows saving time and energy.
In recent years, vegetarian and vegan diets have become increasingly popular. People choose this type of diet for various reasons, including ethical considerations related to the use of meat, personal health concerns, environmental protection, and more.
Georgia is recognized as one of the unique gastronomic destinations. Its capital, Tbilisi, has been an important trade and cultural center for centuries, which has significantly contributed to the development of rich and diverse culinary traditions.
The centuries-old history of Khinkali begins in the mountains of Georgia. For the residents of the mountain, especially Fshavi and Tusheti, khinkali was a suitable dish for cold winter days - they gathered around a freshly lit fire and ate a hot dish full of broth.
Family outings, including restaurants, are the best way to spend time, relax and make new discoveries. But in this process, important obstacles appear.
For tourists, all "Tsiskvili" restaurants are a must-visit when in Tbilisi and its environs. In recent years, new locations outside the city have been added to the "Tsiskvili" restaurant chain, including Tskneti and Mtskheta.
Few people know that "Ethno-Tsiskvili" has a long and very interesting history of development. Everything started in 2002. At that time, the street where the restaurant is located was not infrastructurally organized, nor was it distinguished by a normal road.
If you plan a tour of Mtskheta and decide to treat your tourists to traditional Georgian cuisine at our restaurant, where they will enjoy an interesting environment and beautiful views, we will offer you complimentary master classes based on your total expenditure.
Khinkali, Mtsvadi, kebab, and other traditional Georgian dishes, as well as a grill menu - this is a small list of Beer Square dishes, which the chefs will prepare in front of you on an open grill.
If you're planning a trip to Georgia and seeking a place to savor authentic Georgian cuisine, look no further than the Tsiskvili restaurant. Even for locals, this article is a valuable read, as it showcases the best of Georgian culinary delights. Discover the 10 outstanding dishes that Tsiskvili has to offer, ensuring an unforgettable taste of Georgia's rich flavors.
Guests will be able to taste a specially created menu featuring Tushetian khinkali and grilled dishes. They will also have a wide range of premium beers to choose from, including German Warsteiner, Schofferhofer, unfiltered Benedictine, Dutch Grolsch, and Czech Pilsner. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to purchase beer at a special price during Beer Days.
In an extraordinary collaboration that bridges the worlds of art and entertainment, Tsiskvili Group's "Theatre" and Ria Keburia Art Space are all set to redefine the traditional art auction with an innovative and immersive live auction experience.
On September 30 and October 1, visitors to Tsiskvili restaurant will be greeted by the autumn mood. A yard filled with delicious sweets, authentic Georgian dishes, folk and choreographic performances - this is just a glimpse of what Tsiskvili will offer to the public in Tbilisi.
A new branch of the Tsiskvili Bazari has opened in Avlabari, within the multifunctional residential complex - Moedani, offering a wide range of Georgian and European products, as well as semi-finished products made with healthy ingredients and ready meals all in one space.
This weekend, on July 1-2, at the "Festival of Georgian Regions," representatives of Racha will introduce guests to the culture and unique cuisine of their region.
"Festival of Georgian Regions" will host another outstanding region, Adjara. Representatives of Adjara will introduce their culture and cuisine to the guests in the yard of Tsiskvili on July 29 and 30.
For those getting ready for Tbilisi Open Air and excited to meet their favorite artists, there's another pleasant surprise awaiting - Tsiskvili restaurant has joined the Festival.
Masterclasses will be offered in the yard, allowing participants to cook unique Megrelian dishes with the chefs. An exhibition and sale will also be featured, offering products from Megrelian and local Georgian companies.
"The Festival of Georgian Regions" will continue with Guria days in the yard of Tsiskvili. Representatives from Guria will present their region to guests on July 15 and 16.
On the weekend of June 10-11, The culture of Kakheti will be showcased in the Tsiskvili's yard. offering guests authentic folklore, choreography, and the delights of Kakhetian wine and cuisine.
On June 3-4, Svaneti days were celebrated in the Tsiskvili's yard. During these two days, guests had the opportunity to indulge in outstanding Svanetian dishes, experience the folklore and choreography of the region, and take part in various activities.
On June 3 and 4, guests at Tsiskvili Yard will embark on a journey to Svaneti as part of the "Festival of Georgian Regions," where they will learn about its culture and savor the unique flavors of Svan cuisine. Svaneti is the second region, after Imereti, that the "Tsiskvili Group" is presenting to Georgian and foreign guests.
On May 20-21, Tsiskvili hosted Imereti. During the two days, guests had the opportunity to get to know this region of Georgia through its distinctive folk songs, choreographic numbers, and dishes, and to participate in various activities.
On May 20, the "Festival of Georgian Regions" will open in the yard of Tsiskvili with the days of Imereti, introducing Georgian and foreign guests to the authentic culture and gastronomy of Imereti.
The "Festival of Georgian Regions" is another initiative of the "Tsiskvili Group" aimed at popularizing the culture, folklore, choreography, and gastronomy of the country's various regions.
Approximately 400 specially invited guests attended "The Show," enjoying both the captivating performance and an exquisite dinner crafted specifically for the occasion under the guidance of Alex Natadze, the culinary expert behind the "Theatre" brand.
"The Tsiskvili Group proudly introduces its latest venture, a cutting-edge concept space - 'Theatre,' located on Beliashvili Street. This versatile venue comprises a stage and pavilion designed to host a diverse array of styles and genres. In a unique twist, guests attending events at 'Theatre' will also have the opportunity to enjoy a delightful dinner.
"On October 27-28, Tsiskvili Restaurant played host to a vibrant two-day beer festival at Beer Square. Attendees had the opportunity to savor premium-quality beers, including German Warsteiner and Schoferhofer, Dutch Grow, and Czech Pilsner—all available at half price during the festival.
"On October 28, Georgia hosted its inaugural national real estate awards ceremony, the Property Georgia-FIABCI-Georgia Prix D'Edx d'A Excellence Awards. Winners across 11 categories were unveiled during the event, with the restaurant Tsiskvili receiving the coveted Golden Award in the Retail Category.
For beer enthusiasts looking for a quality brew and a good time, a two-day celebration awaits. On October 27-28, the beer festival will take place at the beer square in Tsiskvili, offering a variety of entertainment activities and live music.
