How to Cook & Eat Khinkali
Cultural Delight
Khinkali are a staple of Georgian food and are found throughout the Caucasus region. I was introduced to them in Armenia, but took my hunt for the perfect khinkali more seriously once I arrived in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
Khinkali are dumplings traditionally filled with spiced meat (beef, pork, or lamb). They also have vegetarian fillings, like mushrooms, cheese, and potatoes.
The dumplings are boiled with a brothy interior, which makes them a little tricky to eat. They look like a little upside-down chef’s hat.
How to Cook Khinkali
I learned to appreciate khinkali even more after attending a local cooking class. Seven of us rubes were positioned around a table and instructed by a sweet grandmother. We had a Russian and English translator alongside.
The whole activity was super fun. We were served wine, given rolling pins, and permitted to make a mess. They even made special accommodations for me (which is so appreciated).
Inspired to get in on the fun? Here’s a khinkali recipe to try at home.
How to Eat Khinkali
Making khinkali is fun, but eating khinkali is even better since you get to eat with your hands. Here’s how it’s done:
Hold the dumpling upside down with the knot of dough in your hand.
When you bite into the dumpling, you need to simultaneously suck out the broth. Local Georgians say, “like a French kiss!” I dunno. I don’t kiss this way, but that’s how they describe the proper eating form.
Once you’ve slurped out the inside of the dumpling and eaten the dough, the top knot is discarded.
My friend Lauren eats her first khinkali to demonstrate how it’s done. Go Lauren Go!
More Georgian Food
While khinkali are indeed yummy (who doesn’t like cheese-y mashed potatoes in dumpling form?!), my all-time favorite is khachapuri.
Khachapuri, from the Georgian words khacho (cheese curd) and puri (bread), is a savory cheese-filled bread that often comes with an egg yolk floating on top and extra butter. It is slightly salty and delicious.
Other Georgian cuisine to try:
Matsoni - cold yogurt soup, made with fermented milk and lots of dill.
Chikhirtma - traditional Georgian chicken soup with an egg-based broth.
Lobiani – bean-stuffed pancakes, usually using mashed kidney beans. The one I tried was bland and dry.
Birthplace of Wine
The one thing that you learn while visiting Georgia is that it is the birthplace of wine. It’s been historically verified. And so they legitimately own the bragging rights.
Georgians invented wine 8,000 years ago, and half of all wine varietals today originated in Georgia. The traditional way to make Georgian wine is in buried clay jars.
Georgia only produces dry wines, which are organic, with no sugar or chemicals added. Which means no hangover. They are especially famous for their amber wines.
Time to Cha Cha
Cha cha is a local spirit made from the seeds and skin of grapes (a bit like grappa). I tried 3 versions: oak (tastes like whiskey), tarragon, and lemon & mint.
When you drink cha cha, it’s customary to toast three times. Led by a tamada, or toastmaster, he waxes poetic about your family’s health, prosperity to all, and peace in the world. You drink a shot of cha cha after each blessing.
Georgian Wine Culture
Georgia’s primary toast is Gaumarjos! (“Victory to all.”) It also means Hello.
Other Georgian wine traditions insist you drink your entire glass of wine to show respect. And you never bring a bottle of wine to a Georgian home, as each family makes their own wine.
In fact, you only become friends with a Georgian if you’ve gotten drunk with them. Otherwise, you’re merely an acquaintance.
Georgian hospitality is genuine. As they say, “First time guest, second time family.” I’m looking forward to visiting my Georgian family again soon.
What are your favorite foreign (to you) foods? Have you attended cooking classes before? How do you immerse yourself in new cultures when traveling?
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Christened “Wander Woman” by National Geographic, Erin Michelson is a professional speaker and author of the Nomad Life™ series of curated trips and travel guides, including the #1-ranked “Explore the World with Nomads.”