If you’re a food lover living in the UAE, you’ve probably tried dishes from around the world—Lebanese, Indian, Thai, Italian, and more. But now, there’s a new cuisine quietly winning hearts across the Emirates: Georgian food.
Tucked away in Dubai’s busy dining scene is a growing number of Georgian restaurants offering something truly different—warm hospitality, bold spices, rich cheese-filled breads, and juicy meat dishes that taste like home-cooked comfort food. And people are starting to take notice.
What Is Georgian Food All About?
Georgia, the country—not the US state—is a small nation located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, bordered by Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Its food reflects this unique mix of cultures, offering flavours that are familiar yet different at the same time.
Think of hot, gooey khachapuri—cheese-stuffed bread shaped like a boat, with an egg yolk in the middle. Or khinkali—giant soup dumplings that you hold by the top, take a small bite, and sip the juice inside before digging in. There’s also mtsvadi, a Georgian-style grilled meat that is smoky, juicy, and full of spices.
These are not just meals—they’re an experience.
Where to Find It in the UAE
One of the best-known Georgian spots in the UAE is “Racha Georgian Restaurant” in Dubai. Located in Jumeirah, it’s named after a region in western Georgia and is run by a group of Georgian expats who wanted to bring a piece of their culture to the Middle East.
Walk inside and you’re greeted with wooden interiors, warm lighting, and folk music that sets the tone. The waiters are friendly, and most of them are Georgian themselves. The menu is fully traditional, offering everything from cheese-filled breads and dumplings to hearty stews and homemade pickles.
Another popular spot is “Tbilisi Restaurant,” which has locations in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It’s a little more modern in look, but the food is just as authentic. Their khinkali has become famous among food bloggers in the UAE, and many customers come back just for that dish.
Why Are People Loving It?
There are a few reasons why Georgian food is becoming more popular in the UAE.
First, it’s unique. While people in the region are used to Middle Eastern, South Asian, and even Far Eastern flavours, Georgian cuisine offers something new. It’s full of herbs like coriander and tarragon, uses rich ingredients like walnut paste and pomegranate seeds, and mixes sweet and savoury in surprising ways.
Second, it’s comforting. Many dishes are warm, cheesy, or doughy—perfect for a cozy dinner out or a casual lunch with friends. In a world full of fast food and trendy fusion dishes, Georgian food feels genuine and made with love.
Third, it’s great for sharing. Georgian meals are traditionally served in a family-style format, where several dishes are brought to the table and shared among everyone. This fits well with the social culture of the UAE, where people often dine out in groups.
The Georgian Touch: Beyond Just Food
These restaurants aren’t just about the food—they’re about culture too. Many Georgian spots in the UAE offer live music nights, especially on weekends, with traditional singing and dancing. Some even host events for special Georgian holidays, where you can enjoy a full feast with music, wine, and storytelling.
Speaking of wine, did you know Georgia is considered one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world? Some restaurants import Georgian wine, which is usually less sweet and more earthy than what you might find in supermarkets. It pairs beautifully with the food and offers guests a more complete cultural experience.
A Growing Trend
According to local business owners, interest in Georgian cuisine has been slowly growing over the past few years. While it started with Georgian expats looking for a taste of home, more and more Emiratis and expats from other countries are discovering the charm of this lesser-known cuisine.
Social media has played a big role. Instagram and TikTok food influencers have been posting videos of khachapuri being pulled apart or the moment someone bites into a juicy khinkali. These visual moments catch attention and make people curious to try it out for themselves.
There’s also a growing appetite in the UAE for trying “off-the-beaten-path” cuisines—whether it’s Peruvian, Uzbek, or Georgian. Dubai, in particular, has become a hotspot for culinary experimentation, and restaurants are popping up to meet the demand.
What’s Next?
With this rising interest, some restaurateurs are planning to expand. Rumours suggest a few Georgian restaurant chains may soon open branches in Sharjah or even the northern emirates. There’s also talk of food trucks offering Georgian snacks at weekend markets and beachside events.
One chef from Tbilisi Restaurant even mentioned plans to launch cooking classes for locals and tourists who want to learn how to make khachapuri or khinkali at home. This could be a great way to bring more people into the world of Georgian food and culture.
Final Bite
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or someone just looking to try something new, Georgian cuisine in the UAE is definitely worth exploring. It offers hearty dishes, rich flavours, and a whole new dining experience that’s both satisfying and fun.
So next time you’re scrolling through restaurant options or planning a meal with friends, why not give a Georgian spot a try? You might just find your new favourite comfort food.
Also read: Why Everyone in the UAE Is Talking About Chunk Bakehouse
