Batumi isn’t just the sea and mountains, it’s also a feast for the soul. Gastronomic excursions will open your eyes to the world of Adjara cuisine: from cheese khachapuri to tangy wine. Want to experience Georgia? Check out excursions from Batumi for inspiration. I’ll tell you how to embark on a culinary journey through Adjara.
Why is gastronomy the heart of Batumi?
Georgian cuisine is more than just food. These are toasts, songs, and stories that bring people together around the table. In Batumi, you can do more than just eat; you can experience the culture through master classes, tastings, and feasts. Imagine making khinkali, inhaling the aroma of shashlik, and learning to say “Gaumardzhos!” It’s a journey where every taste tells a story about Georgia.
Old Town: Master Classes and Markets
Start with a stroll through the Old Town, where the cuisine comes alive. Hidden away on Gogebashvili Street, restaurants offer master classes in Adjarian khachapuri—the famous “boat” filled with cheese and egg. You’ll knead the dough, add suluguni cheese, bake your own dish, and then enjoy it with a glass of lemonade. These classes are not just about food, but a ritual where chefs share family recipes. “My friend Anya still remembers how everyone at the table praised her khachapuri.”
Nearby, the Chavchavadze Market is bustling with activity. Here you can try fresh suluguni cheese, nut churchkhela, and homemade adjika. The vendors are happy to treat you and tell you how cheese is made in the villages. A stroll through the market is not a tour, but an adventure, where each stall tells a new story. Grab a basket and pick up souvenirs: tkemali, nuts, or a jar of honey.
Keda: Wine and Mountains
If you’re looking for a break from the city, head to Keda, 45 km from Batumi. This mountain village is home to chkhaveri, a soft-tasting wine that even poets enjoy. You can visit wineries, where the owners demonstrate how grapes are crushed and wine is stored in qvevri—clay jugs. A wine tasting here isn’t just a glass; it’s a feast with lobio, shashlik, and toasts. Locals believe that wine in Keda heals the soul, and after a few toasts, you’ll agree.
The road to Keda is inspiring in itself: mountains, rivers, and vineyards create postcard-perfect landscapes. Stop by the Adjaristskali River to take a photo or breathe in the mountain air. This is a place you’ll want to linger.
Roadside Cafes: Taste on the Highway
Even without a planned route, Batumi’s gastronomy will find you. On the way to Makhuntseti or Shekvetili, you’ll find cafes serving hot mchadi (cornbread) and spinach pkhali. Stop at one of them to try Imeretian cheese or chakhokhbili—chicken in tomato sauce. These places are the heart of the Georgian soul, where chefs treat you like family. *My friend Igor said after lunch at a roadside cafe, “I finally understood what a supra is!”*
These cafes are often decorated with grape vines, and you might hear toasts or songs around the table. If you’re lucky, the owner will tell you how his grandmother made lobio or teach you a few Georgian words.
How to plan a culinary trip?
To experience Adjara, start in the morning—the markets and cafes are most lively then. Comfortable clothes and shoes will help you stroll the streets or drive into the mountains. Bring a bottle of wine—you can buy homemade wine in Keda or at the market. If you’d like a master class, ask at the restaurants in the Old Town or among the locals—they’ll be able to recommend places to learn how to cook.
Don’t be afraid to try new things: Georgian cuisine is generous, and the portions are large. For the kids, try sweets like churchkhela, and for yourself, try spicy sauces. And most importantly, be prepared for toasts—in Georgia, it’s an art that unites.
Why is this your trip?
Gastronomic walks aren’t just about food, they’re about falling in love with Batumi. Every taste—khachapuri, wine, or lobio—is a story of Adjara, told with soul. This is your chance not just to eat, but to experience Georgia.
Discover the Taste of Adjara
Ready for a culinary adventure? Visit batumilife.com/category/ekskursii-iz-batumi/ for ideas and start your journey. Which Adjara dish would you like to try first? Share in the comments!
