Georgian Soups and Their Features

Many people believe that Georgian soups are always very fatty and meat-heavy. However, Georgian cuisine offers a variety of soups, including light and vegetable-based options. Let’s explore some of these traditional soups.

National Georgian Soups

National Georgian soups are diverse and rich in flavors. Recipes often include fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, giving them a distinctive aroma and richness. Georgian soups can be both meat-based and vegetarian, with varying degrees of thickness and spiciness. Traditionally, soups are served hot and are an important part of a meal. The best way to try the most delicious soups in Tbilisi is to visit a Georgian restaurant where you can experience these dishes as authentically as possible.

Kharcho Soup

Kharcho is a traditional Georgian soup typically made with beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices. This soup is known for its richness and piquant flavor, often achieved by adding tkemali (a Georgian plum sauce with spices and herbs). In RadioCafe, instead of the usual liquid kharcho soup, we serve Megrelian kharcho - a thick, hot dish achieved by using a walnut-based baje sauce, giving the dish a special texture and richness. It is served with pieces of fried gomi (cornmeal).

Chikhirtma (Georgian Chicken Soup with Herbs)

Chikhirtma is a traditional Georgian chicken soup with herbs, known for its delicate and aromatic texture. The main ingredients include chicken meat, eggs, vinegar, flour, and plenty of herbs, especially cilantro. Georgian Chikhirtma soup is made with chicken broth and thickened with a mixture of eggs and flour, giving it a creamy consistency. Vinegar is added for a slight tang, and herbs add freshness and aroma. Chikhirtma is usually served hot, often garnished with a lemon wedge to enhance the flavor. This soup is particularly popular in the cold season due to its warming and nourishing effect. If you want to try this nourishing yet light soup, RadioCafe will gladly offer it in its traditional form. Our cafe also serves a variation of Kharcho soup.

Khashi

Georgian Khashi soup is a traditional Georgian soup made from beef feet and tripe. The soup is cooked for a long time, usually overnight, to achieve a rich broth. Khashi is known for its nourishing and restorative properties, especially after festive celebrations, hence its nickname "hangover soup." The soup is typically served hot, with plenty of garlic, salt, and milk to taste. Additional crushed garlic, wine vinegar, and fresh cilantro are often served on the side. It is commonly eaten with lavash or other bread to soften the intense flavor. In Georgia, khashi is traditionally served for breakfast to energize you for the day. This soup is not only delicious but also beneficial due to its high collagen and nutrient content. Interestingly, in Georgia, there are special establishments called Sahashi, where they serve khashi and other dishes that help customers recover from hangovers. In some smaller establishments that serve alcoholic beverages, you may also be offered this soup.

Tatariakhli

Tatariakhli is a traditional Georgian soup made from offal, such as tripe and other internal organs. The main ingredients include meat offal, garlic, vinegar, herbs (cilantro, parsley), and spices. The soup is cooked for a long time to make the meat tender and the broth rich. Tatariakhli is often served with vinegar and plenty of garlic. The soup is known for its nourishing properties and is often consumed to regain strength after festive celebrations. Due to its high collagen and protein content, tatariakhli is beneficial for skin and joint health.

Matsoni Soup

Matsoni soup with rice is a light and refreshing Georgian soup made from matsoni (a fermented dairy product). The main ingredients are matsoni, water, garlic, onion, herbs (dill), and spices. Matsoni gives the soup a mild tang and a light texture. This soup is not only delicious but also healthy, as matsoni contains probiotics that improve digestion.

Corn Shechamandi

Corn shechamandi is a traditional Georgian soup made from corn kernels and herbs. The main ingredients are corn, water, herbs (cilantro, dill, parsley), garlic, and spices. The soup is prepared by boiling the corn in water, then adding finely chopped herbs and garlic. Other vegetables, such as zucchini, can be added to taste, after blending them into a smooth consistency. Shechamandi has a pleasant aroma and rich flavor due to the herbs and spices. This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious, as cornmeal is rich in carbohydrates and fiber. Shechamandi is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Lamb Bozbashi with Vegetables

Lamb bozbashi with vegetables is a traditional Georgian soup made from lamb and various vegetables. The main ingredients include lamb, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, sometimes tkemali, onions, and other vegetables depending on the season or personal preferences. The soup is simmered until the meat becomes tender and the vegetables absorb the flavors. Bozbashi is distinguished by its rich and robust taste. It often includes a lot of herbs, such as cilantro, dill, basil, tarragon, and mint. This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a hearty lunch or dinner. Bozbashi warms and satiates, making it a perfect choice in the cold season.