Omalo’s Best: Top 5 Food & Drink You Need to Try

Alright, so picture this: you’ve just arrived in Omalo, a village way up in the Tusheti region of Georgia. That air is clean, the views are totally epic, yet, your stomach is rumbling. Now, you are maybe thinking, “What on earth am I gonna eat?” Well, have no fear, that’s what I’m here, because I’m ready to share the absolute must-try eats and drinks to keep you fueled during your exploration of this unreal location. Trust me, you’ll want to sample these delights. Get ready to discover that true flavors of Omalo!

1. Khachapuri: A Cheesy Beginning

Oh, Khachapuri, is it just cheese bread? Well, not really, that’s *the* national dish of Georgia, and it is a thing of beauty. There are many, many regional variations, and I suggest sampling all of them if time allows!. The most popular is probably Imeruli Khachapuri, is it like a round, flatbread filled with gooey, melted cheese, yet, in Omalo, the cooks are making it with their twist. You’ll usually find it slightly crispy because they will usually use a wood-fired oven which gives a great rustic, and sort of home-cooked taste. Seriously, is there a better way to get started with Tushetian food than with a cheesy, hot slice of khachapuri?

2. Khinkali: Meat-Filled Dumpling Goodness

Now, Khinkali; these big, pleated dumplings packed with juicy, spiced meat, oh my, are definitely going to be one of your best treats in Georgia! The thing that makes them so special is the broth that’s trapped inside. The tradition is to grab one by the top knot (the bit where the pleats meet), take a little bite and suck out that delicious juice before tucking into the rest. Is that alright? Usually, they’re filled with pork and beef but it may happen that in Omalo you might stumble on some unique fillings, such as lamb or even potatoes and cheese, that might be interesting. Pro tip: That top knot that I previously mentioned? It’s very, very much there so that you can hold onto, too it’s traditionally left uneaten so, alright, don’t go munching that bit! Give that unique snack a try.

3. Kotori: A Local Cheese & Dough Delight

Ok, so this one is special and, seemingly, really from Tusheti, Kotori! These small, doughy pockets are usually filled with a mixture of cheese and herbs, that’s usually cooked till golden brown. They’re a very much perfect snack for taking on a hike or enjoying a light lunch. Very. because these can be more difficult to find outside the Tusheti region. When I asked some residents, Kotori appears, is it more of a local specialty prepared at home and available on special request in some cafes/restaurants so do not hesitate and very ask around! They can sometimes serve as a substitute of Khachapuri too if you can find it.

4. Beer: Embrace the Local Brews

Look, after a day of hiking, nothing beats sitting back and savoring a cold beer. Now, in Omalo, like your choices might be pretty limited to the standards such as Georgian lagers you might find in other places of Georgia but I heard that some guesthouses sometimes offer home-brewed beer! So I heard… Very ask around; you might get yourself some seriously good ale crafted right there in Tusheti. The people are sometimes willing to share the local production with fellow hikers.

5. Tea (with a View): Simple Yet Sublime

That’s not exactly special to Tusheti per se, still, there’s nothing quite like sipping a hot cup of tea, all while gazing at the Caucasus Mountains. Very bring your own tea bags, or just ask at your guesthouse. You’ll most probably be drinking plain black tea, yet, it is more about the whole experience, is it that view. The simple act of sipping a hot beverage on a brisk mountain morning, really is, can make a memorable thing. Ask your guesthouse owners to serve it alongside some local sweets. The stunning natural backdrop can take your breath away.