Must-Try Foods In Rustavi (Georgia) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Rustavi, Georgia

Rustavi, an industrial city in Georgia, has a rich culinary heritage that blends Persian, Turkish, and Russian influences with traditional Georgian flavors. While Rustavi itself does not have a distinct cuisine separate from the rest of the country, it is a place where one can enjoy the mosaic of Georgian national dishes. Georgian cuisine is known for its use of walnuts, pomegranate, herbs, and spices, delivering bold and hearty dishes often accompanied by Georgian wine, which has a history of over 8000 years.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Rustavi for Tourists

1. Khachapuri - A cheese-filled bread that varies in shape and size across different regions. The most famous version is Adjarian khachapuri, shaped like a boat and served with an egg on top. (Non-Veg)
2. Lobio - A traditional stew made with red beans, onions, and various spices, often served in a clay pot with cornbread on the side. (Veg)
3. Badrijani Nigvzit - Eggplant slices stuffed with a spicy walnut paste, garnished with pomegranate seeds. (Veg)
4. Khinkali - Dumplings filled with spiced meat, mushrooms, or potatoes, meant to be eaten by hand with a sprinkle of black pepper. (Non-Veg with meat filling, Veg with mushroom or potato filling)
5. Ajapsandali - A vegetarian dish of sautéed eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs. (Veg)
6. Jonjoli - Pickled sprouts of the bladdernut tree, commonly served as a snack or side dish. (Veg)
7. Churchkhela - A traditional Georgian candy made by dipping strings of nuts in thickened grape juice, then dried to form a chewy, candle-shaped snack. (Veg)
8. Mtsvadi - Georgian style skewered and grilled meat, often made with pork or lamb, but for this context, we'll focus on lamb Mtsvadi. (Non-Veg)
9. Tkemali - Sour plum sauce used as a condiment for grilled meats and potato dishes. (Veg)
10. Elarji - A dish from the Samegrelo region, made from cornmeal and sulguni cheese, resulting in a stretchy, polenta-like texture. (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Rustavi, Georgia

Pasanauri

Address: Tbilisi St, Rustavi, Georgia

Famous Dish: Khinkali (Non-Veg and Veg options available)

Retro

Address: Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Rustavi, Georgia

Famous Dish: Ajapsandali (Veg)

Genatsvale Rustavi

Address: Megobroba Ave, Rustavi, Georgia

Famous Dish: Khachapuri (Non-Veg)

Berikaoba

Address: Merab Kostava St, Rustavi, Georgia

Famous Dish: Mtsvadi (Non-Veg)

Art Cafe Blues

Address: Qetevani Palace, Rustavi, Georgia

Famous Dish: Lobio (Veg)