The Art of Packing Curiosity

Essentials for the Culinary Traveler in the Republic of Georgia

Georgia isn’t just a country; it’s a feast. From the rugged Caucasus mountains to the lush vineyards of Kakheti, every corner offers a sensory journey of discovery. As you prepare for your trip, packing curiosity is just as important as packing your suitcase. Here’s how to bring an open mind and a well-equipped bag to fully savor the culinary treasures of Georgia.

1. A Notebook for Stories and Recipes

In Georgia, meals are more than food—they are stories told over hours, with wine flowing and toasts echoing. Whether you’re learning to fold khinkali dumplings or discovering the nuances of qvevri wine, a small notebook is essential for capturing these recipes and anecdotes.

2. Travel-Friendly Spice Tins

Georgian cuisine thrives on its unique spice blends, like the aromatic blue fenugreek and the vibrantly red ajika. Bring small tins or resealable bags to take home a taste of Georgia’s markets. Just be ready for your kitchen to smell like a Tbilisi bazaar!

3. A Sturdy Appetite

Curiosity isn’t just a mindset; it’s also about making room—for supra (traditional feasts), fresh-baked tonis puri (bread), and plates of satsivi (walnut sauce dishes). Come hungry, not just for food but for the camaraderie that accompanies it.

4. Shoes Made for Wandering

Georgia’s best-kept secrets often hide in plain sight—down cobblestone streets, behind crumbling facades, or atop hilltop monasteries. Comfortable walking shoes will take you to tucked-away bakeries, family-owned wineries, and sprawling food markets.

5. A Sense of Adventure

Expect the unexpected. The smell of baking bread might lead you to a tiny bakery where the baker insists you try the first loaf out of the oven. A detour through a village might result in a spontaneous invitation to join a supra. Pack a flexible itinerary and an open heart.

6. Final Toast

Packing curiosity means leaving space for surprises. In Georgia, it might come as a grandmother teaching you the art of making churchkhela (a candy of nuts and grape must) or a heartfelt toast made by a stranger-turned-friend. Wherever your Georgian journey takes you, may you return home with a suitcase full of spices, a notebook full of recipes, and a heart full of stories.