Old Town and Beyond: A Tbilisi Silk Road Feast

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Quick Taste: During this Tbilisi food adventure - a day filled with delightful indulgence - we'll delve into the flavorful origins of a cuisine that evolved through centuries, influenced by Georgia's role as a crossroads on the Silk Road.

Program:

• Old Town: We'll begin in the atmospheric old town of Tbilisi, where we will visit an underground Azeri tea house. Duration: 30 minutes
• Sioni Cathedral: We will make our way to a church-run shop selling products straight from Orthodox monasteries - long-time bastions of artisanal production - here we will sample some stunning treats. Duration: 1 hour
• Freedom Square: In the back streets near Freedom Square we will visit an unusual wine bar for a tasting of Georgia's finest small-scale wine producers. Duration: 1 hour
• Anchiskhati Basilica: We will visit the oldest church in Tbilisi, an architectural and cultural treasure. Duration: 45 minutes
• Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater: Near the famous Gabriadze theater, we will sit down for shkmeruli, a sizzling chicken dish and certpeice of any Georgian feast. Duration: 45 minutes
• Parliament of Georgia: Near Parliament we will visit a khinkali master and sample her freshly-made dumplings. Duration: 1 hour
• Metekhi Cathedral: Another stunning Metekhi Cathedral we will pass by on our way to an artisanal cheese shop for a tasting. Duration: 30 minutes

Detailed description:

Our journey commences at the historic origins of Tbilisi, where millennia ago, the city emerged around natural hot springs in its oldest district. Here, a mosque, synagogue, and Georgian Orthodox cathedral create a panoramic view that speaks volumes about the city's diversity and its rich history as a pivotal hub of trade and culture—a crucial stop along the ancient Silk Road. Tbilisi's strategic positioning made it a sought-after territory, witnessing a succession of conquerors, including Romans, Byzantines, Mongols, Khazars, Arabs, Persians, Ottomans, Russians, and ultimately, the Soviets.

Start at an Azeri teahouse for expertly brewed tea, then explore a church-run shop with products from Orthodox monasteries, sampling honeys and fresh matsoni. Try cheeses at a grocery dedicated to small-scale producers, savor handmade khinkali, and indulge in unique spreads and pickles at a charming cafe;. Visit the national gallery, feast on garlicky chicken shkmeruli at a hidden restaurant. Finally, we will finish Tbilisi food tour with a tasting of natural kvevri wines (aged in clay vessels), made by a passionate new generation of winemakers who, while connected to international trends and markets, are deeply respectful of the ancient methods of Georgian winemaking.

This reflects the direction in which the city's cuisine is evolving. As Georgian food culture gradually emerges from its Soviet-era influence, Tbilisi's chefs are not only exploring beyond their country's borders but also revitalizing and preserving Georgia's distinct culinary traditions. The open spirit of the Silk Road is making a comeback, and during this extraordinary day of dining, we'll experience a taste of this culinary evolution.