John Myers
Traditional Georgian Desserts on the Streets
Georgia, a country located in the Caucasus region, has a rich culinary culture that boasts of a wide range of delectable dishes and desserts. While most people are familiar with the famous Georgian dishes like khachapuri and khinkali, the country is also known for its mouth-watering desserts. Some of the traditional Georgian desserts that you can find on the streets include churchkhela, gozinaki, and pelamushi.
Churchkhela is a popular sweet snack often referred to as the Georgian “Snickers bar.” It is made by dipping a string of walnuts in concentrated grape juice and then drying it. The result is a chewy, nutty, and sweet snack that is perfect for a quick energy boost. Gozinaki, on the other hand, is a crunchy snack made by coating walnuts in honey syrup and then frying them. Pelamushi is a jelly-like dessert made from grape juice and cornmeal. It is often served cold and garnished with walnuts.
Popular Georgian Sweets from the Confectioners
Georgian confectioners have taken the traditional Georgian desserts to the next level by adding their own twist to these classic treats. From fancy cakes to chocolate truffles, Georgian sweets are as diverse as they are delicious. One of the most popular Georgian sweets is called baklava. It is a sweet pastry made from layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup. Another popular Georgian sweet is called churchkhela cake. It is a cake made by layering churchkhela and cream cheese frosting.
Georgian confectioners are also known for their creative use of local ingredients like tangerines, persimmons, and pomegranates. One such dessert is called tangerine meringue. It is a light and fluffy meringue made with tangerine juice and zest. Another dessert is called persimmon cheesecake. It is a cheesecake made with pureed persimmons and garnished with whipped cream and fresh persimmon slices.
Discover the Sweet Delights of Georgia’s Cities
If you want to experience the full spectrum of Georgian desserts, you need to explore the cities. Tbilisi, the capital city, is a great place to start. Here, you will find several pastry shops and cafes that offer a wide range of Georgian sweets. Some of the must-try desserts in Tbilisi include the kadaif, a pastry made with shredded phyllo dough and sweet syrup, and the blackberry cake, a cake made with fresh blackberries and cream.
But Tbilisi is not the only city in Georgia that offers sweet delights. Batumi, a coastal city, is also known for its unique desserts. One such dessert is called adjarian baklava. It is a baklava filled with creamy cheese and topped with honey. Another dessert is called the pearl of Batumi. It is a chocolate truffle filled with a hazelnut cream and garnished with edible pearls.
In conclusion, if you have a sweet tooth and love trying new desserts, Georgia is the place to be. From traditional street snacks to fancy confectionery treats, Georgian desserts are sure to satisfy your cravings. So, the next time you visit Georgia, make sure to indulge in some of the delicious sweet treats that the country has to offer.
