Georgians are meat lovers, and this is not a secret. If you look at a traditional Georgian menu, you will see that the most famous dishes are made from meat and cheese. Dishes like Khachapuri, cheese pie, and Khinkali, dumplings, are the most popular dishes on a traditional Georgian table. The love for these dishes went even further, and there are restaurants and cafés specializing only in those dishes. However, Georgian cuisine isn't all cheese and meat. There are immensely delicious dishes made out of eggplants, walnuts, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The famous dish of eggplant with walnuts accommodates the tastes of almost everyone. Adjapsandali, or stewed vegetables, is another delicious vegetarian dish. In Georgian cuisine, most dishes normally have different versions. Like Khachapuri, which can be Mengrelian, Imeretian, or Adjarian, Adjapsandali too can be fried or stewed according to the area it comes from. Pkhali is a spinach dish made with walnuts, onions, local herbs, and spices. It is normally served in the shape of balls and is decorated with pomegranate seeds. This is a local favorite vegetarian dish. Lobio, or beans, shouldn't be forgotten. Kidney beans are very popular in traditional Georgian cuisine. We make pies out of red kidney beans, and they are called Lobiani. Also, bean soup or beans in a clay pot are quite popular. The last two are perfect just for a light lunch, and Lobiani pie is the most popular street food in Georgia. You can try it in any restaurant as well, but be aware that sometimes it can be made with ham. Elargi is a Mengrelian dish made with cornflower and Sulguni cheese. It is a time-consuming and tiring process that Mengrelian ladies go through while cooking Elargi, but the result is mouthwatering. Gebjalia is another masterpiece of Mengrelian cuisine. Very thin cheese plates on the outside and some cottage cheese inside. With the variety of salads, soups, cheeses, and bread that you can find in any Georgian restaurant, you won't stay hungry as a vegetarian in Georgia.
In recent years, the rush for healthier food with fewer carbs and fat has hit Tbilisi too. Therefore, many restaurants with vegetarian cuisine emerged in Tbilisi. Café Leila is among them. This is one of those places where customers can enjoy vegetarian versions of traditional Georgian food. Meat substitutions in their dishes are normally mushrooms, and they taste delicious. The café's location and building are other reasons for its popularity. Leila is situated in the building of a former candy shop. Originally, in the XIX century, candy shops were a favorite place for locals. It was admired because of its beautiful decorations and wall paintings. The location is also perfect. Right in the heart of the old city so if you are in the middle of exploring historical Tbilisi stopping here for lunch is a good idea.
There is a famous vegan café in Tbilisi called Kiwi. It is on Machabeli Street, in a historical neighborhood of Sololaki. The space inside is quite light and comfortable, and on their menu are a number of vegan burritos and even burgers. A variety of vegan pizzas, spaghetti, soups, and salads can also be found on their menu.
In Vake district, on Abashidze street, a very modern vegan restaurant can be found. It is called Namu, and it has a different concept. It is not only a restaurant but also a shop where you can buy vegan cakes. So good luck. Here is a list of other vegan eateries in Tbilisi:
- SEED
- Vegan Place
- Veggie Corner
- Goby