Khachapuri is Georgian cheese bread, and there are several regional styles. The famous boat-shaped adjaruli comes with a raw egg and butter on top that you stir into the molten cheese; imeruli is a round, cheese-filled bread eaten at almost every meal. In Tbilisi a khachapuri costs roughly 10–25 lari (GEL) depending on size and style, and one adjaruli is a full meal for most people.
| Style | What it looks like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Adjaruli (Adjarian) | Open boat shape, cheese, egg yolk and butter | From the Black Sea region of Adjara; the one on Instagram |
| Imeruli (Imeretian) | Round, closed, cheese inside | The everyday classic, shared at the table |
| Megruli (Megrelian) | Round, cheese inside and on top | Richer than imeruli |
| Penovani | Flaky puff pastry, folded | Common as a bakery snack |
How to eat adjaruli khachapuri
- When it arrives, the egg is raw and the cheese is bubbling. Use your fork to stir the egg and butter quickly into the cheese; the heat cooks it.
- Tear off pieces of the crust from the ends of the “boat” and dip them into the middle.
- Work inwards until you reach the base. It is fine to use a knife and fork for the last part.
Size matters: adjaruli often comes in small, medium and large. A small or medium is plenty for one person, especially if you are also ordering khinkali.
Where to eat khachapuri in Tbilisi
- Bakeries (tone and pechi) – for a cheap imeruli or penovani to take away, often still warm.
- Georgian restaurants – almost all serve imeruli and adjaruli. Places that specialise in Adjarian food bake adjaruli to order.
- Batumi – if you travel to the coast, Batumi is the home of adjaruli and a natural place to try it.
Useful Georgian words
| Say | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Khachapuri adjaruli, patara | Adjarian khachapuri, small |
| Imeruli | Imeretian khachapuri |
| Kveli | Cheese |
| Madloba | Thank you |
Frequently asked questions
What cheese is in khachapuri?
Usually a mix of Georgian cheeses such as imeruli (a fresh, slightly sour cheese) and sulguni (a stretchy, salty brined cheese).
Is the egg in adjaruli raw?
It is served raw on top, then cooked by stirring it into the hot cheese straight away. Ask for it without egg if you prefer.
How much does khachapuri cost in Tbilisi?
Roughly 10–25 GEL in restaurants depending on style and size, less from a bakery (2026 prices).
More Georgian food: how to eat khinkali in Tbilisi and the supra feast. Browse all Georgia food guides.
Sources
- Georgia National Tourism Administration.
- Khachapuri – regional styles.
