Tbilisi to host first ever Street Food Festival in celebration of culinary art

Tbilisi locals and tourists visiting Georgia’s capital over the upcoming weekend are invited to celebrate the rich local cuisine from restaurants, bars and food producers within the first ever Tbilisi Street Food Festival.

Local and international restaurants, grill and barbecue bars, wineries and coffee houses will be among the exhibitors of the two-day event at the hilltop Mtatsminda Park overlooking the city.

In addition to the 20 restaurants leading the display of culinary creativity, the festival will also host bakeries, beverage producers and even accessory makers.

Tbilisi-based restaurant Mandarini will be among exhibitors at the festival. Photo: Mandarini.

Organisers said in a preview of the event the festival would aim to kick-start development of gastronomic tourism in Georgia, a field with significant potential thanks to rich local cuisine.

In addition, the event will look to offer those not familiar with local restaurants and facing overwhelming choice when visiting the country a place to pick their favourites based on products presented within a single space.

Georgian traditional pie producers Kados Nazuqi will present their products at the event. Photo: Kados Nazuqi.

Exhibits will be made specifically for the festival, or represent promoted brand products of participants.

The exhibition and tasting of food and beverages in Mtatsminda Park will be accompanied by sale of craft items, all with the backdrop of music performances.

Beverages of the festival will come from producers including wine store and bar 8000 Vintages. Photo: 8000 Vintages.

Bands will entertain visitors of the exhibition during the day, while a select group of DJs will showcase their music during late evening in the park.

Speaking to a TV Pirveli program earlier this month, festival organiser Tamta Ricci said the hosts were already looking to hold the event a number of times every year to offer visitors products reflecting seasonal flavour.

Zcatchers/Bohemian Accessories will have a stall hosting visitors of the festival. Photo: Zcatchers/Bohemian Accessories.

In addition, the organisers plan to attract family producers with unique knowledge of specific foods from countryside and regional cities to contribute to the festival and preserve their knowledge.

This year’s Tbilisi Street Food Festival will run within Check in Georgia, a governmental program involving festivals, exhibitions and other cultural events in the country throughout the year.