holiday.ge Georgian food

Svaneti tradition

Chvishtari

Svan cornbread baked with plenty of cheese, crisp outside and soft inside.

Small rounds of Georgian mchadi cornbread beside a bowl of white cheese
Representative photo: Georgian Recipes at Georgia About · image credits

What it is

Chvishtari is cornbread made with a large amount of cheese worked into the batter. It is fried or baked into small cakes that are crisp outside and soft inside. It is a Svan speciality and is often served with kubdari and tashmijabi.

Around Georgia

It also appears as street food and in restaurants beyond Svaneti. Because it uses cornmeal, not wheat, it tastes quite different from khachapuri.

At the table

In Georgianჭვიშტარი
OriginSvaneti tradition
TypeCheese, cornmeal and dairy

How to order it

Order it hot as a side in Mestia or wherever Svan dishes are served.

What's in it

Cornmeal and cheese. Vegetarian. Usually wheat-free, but check with the cook. Recipes vary, so confirm ingredients with the kitchen if you have an allergy or dietary need.