What it is
Lobiani is bread filled with seasoned beans. You will often see it next to khachapuri at a Georgian feast. Beans reached Georgia in the sixteenth century and became so important that they were called a lifeline in hard times. Many regions bake their own lobiani.
Around Georgia
The Rachan version is the most celebrated. Cooks choose particular bean varieties and add smoked Rachan ham, which is salted, dried and smoked over the winter. In Racha it is also called bachulebi. A plain bean lobiani is a filling, inexpensive snack sold at bakeries everywhere.
At the table
How to order it
If you want the regional speciality, ask whether the lobiani is Rachan-style with ham. If you avoid meat, ask for plain bean lobiani.
What's in it
Wheat and beans. The Rachan version contains pork; plain lobiani is often vegan, but check whether butter or lard is used. Recipes vary, so confirm ingredients with the kitchen if you have an allergy or dietary need.
