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Across Georgia

Matsoni

Georgia's thick cultured milk is eaten plain, with honey, or used in sauces and soups.

Georgian matsoni cultured milk in a glass jar and clay pot
Photo: Datsn · image credits

What it is

Matsoni is a cultured milk similar to yogurt, made in Georgia since antiquity. Each new batch is started with a little of the previous one. It is made from cow or buffalo milk, and buffalo matsoni can be thick enough to cut with a knife.

Around Georgia

Georgians eat it plain, with honey for breakfast, or thinned with water as a summer drink. It also goes into sauces, soups and dishes such as gebzhalia. Look for it sold in jars at markets and village shops.

At the table

In Georgianმაწონი
OriginAcross Georgia
TypeCheese, cornmeal and dairy

How to order it

Buy it in a jar at a market, or ask for it with honey at breakfast in a guesthouse.

What's in it

Milk. Vegetarian. Recipes vary, so confirm ingredients with the kitchen if you have an allergy or dietary need.