holiday.ge Georgian food

Kakheti tradition

Tatara

A Kakhetian pudding of thickened grape juice, often topped with walnuts.

Thick grape-juice tatara being poured from a ladle onto a small plate
Photo: Levan Gokadze · image credits

What it is

Tatara is grape juice boiled down and thickened with wheat flour into a soft pudding. It is the same mixture used to coat churchkhela. Archaeological finds show the process dates back at least to the second century CE.

Around Georgia

In Kakheti it is made during and after the grape harvest, called Rtveli, and served in bowls with chopped walnuts. It is a seasonal home dessert rather than a standard restaurant one.

At the table

In Georgianთათარა
OriginKakheti tradition
TypeSweets, cakes and preserves

How to order it

Look for it in Kakheti in autumn, at harvest festivals, guesthouses or markets.

What's in it

Grape juice and wheat flour, often with walnuts. Vegan. Recipes vary, so confirm ingredients with the kitchen if you have an allergy or dietary need.