Georgia, a beautiful land between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea, stands for hospitality, an abundance of wine and, above all, delicious food. In Berlin, the most authentic Georgian cuisine to be found is at Genazvale on Hohenzollerndamm. Once you set foot in this restaurant, the decorated ceilings, high wood-clad walls, Georgian landscape paintings, countless wine bottles and traditional dolls exude a longing ache for a faraway place. It is a splendid display of illuminated kitsch. The walnut is the star ingredient in Georgian cuisine, making the pkhali starter plate – balls of walnut, spinach, beetroot, and eggplant – a must try. Pair them with khinkali – traditional dumplings filled with cheese or minced meat that melt in your mouth. For the main course, a selection of vegetarian and meat dishes awaits: veal garnished with fresh herbs and prunes, chicken in a garlic milk sauce, mushroom shashlik and stewed vegetables in a clay pot. The knowledgeable staff will happily pair and liberally serve wine en masse. You’ll be saying “didi madloba” (many thanks) after this culinary journey! (Text: Nele Kröger / Photos: Pamina Aichhorn)

Nele Kröger has been living in Berlin and working as a writer and editor since 2016, with Friedrichshain as her home-base.

Genazvale, Hohenzollerndamm 33, 10713 Berlin–Wilmersdorf; map

Mon–Fri 15-24h, Sat–Sun 14–24h