Local Customs & Etiquette in Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia
1. Tbilisuli Supra
Traditional Georgian feast, where guests gather around a large table and toast with wine. Shows respect for hosts but it's important to wait for the host to initiate the toast.
- Toasting Etiquette: Always clink glasses with others before drinking.
- Table Manners: Use only the right hand for eating and never rest your elbows on the table.
- Gift Giving: Bringing a small gift to a Supra is customary but it's not expected.
2. Georgian Hospitality
Khmelobi (guest) is always highly valued. It's important to accept invitations and show gratitude.
- Accepting Invitations: Always accept hospitality offers when in Georgia.
- Gratitude: Express sincere gratitude for the host's generosity.
- Reciprocity: If you invite a Georgian to your home, expect them to return the hospitality at a later date.
3. Polite Greeting
Greetings are formal and include both first name and surname. Direct eye contact is expected during conversations.
- Formal Greeting: Always use both first name and surname when greeting someone.
- Eye Contact: Maintain direct eye contact during conversations.
- Physical Contact: Friends and family may greet with a kiss on the cheek but for others, a handshake is more appropriate.
4. Dining Etiquette
Use only your right hand for eating and never rest your elbows on the table. In some cases, it's customary to leave food uneaten as a sign of satisfaction.
- Right Hand Usage: Always use your right hand when eating.
- Elbow Restraint: Never rest your elbows on the table during meals.
- Leaving Food: Leaving a small amount of food uneaten can indicate satisfaction with the meal.
5. Tbilisi Flea Market
Haggling is expected and even encouraged when shopping at the Tbilisi flea market. Bargaining helps build rapport with vendors.
- Haggling: Always bargain for prices at the flea market.
- Building Rapport: Bargaining helps create a connection with vendors in Tbilisi.
- Patience: Be patient as the bargaining process may take some time.
6. Georgian Wine Toast
Wine is an integral part of Georgian culture and toasting is a common practice. It's important to maintain eye contact with the person you're toasting to.
- Maintaining Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact during the toast.
- Toast Importance: Toasting is a significant part of Georgian culture and should be respected.
- Clinking Glasses: Always clink glasses with others before drinking during toasts.
7. Orthodox Church Etiquette
Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes when entering some Orthodox churches. Women should cover their heads with a scarf.
- Modest Dressing: Dress modestly when visiting Orthodox churches.
- Shoe Removal: Remove your shoes before entering some Orthodox churches.
- Head Covering: Women should cover their heads with a scarf when visiting Orthodox churches.
8. Tbilisi Street Vendors
Street vendors often sell delicious local delicacies like Churchkhela (nut candy) and Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread). Bargaining is common but not always expected.
- Bargaining: Bargaining can be done at street vendor stalls but it's not always necessary.
- Tasting Delicacies: Try local delicacies like Churchkhela and Khachapuri from street vendors.
- Respecting Space: Be respectful of the vendor's space while shopping at their stall.
9. Public Transport Etiquette
Give up your seat for elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities. Avoid loud conversations during quiet hours on buses and trams.
- Seat Sharing: Offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or disabled individuals.
- Quiet Hours: Maintain a quiet environment during quiet hours on public transport.
- Personal Space: Respect others' personal space while using public transportation.
10. Georgian Sauna (Tsitsa)
Tsitsa is a traditional Georgian sauna experience that often includes a social gathering afterwards. It's important to bring a small gift for the host.
- Gift Giving: Bring a small gift to the host as a token of appreciation.
- Social Gathering: Expect a social gathering after the sauna experience.
- Towel Usage: Always bring your own towel and bathrobe to the Tsitsa experience.
11. Sweet Corn Street (Zgapari Klde)
Zgapari Klde is a famous street in Tbilisi where vendors sell delicious sweet corn. It's customary to greet the vendor with a friendly remark before buying.
- Greeting Vendor: Always greet the vendor with a friendly remark before purchasing.
- Tasty Treat: Enjoy delicious Georgian sweet corn on Zgapari Klde.
- Bargaining: Always bargain for the price of the sweet corn.
12. Traditional Georgian Dance (Khorumi)
Khorumi is a traditional Georgian dance that often includes swords and shields. It's important to show enthusiasm but always stay within the boundaries of safety.
- Enthusiasm: Show enthusiasm when watching or participating in Khorumi dances.
- Safety: Always prioritize safety during Khorumi performances, especially if participating.
- Respectful Applause: Applaud with respect after watching a Khorumi performance.
13. Tbilisian Cuisine (Khinkali)
Khinkali is a popular Georgian dish made of meat-filled dumplings. It's important to eat it correctly by picking it up and biting a small opening to drink the broth.
- Eating Correctly: Eat Khinkali by picking it up and biting a small opening to drink the broth.
- Manner of Eating: Don't bite into the dumpling completely as it can make a mess.
- Broth Enjoyment: Enjoy the broth found inside each Khinkali dumpling.
14. Tbilisi Nightlife (Night Clubs)
Georgia has a vibrant nightlife scene with many clubs in Tbilisi. It's important to arrive early and be prepared for loud music and dancing.
- Early Arrival: Arrive early at nightclubs as they tend to fill up quickly.
- Loud Music: Expect loud music and high energy in Tbilisi's nightclubs.
- Dancing Culture: Prepare to dance and socialize when visiting Tbilisi's nightclubs.
15. Tbilisian Shopping (Dry Bridge)
Dry Bridge is a famous flea market in Tbilisi where you can find unique souvenirs and antiques. It's important to bargain for prices but be respectful.
- Bargaining: Always bargain for the price of items at Dry Bridge.
- Respectful Bargaining: Be respectful when bargaining with vendors at Dry Bridge.
- Unique Finds: Discover unique souvenirs and antiques at Dry Bridge flea market.