Dried cilantro (coriander leaf)

Tapa is a large flat frying pan on which the chicken carcass is flattened when frying, hence the correct Georgian name of the dish - "chicken tapaka", that is, cooked on tapa. Where did tobacco come from? Most likely, just by consonance, there was a broken telephone, as often happens with names borrowed from a foreign language. Chicken tapaka is a portioned dish, a small chicken is just enough to fill up a person with a good appetite, it is not customary to share it. You should not marinate the bird in spices for too long, otherwise they will drown out the taste of the chicken, thirty minutes will be enough. But you should definitely beat it well and then press it against the frying pan with a press (a large cast iron frying pan works great as a press) : the bird will be fried through and covered with a golden crust. Khatuna Kolbaya, co-owner of Saperavi Café and "Vai Me!" shared the recipe with us

The recipe was shared with us by Gaik Egiazaryan, chef of the Erti restaurant.

Cabbage soup with chicken hearts is a dish of Russian cuisine that embodies traditional flavors and the coziness of home. The aromatic broth made from tender chicken hearts gains a deep rich taste, while the combination of cabbage, potatoes, and sautéed vegetables gives the soup a rich texture and light sweetness. Spices like cumin, coriander, and bay leaves enhance the aroma even further. This soup is characterized by its heartiness and tenderness, while the addition of lemon juice adds a subtle tang that refreshes the flavor. It is best served with sour cream and herbs that soften and enrich the taste. Historically, cabbage soup was considered a staple of Russian cuisine, symbolizing simplicity and accessibility while also representing culinary sophistication. They warm the soul and bring back the atmosphere of a traditional family meal.

Recipe from Marina Martiashvili, brand chef of the Georgian shops "Ojakhuri".

The recipe was shared with us by the chef of the restaurant "Chirem" Ilgiz Shakirov.

Flatbread with shawarma-style filling is a hearty and aromatic dish that combines tender dough with a spicy filling. The base of the recipe is soft wheat flatbreads fried to a light golden crust. Inside are juicy sausages, spicy Korean-style carrots, and a delicate omelet, complemented by a creamy cheese-tomato sauce. This recipe resembles street shawarma but with interesting Russian notes. It can be served as a hearty snack or a full dinner. The flatbreads are convenient to take away, and their rich flavor will not leave street food lovers indifferent. The aroma of cilantro and coriander adds an Eastern spice, making the dish special. A great option for those who want to try something new yet simple to prepare.

Warm salad with chicken and almond baže is a harmonious blend of Georgian flavors and aromas filled with spicy spices and a tender texture. This dish has its roots in the traditional nut sauce 'baže', which has long been used in Georgian cuisine to enrich meat and vegetable dishes. Chicken fillet marinated in adjika, soaked in lemon juice and spices, is grilled until golden brown and then placed on crispy Romaine lettuce and fresh cucumbers. The almond sauce adds depth of flavor to the dish, giving it a nutty tenderness. This is not just a salad but a culinary story filled with the warmth of Georgian hospitality, perfect for both a light dinner and festive gatherings.

Aromatic pot with chicken hearts is a true embodiment of home comfort and the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. Tender chicken hearts, previously sautéed with onions, garlic, and carrots, gain deep flavor from fragrant herbs and spices. They simmer in the oven with potatoes, butter, and cream, creating an incredibly juicy texture. The finishing touch is a layer of melted cheese baked to a golden crust. The dish impresses with its harmony of flavors — the cream's tenderness, the meat's richness, the slight sweetness of carrots, and the spiciness of the spices. It is best served with pickles or fresh vegetables to highlight its richness. This is not just dinner but a true gastronomic pleasure that warms the soul and fills the home with comforting aromas.

Beef with broccoli in oyster sauce is a delightful dish of Chinese cuisine filled with depth of flavor and aromas. Historically, such combinations arose from the pursuit of flavor balance — the tenderness of meat, the freshness of broccoli, and the richness of oyster sauce. The sweet-salty taste of the sauce is complemented by the spiciness of ginger and the tenderness of onion, creating harmony on the plate. Quick frying in a hot wok preserves the juiciness of ingredients, while lemon juice adds a light refreshing tang. This dish is traditionally served without a side but can be adapted with rice or udon noodles. The oyster sauce reveals umami richness, making each bite unforgettable. An ideal option for those seeking a hearty yet light dish infused with Eastern aromas.

Roast chicken cooked whole in the oven is a true symbol of home comfort and family traditions. This recipe has roots in European cuisine, where the simplicity of ingredients combines with rich flavors. A marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices fills the meat with aroma, making it tender and juicy. Cooking in a culinary bag retains natural moisture, while the last minutes without the bag give the chicken a golden crust. During cooking, vegetables absorb chicken juices, becoming extraordinarily rich and appetizing. The dish is perfect for cozy family evenings and festive tables, evoking associations with warmth, care, and hospitality.

This aromatic vegetarian dish of beans and legumes with chipotle chili combines the rich flavor of legumes, the tartness of tomatoes, and the spicy heat of smoked chipotle pepper. European cuisine has adapted traditional American and Mexican motifs to create a hearty and warming dish perfect for cool evenings. Slow cooking allows the flavors to deeply infuse, creating a harmonious balance between rich spiciness and the soft creamy texture of beans. Serving with cheese or sour cream adds tenderness and completeness to the dish. It pairs excellently with crusty bread or rice and is ideal for a vegetarian diet, providing a rich source of plant protein. A true delight for lovers of spicy flavors and cozy home meals.

A hamburger with a beef patty is a classic of American cuisine, a symbol of street food and quick snacks. Its history dates back to the early 20th century when meat patties were served between two slices of bread for convenience. This recipe features a juicy beef patty infused with the aromas of spices – thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and fennel, with a hint of cayenne pepper's heat. The addition of duck fat makes the meat especially tender and juicy. Served on a toasted bun, it creates a harmonious combination of textures: the softness of the bread and the juiciness of the meat. This hamburger is perfect for friendly gatherings or a hearty lunch, and its flavor shines particularly bright when paired with fresh vegetables and spicy sauces.

Pea paste for sandwiches is a delightful dish from Brazilian cuisine that combines ease of preparation with rich flavor. Its history traces back to traditional Brazilian recipes where peas and vegetables serve as the base for nutritious and healthy dishes. This paste has a soft texture with subtle herbal notes of dill and cilantro, while garlic adds a slight spiciness. Its creamy consistency makes it perfect for spreading on bread or toast, turning an ordinary sandwich into a culinary delight. It is great for vegetarian diets and can also be used as a dip for vegetables or crackers. Rich in protein and fiber, peas combined with olive oil provide richness, giving the dish not only pleasant taste but also health benefits.

Chili con carne with cheese is a spicy and rich dish of Mexican cuisine that embodies the fiery flavor of peppers, the tenderness of meat, and the depth of spices. Its origins trace back to Tex-Mex cuisine, where it became a symbol of hearty and aromatic food. Slow-cooked beans, spicy ground beef, rich garlic and cumin aromas, along with the velvety tang of tomatoes create a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of dark chocolate adds depth by softening the heat and making the dish particularly refined. Grated cheese completes the composition by giving chili a creamy texture. It is an ideal treat for friendly evenings or cozy family lunches served with warm bread or fresh tortillas to fully reveal its flavor dimensions.

Chakhokhbili made from chicken legs is a bright and aromatic dish of Uzbek cuisine that delights with its rich flavor and intense aroma of spices. Its roots trace back to Georgian traditions, but in Uzbekistan, it has acquired a unique character. Tender chicken meat, fried to a golden crust, absorbs the juices of tomatoes, onions, and garlic, creating a thick and rich sauce. Spices like cilantro and black pepper add a subtle spicy note to the dish. Chakhokhbili can be served with flatbreads or fresh vegetables, and its thick consistency makes it ideal for cozy family dinners. The combination of simple ingredients and rich flavor makes it a beloved treat in many homes.