New in the district
DIFC has a new spot for khinkali, khachapuri and Georgian wine, with Shvili officially opening its doors in Gate Avenue. The new restaurant marks Shvili’s first licensed UAE venue, bringing the brand’s take on Georgian hospitality to Dubai’s business district.
At the heart of the concept is a simple Georgian tradition: gathering around a table and taking your time over food. In Georgia, meals are about much more than simply eating. The supra, or traditional Georgian feast, is a social occasion built around generous plates, conversation, wine and the famous tamada, the toastmaster who guides the evening through a series of elaborate toasts.
That spirit of togetherness is central to Shvili, where the menu is designed for sharing and the table is very much the focus.
A Taste of Georgia
For those new to Georgian cuisine, khinkali is a good place to start. These distinctive pleated dumplings are filled with seasoned meat and broth, creating a pocket of soup inside each one. Traditionally eaten by hand, they are as much about technique as flavour.
Then there is khachapuri, Georgia’s iconic cheese-filled bread. Found in different forms across the country, it ranges from the boat-shaped Adjaruli version topped with egg and butter to regional varieties with their own shapes and fillings. At Shvili, freshly baked khachapuri joins a menu of Georgian appetisers, dishes cooked in traditional ketsi clay pots, grilled meats and vegetarian plates.
Food in Georgian Culture
Georgian food reflects the country’s position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with centuries of trade, migration and cultural exchange shaping its cuisine. Herbs, walnuts, cheese, meat and seasonal vegetables feature heavily, while dishes often balance rich, savoury flavours with fresh herbs and bright acidity.
Wine is equally important. Georgia is widely recognised as one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions, with winemaking traditions stretching back thousands of years. Traditional Georgian wine is famously made in qvevri, large clay vessels buried underground, a method that remains an important part of the country’s winemaking heritage.
That connection between food, wine and hospitality is what Shvili hopes to bring to DIFC.
“Georgian hospitality begins with making every guest feel welcome and putting good food at the centre of the table,” says Henrik Winther, founder of Tigrus Restaurant Holding.
With its first licensed UAE venue now open, Shvili is bringing a slice of Georgia’s long-standing table culture to Gate Avenue, inviting Dubai diners to linger a little longer over dumplings, cheese-filled breads and a glass of Georgian wine.
Image credit: Supplied/https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5066618331494131/
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
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