GLDANI SHAURMA

Growing up in the Middle East, I was convinced that it would have to snow in Hell before I found better shawarma anywhere else in the world. Well, there must be a mighty blizzard down there because God bless you, Georgia, your food has left me speechless yet again.

Readers of these pages will be well-acquainted with my love affair with Georgian cuisine. Khinkali,  Khatchapuri & Lobiani, Churchkhela and all those other delicacies whose names I do not know or remember (hell, even the local burger scene) have been life-changing for my food-obsessed self. Yet, funny enough, the icing on the cake has to be my discovery of the local shawarma (or, “shaurma” as it is transliterated here) culture. Don’t get me wrong, I mean no disrespect whatsoever to the more “authentic” elements of the Georgian kitchen — those are wonderful, unique, and at times a lot more flavorful than the shawarmas. To be honest, the fact of the matter is that having grown up in the Gulf, where before long we had appropriated going out for shawarma as a sacred family and friend ritual, I honestly did not think that it could get any better. 

It’s one thing that they taste amazing, with that combination of grilled chicken breast, onions, fresh lettuce & tomatoes, pickled chillies, slightly-garlicy-mayonnaise, wrapped in perfectly toasted crispy lavashi, leading to an exquisite explosion of flavor; another that they have managed to make a hitherto romanticized and nostalgia-inducing part of my childhood and adolescence even better. Every bite triggering a ride down memory lane, with the superior taste adding that extra galvanizing touch of euphoria to the reminiscence

Now if that doesn’t get you salivating, I am sorry (not really) that I wasn’t able to help you experience the finer things in life. If it does, look no further than the sanctuary that is Gldanis Shaurma. Once upon a time, they were located far, far away in the district of Gldani, but as their popularity grew and Tbilisebi from all corners of the city began to flock there en masse, they expanded and built an empire across Georgia. “Veni. Vidi. Gldanis Shaurma vch’ame,” as Julius Caesar once said.

So go, no matter where you are in this beautiful country, and make your pilgrimage to their nearest branch; it will be worth the journey. Just promise me that for the love of God and all things sacred you won’t ruin your shawarma by adding ketchup. And yes, they do offer home delivery.

By Máté Földi

ADDRESSES: 

Tbilisi

Kretsi and Vasadze streets (Gldani)

75, Merab Kostava Street (Saburtalo)

41, Javakheti Street (Varketili)

22, Mirian King (Didi Dighomi)

Digomi Array — between the fourth and fifth quarters

Delivery service: (+995) 592 921 192

 

Batumi:

91, Gorgiladze Sreet

Delivery service: (+995) 595 921 192

Kutaisi:

141, Rustaveli Street

Delivery service: 598101100

Zestafoni:

55, Tamar Mepe Street

Zugdidi:

14, Zviad Gamsakhurdia Street

Delivery service: 571520606

Additional Info

OPEN

10 AM - 11.30 PM