GEO: Chela Funicular
A taste of sausages from a separatist state~
When in Tbilisi, Georgia, don't forget to ride the modern funicular up to the plateau of Mt Mtatsminda, where there's an amusement park overlooking the city. After we were done walking around, we ended up at one of the restaurants at the upper station. Chela Funicular serves Georgian cuisine, specialising in meat dishes.
We finally tried the country's equivalent of xiao long bao (Chinese steamed dumpling traditionally steamed in a small bamboo basket, giving birth to its name).
When in Tbilisi, Georgia, don't forget to ride the modern funicular up to the plateau of Mt Mtatsminda, where there's an amusement park overlooking the city. After we were done walking around, we ended up at one of the restaurants at the upper station. Chela Funicular serves Georgian cuisine, specialising in meat dishes.
We finally tried the country's equivalent of xiao long bao (Chinese steamed dumpling traditionally steamed in a small bamboo basket, giving birth to its name).
Chela's Dumpling (per pc) GEL 0.85 (~S$0.45)
Taste: 6.5/10
The dumplings with soupy filling are locally known as khinkali. I found the skin of the dumpling to be too thick for my liking and a bit dry. The filling of minced lamb was flavourful alright. Pika's advice: Note that the etiquette is to use one's hand to hold the doughy part to consume khinkali. Also, one isn't supposed to eat that doughy part.
Fried Sulguni with Yogurt and Mint Sauce GEL 15.00 (~S$8.00)
Taste: 7.5/10
The time finally came for us to try deep-fried sulguni (Georgian brined cheese). Shaped into triangles, the elastic cheese was covered in crunchy batter with adequate thickness. The accompanying yogurt sauce mixed with chopped mint leaves was kinda thin though.
Whole Grilled Trout with Dill Potatoes GEL 19.50 (~S$10.40)
Taste: 7.5/10
Served on a cast iron plate, the grilled trout was succulent, made better by some natural orange juice that I squeezed from the fruit. The boiled potato cubes weren't seasoned at all, apart from being sprinkled with chopped dill leaves, so I added a bit of salt and pepper to make them more appetising.
Abkhazian Style Sausage GEL 25.00 (~S$13.30)
Taste: 8/10
I wasn't expecting to see something related to Abkhazia, a partially-recognised separatist state from Georgia, on the menu. The ground beef and pork wrapped in a thin layer of bacon was apparently the best dish of the day, if a bit oily. The tartness of the pomegranate and berry sauce helped to cut through the fats.
Tarragon Lemonade GEL 2.60 (~S$1.40)
Anticipating that it might taste weird, we braved ourselves to share a bottle of tarragon lemonade. It turned out to be truly appetising with a unique aroma, so much so that we bought a bottle from a local supermarket the following day.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 7.5/10
Ambience: 6.5/10
Service: 7/10
Overall: 7/10
The heating system in the restaurant made me feel a tad stuffy towards the end of the meal. Otherwise, its decor is actually pretty good.
Chela Funicular
Upper Funicular Station
Tbilisi
Georgia
(Daily: 1.00pm - 12 midnight)
*Prices quoted are subject to 18% VAT.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
Comments