Kharcho
(Harcho, Kharsho, ხარჩო)
Kharcho is a hearty Georgian soup featuring beef or chicken, walnuts, and rice. It is traditionally seasoned with a Georgian spice blend called khmeli suneli (a combination of dried blue fenugreek, marigold petals, basil, parsley, fennel, coriander, bay leaves, and red pepper) and tkemali plum sauce.
The soup is so popular that almost every family has their own variation and recipe. It is recommended to serve kharcho hot and garnish it with freshly chopped coriander.
Pairing tips
Saperavi
Saperavi is a resilient red Georgian grape that originated in the eastern region of Kakheti, and though it is still predominant in Georgia, small amounts are ... Read more
Serve with
Tkemali
Tkemali is a flavorful Georgian sauce made from wild sour plums, sugar, garlic, hot red or green peppers, and herbs such as coriander, parsley, basil, and dill. There ... Read more
Ghomi
Ghomi is a traditional dish from Georgia consisting of coarse and fine cornflour combined with water. If the pieces of cheese such as sulguni are placed in the hot porridge ... Read more
Khmeli suneli
Khmeli suneli is a fragrant Georgian spice blend including fenugreek, coriander, peppercorns, dill, mint, marigold petals, and bay leaves. This spice blend is ... Read more
WHERE TO EAT The best Kharcho in the world (according to food experts)
"The best place to eat kharcho is at a traditional Megrelian restaurant like local favourite Mapshalia. Remember to order an extra side of elarji (fried polenta balls) to mop up the sauce."
" Although it doesn't look appetizing the taste is very good."
"Their very successful version of Kharcho is made with mushrooms and blackberry sauce, served with mchadi (corn bread) on the side."
"Here they serve four different types of the dish and it is definitely worth trying as a warm and filling main course."
"Top 10 Best Places to Eat in Georgia: Diaroni - Incredible determination of dishes from the Samegrelo district, including kharcho."
"This Kharcho is so delicious. Please do try that out."
Tasty and very filly soup. Will keep you going all day.
