Sami Sumeli provides a true taste of Georgian cuisine - Review - Austin - The Infatuation

"You can count the number of dedicated Georgian restaurants in the Austin area on one hand—or one finger, really. So the next time you find yourself hypnotized by photos of cheese-filled bread canoes online, head to Cedar Park for your own order of khachapuri, complete with a molten egg yolk swirling in the middle. Sami Sumeli has a full roster of Georgian classics—soupy khinkali dumplings, savory lamb kebabs, grilled eggplant rolls stuffed with cheese and walnuts—plus a long list of regional wines you won’t find anywhere else in town. If you really want to lean into the experience, start (or end) your meal with a shot of chacha, the clear Georgian brandy that goes down dangerously easily and might make you forget you’re sitting in a suburban strip mall. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: RICHARD CASTEEL Pause Unmute Food Rundown Eggplant Rolls Thin strips of grilled eggplant get rolled up and stuffed with a cream cheese and walnut filling that’s thick, a little tangy, and savory. These are a great start to the meal. photo credit: Richard Casteel Georgian Salad This simple but refreshing mix of tomatoes and cucumbers is tossed in a rich walnut dressing with a ton of herbs. It’s bright, crunchy, and a nice counter to some of the heavier and cheesier things you’re about to eat. photo credit: Richard Casteel Adjarian Khachapuri The main event. This is the bubbling, cheese-stuffed bread canoe you’ve probably drooled about on the internet, complete with a runny egg yolk and a knob of butter in the middle. Tear off some bread—it has the consistency of a nice pizza crust—swirl it all together, and try not to burn your mouth. It’s worth it even if you do. photo credit: Richard Casteel Khinkali Hold these big, doughy dumplings upside down by the little twisted topknot, take a small bite, and slurp out the broth before going in for the rest. They’re filled with soupy beef and herbs, and they’re slightly messy and extremely satisfying. photo credit: Richard Casteel" - Nicolai McCrary