There are several cultures which traditionally have 7 course meals or more, from entrees to desert. There is nothing wrong with this, as it is an expression of tradition and community.
While a seven-course spread is one way of how meals are done, the Georgians have Supra.
What is a Supra, you may ask?
Well, if you have watched Titanic, Jack attends a formal, maybe a seven-course dinner. Then he invites Rose to a real party?
Well… a Supra is somewhat similar…a real party.
Georgians love to celebrate special occasions with family and friends. Supra is a communal feast. It involves several courses of food, and the wine, drawn from bottomless Qvevris.
What is a Qvevri you may ask?
Read more about the secrets of Georgian wine and its Qvevris…
Coming back to the Supra.
The party begins in the kitchen. There are several dishes to be made and family and friends come to help. This happens over several glasses of homemade amber wine and chacha – the local grape vodka.
Supra literally means table cloth. A table is laid, preferably outdoors, maybe overlooking a vineyard.
The celebration usually begins from late afternoon and carries on till early next morning.
Salads, mixed with herbs and plum sauce, are essential in every Supra. Comforting soups are also common, along with flavorful grilled meats. There are also some of the traditional dishes served like…
Khinkhali – Dumplings filled with meat and soup.
Khachapuri – like pizza, a dough filled with cheese or meat.
Lobio – kidney bean salad.
Nigvziani Badrijani – smoked aubergines, with walnuts.
Shkmeruli – baked chicken with a creamy sauce.
Tashmijabi – mashed potato with Georgian Selguni cheese.
Churchkhela – walnuts are threaded on a string and dipped in a thickened grape juice.
Puri – Georgian bread.
Pkhali – a vegetable cutlet, with crushed walnuts.
Ajika – a spicy Georgian condiment that can elevate any dish.
These dishes are a fusion. Inspired or influenced from different cultures due to the ancient Silk Route which passed through Georgia.
Rice and bread are staple accompaniments. A variety Georgian cheese and several fruit also make an appearance.
The table is never left bare of food and the wine never stops flowing.
Every Supra usually has a Tamada.
What is a Tamada you may ask?
A Tamada is a host.
They could be a family elder, a respected person, or simply anyone. Their job would be to guide the rhythm and tempo of the Supra.
Before the meal begins the Tamada makes a toast. They stand. They speak something emotional or share a story. Then they raise their wine glass to the guests around the table. The traditional way to toast, is to use a horn shaped wine glass known as kantsi filled with wine.
A toast can be made several times during the Supra. While the Tamada can lead the toasting, the guests can add or make their own toasts.
There is also singing and dancing and speeches made by people in between meals. The wine never stops.
As the night gets on and the wine makes everyone happy, the toasts get emotional and passionate. Everyone dances, sings, and cheers with even more enthusiasm. The wine still flows.
Isn’t this a real party?
The essence of Supra is family, friendship and sharing.
Having a meal with the people you love, singing, dancing, and toasting is part of the communal experience. It allows the person to express themselves and share their feelings and emotions in a safe space.
Isn’t this the best therapy?
The Smiling Travellerr 