A Georgian supra is often described as a feast, but the food is only part of it. A table is laid with a generous succession of dishes, people linger over dinner, talk, share stories and raise toasts. The tamada, or toastmaster, guides the occasion and gives its toasts a rhythm and meaning. A supra is as much about spending time together as it is about eating.
Can you experience a supra on a tour?
Many travellers ask us this before visiting Georgia. The answer depends on what you mean by a supra. On our escorted tours, the guide and driver sit down to dinner with our guests every evening. You share Georgian food around one table, talk about the day, get to know each other and hear local stories. That convivial atmosphere is a natural part of the journey.
What these dinners do not usually include is a dedicated tamada leading a formal sequence of toasts. If you would like to get a feel for that tradition, tell us in advance. We can ask your guide to introduce Georgian toasts and explain their meaning during one of the dinners.
What about a traditional family supra?
A full supra is often tied to a particular occasion: a wedding, a birth, a family celebration or another important gathering. These are real events in people’s lives, so they cannot simply be scheduled as a regular stop on every tour. What we can arrange for visitors is a taste of the tradition while making clear that a dinner organised for a tour group is different from being invited to a family celebration.
If you would prefer a more formal evening, we can also look for a professional tamada. This is an additional arrangement and costs more. A local toastmaster may speak only Georgian, in which case your guide can translate the toasts and help everyone follow what is happening.
Our advice
You do not need a staged performance to enjoy the warmth of a Georgian table. The dinners you share with your guide, driver and fellow travellers give you plenty of time to eat and talk together. If the ritual of the toasts especially interests you, let us know when you book and we will discuss the best way to include it.
Explore our Georgia tours or contact us to plan your trip.