Shkmeruli in a traditional Georgian clay dishwear Ketsi | |
| Course | Main |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Georgia |
| Region or state | Shkmeri, Racha |
| Main ingredients | Chicken, garlic |
| Part of a series on |
| Georgian cuisine |
|---|
Shkmeruli[a] (Georgian: შქმერული, romanized: shkmeruli) is a traditional Georgian dish[1][2] of fried chicken cooked in garlic sauce.[3]
History
Historically, throughout various regions of Georgia, dishes featuring chicken and garlic sauce have long been prepared—typically cooked by stewing in an earthenware pot or by roasting. Subsequently, milk began to be incorporated into this dish, and the recipe eventually made its way to Shkmeri, a village located in the Oni district of the Racha region. The name "Shkmeruli" is derived from this very village of Shkmeri.[4] Shkmeruli is cooked over low heat in garlic sauce for 20–25 minutes. Shkmeruli is paired with bread.[5] It can be also mixed in with utskho suneli, svan salt and ajika.[6]
Shkmeruli in Japan

In 2019, Matsuya Foods chain of restaurants conducted a limited-trial launch of its "Shkmeruli Hot Pot Meal" at select locations. It generated significant attention, particularly on Twitter, that boosted the recognition of a dish throughout Japan.[7] At Matsuya, sweet potatoes were added as an ingredient and served alongside the rice. Georgian ambassador to Japan, Teimuraz Lezhava, played a significant role in its popularization and was the catalyst for the ensuing buzz and positive feedback in his interviews, noting that the dish paired well with rice.[8] In 2020, Imedi TV, aired news lasting just under seven minutes that focused on Shkmeruli, its expansion into Japan, and its reception within the country. This segment covered both the traditional preparation methods practiced in the village of Shkmeri and the manner in which the dish is served at Matsuya.[9]
See also
Notes
- Also referred as Chkmeruli.
References
- The Georgian Feast: The Vibrant Culture and Savory Food of the Republic of Georgia, Darra Goldstein, p. 101
- Food Cultures of the World Encyclopedia, Ken Albala, p. 126
- "Georgian Garlic Chicken (Chkmeruli)". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2018-12-05.
- Shkmeruli Gastronomia
- Шкмерули iCook.ru
- Шкмерули (შქმერული) Едимдома.ру
- 松屋が「シュクメルリ」を全国販売 外食チェーンに押し寄せる“珍”メニューの波、いずれも人気 ITmedia.co.jp
- “ある国”の大使が、なぜか「松屋」でウキウキでごはんを食べていた理由 Haruna Yamazaki, December 12, 2019
- რაჭულ შქმერულზე შეყვარებული იაპონია Jan 19, 2020, TV Imedi