National Dish Georgia: Sinori (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Sinori, a traditional Georgian dish that delights the palate and warms the heart in equal measure. These savoury filled pastries suit just about any occasion, whether you want a quick snack between meals or a hearty main course for a festive table. A filling of cheese and fresh herbs gives them an unmistakable flavour that speaks of Georgia’s rich culture and traditions. Every bite of sinori is a small piece of Georgian hospitality.
About Sinori
Sinori is a genuinely traditional Georgian dish that pleases far more than just the taste buds. These delicious pastries work beautifully in any setting — as a casual snack or as a substantial centrepiece at a celebration. The filling of cheese and fresh herbs creates a distinctive flavour that recalls the depth of Georgian culture and tradition. Serve them and you are sharing a little of the country’s famous warmth and generosity.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g flour
- 100 ml water
- 50 g butter, melted
- 150 g sheep’s cheese or feta
- 1 handful fresh herbs (such as dill and parsley)
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for sinori are easy to find in most supermarkets and in international food shops. When choosing your cheese, look for good-quality sheep’s cheese or feta, as these deliver the best flavour by some margin. Fresh herbs matter just as much if you want to capture that authentic Georgian taste. Plan your shopping in advance so the cooking itself runs smoothly from start to finish.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin making sinori, take the time to prepare all the ingredients properly. Measure the flour and water accurately so the dough comes out just right. The cheese should be crumbled, and the herbs washed thoroughly and finely chopped. Have the egg ready to hand as well — it goes into the filling and is also used to brush the pastries before baking.
Step-by-step instructions
- Put the flour in a bowl and slowly add the water and the melted butter. Mix well until you have a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: crumble the cheese and combine it with the chopped herbs. Add the egg, salt and pepper.
- Roll the dough out thinly on a floured surface and cut out circles.
- Place the filling in the centre of each circle and press the edges together firmly.
- Arrange the sinori on a greased baking tray and bake at 180 °C for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of sinori, use a gluten-free flour that combines well with water and butter. To make it lactose-free, swap the butter for a lactose-free margarine and use lactose-free cheese. These alternatives give you very nearly the same flavour and texture, so there is no need to give up on tradition. Experiment a little with the quantities to get the best results.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of sinori, replace the cheese with vegan cheese or mashed tofu seasoned with nutritional yeast and spices. Swap the egg for a mixture of ground flaxseed and water to keep the filling bound together. These changes preserve the characteristic flavours of sinori while meeting vegan or vegetarian requirements. Adapting traditional recipes is always rewarding, and it often turns up flavour combinations you would not otherwise have tried.
More tips and tricks
To make your sinori even more aromatic, add spices such as cumin or paprika. They bring not only flavour but also an appealing colour. Be sure to roll the dough out thinly so the pastries turn properly crisp in the oven. Brushing them with a little oil or melted butter before baking gives them a lovely glossy finish.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The sinori recipe is easy to adjust to your own preferences. If you like a bit of heat, add chilli flakes, or vary the fresh herbs according to the season. The cheese leaves plenty of room to play as well — try mozzarella or ricotta, much as you would when experimenting with a Khachapuri. Every time you tweak the recipe, you discover a new and exciting flavour.
Ingredient substitutions
There are plenty of alternatives when making sinori that let you create your own variations. Instead of water, use milk for a richer dough. If cheese is not your favourite, try a filling of roasted vegetables or lentils — the bean-based filling of Lobiani is a good source of inspiration here. Substitutions like these are not just tasty; they also let you cook with what is in season and make the most of your store cupboard.
Drink pairing ideas
Plenty of drinks pair well with sinori and bring out the flavours of the filling. A fresh Georgian wine such as a Saperavi is a perfect match for the savoury pastries. For an alcohol-free option, a herbal tea or a fruity lemonade works beautifully and keeps the meal balanced. Try a few different combinations to find the one you enjoy most alongside your sinori.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presenting your sinori can be an art form in itself. Serve the pastries on a decorative plate and garnish them with fresh herbs or a tangy vinegar dressing for a colourful contrast. A few slices of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes or cucumbers round the plate off nicely. Remember that we eat with our eyes first, so a little creativity in the presentation goes a long way.
A bit of history
Sinori has its roots in traditional Georgian cooking, a cuisine rich in flavour and cultural influence. The dish is thought to have been handed down from generation to generation over the centuries. At celebrations across Georgia these pastries stand as an expression of hospitality and community, often served as a sign of prosperity — much like the dumplings of Khinkali at a family table. The story behind sinori is as satisfying as the dish itself and reflects the warm nature of the Georgian people, a hallmark of Georgian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Sinori
Sinori is not simply a dish; it is a journey into Georgian culture and cooking. With its savoury filling and crisp pastry, it is exactly the sort of food that impresses family and friends. Served as a snack or as a main course, sinori brings the colours and aromas of Georgia into your kitchen. Make it the centrepiece of your next cooking evening and let it work its charm.
