Kinkali are Georgian soup dumplings — hand-folded, twisted into a topknot, and filled with seasoned meat or vegetables and a pocket of hot broth. At Saperavi, they are made fresh at all three Manhattan locations: the East Village, the Upper East Side, and the Upper West Side. If you are looking for authentic kinkali in New York, this is where to start.
See them on the full Georgian menu or find your nearest table on our Locations page.
What are kinkali?
Kinkali are traditional Georgian dumplings, larger than most and shaped like a small purse with a twisted knot of dough on top. The filling — classically spiced meat, or vegetables and cheese — is sealed with broth that forms as the dumpling cooks. They are one of the cornerstones of Georgian cooking, served across the country from the mountains of Khevsureti to the tables of Tbilisi, and they sit alongside khachapuri as a must-order for anyone new to the cuisine.
How do you eat kinkali?
You eat kinkali by hand, never with a fork. Hold the dumpling by its topknot, turn it over, and take a small bite from the side to open it. Sip the hot broth first, then eat the rest of the dumpling. The twisted knot itself — the kudi — is traditionally left on the plate, and counting the knots is the classic way to keep score of how many you have eaten.
Ordering tip: kinkali are meant to be shared. Order a plate for the table alongside a khachapuri and a bottle of Georgian wine for a proper introduction to the cuisine.
What fillings do Saperavi’s kinkali come in?
Saperavi serves kinkali in the classic styles, made to order. Use the table below to choose, then see where to find them in the locations section near the bottom of this page.
| Style | Filling | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Classic meat | Seasoned beef and pork with herbs and broth | First-timers and traditionalists |
| Vegetable | Mushroom or potato and herbs | Vegetarian guests |
| Cheese | Georgian cheese blend | Sharing plates and lighter orders |
Where can you get authentic kinkali in New York?
Authentic, hand-folded kinkali are served at all three Saperavi locations in Manhattan. Because they are made fresh, kinkali are best enjoyed in the dining room while the broth is still hot — choose the East Village for a lively downtown dinner, the Upper East Side for a relaxed neighborhood meal, or the Upper West Side for pre-theater dining near Lincoln Center. For the broader brand and cuisine overview, see our guide to the best Georgian restaurant in NYC.
What wine pairs well with kinkali?
Kinkali pair beautifully with Georgian wine. A bold, dark-skinned Saperavi red stands up to the spiced meat filling, while an amber (orange) wine made by the ancient qvevri method complements the vegetable and cheese versions. Georgia is often called the birthplace of wine, with an 8,000-year winemaking tradition, and that heritage is the reason the restaurant carries the Saperavi name. Explore the list in our Georgian Wine Guide.
Where to find Saperavi in Manhattan
East Village — 245 East 14th Street, New York, NY 10003. Phone: (646) 478-8669. Get Directions · East Village location page
Upper East Side — 1712 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10128. Phone: (646) 778-9683. Get Directions · Upper East Side location page
Upper West Side — 410 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024. Get Directions · Upper West Side location page
Browse the full menu or see all three on the Locations hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are kinkali?
Kinkali are Georgian soup dumplings, twisted by hand into a topknot and filled with seasoned meat or vegetables and broth. They are a cornerstone of Georgian cuisine, served fresh at Saperavi’s three Manhattan locations.
How do you eat kinkali?
Hold the dumpling by its topknot, turn it over, and take a small bite from the side to sip the hot broth first, then eat the rest. The knot of dough is traditionally left on the plate. Kinkali are eaten by hand, not with a fork.
Where can I get kinkali in New York?
Saperavi makes authentic kinkali fresh at all three of its Manhattan locations — the East Village, Upper East Side, and Upper West Side. Because they are made to order, kinkali are best enjoyed in the dining room while the broth is still hot.
Are there vegetarian kinkali?
Yes. In addition to the classic meat filling, Saperavi offers vegetable and cheese kinkali, making them a good option for vegetarian guests who want to try this signature Georgian dish.
What wine goes with kinkali?
A bold Saperavi red pairs well with meat kinkali, while a qvevri-made amber (orange) wine complements the vegetable and cheese versions. Both are part of Saperavi’s Georgian wine list.