Georgian restaurant Sakhli, located in Riga, has been included in the main selection of the prestigious MICHELIN Guide Latvia 2027 and received the special Opening of the Year Award. The award was presented to its founder and head chef, Veko Tsukhishvili, making her the first Georgian female chef to receive official recognition from the MICHELIN Guide. The restaurant's success is also attributed to brand chef Irka Kelekhsashvili, who developed its culinary concept.
Speaking to BM.GE, Kelekhsashvili said the international recognition is particularly significant given that Sakhli joined the guide just two months after opening. She described the achievement as an important milestone not only for the restaurant but also for promoting Georgian gastronomy internationally, recognizing the dedication and professionalism of the entire team.
Kelekhsashvili emphasized that introducing Georgian cuisine to international audiences should not mean simplifying traditional dishes or adapting them to foreign tastes. Instead, the goal is to preserve authenticity while presenting traditional flavors through a modern dining experience. MICHELIN inspectors praised Sakhli's warm atmosphere, attentive service and authentic Georgian menu, which includes traditional dishes such as khinkali and the honey-sweetened wheat dessert known as Kolio.
The MICHELIN Guide Latvia 2027 features 35 restaurants, including two with one MICHELIN star, seven holding Bib Gourmand status and 26 in the main selection. Sakhli is among 11 new establishments added this year. Kelekhsashvili said the recognition is only the beginning, highlighting the need for more Georgian restaurants and international collaborations to strengthen the country's presence on the global culinary scene.
