Georgian Chef Meriko Gubeladze Takes Over London Kitchen
A Georgian Culinary Journey Comes to Central London
London’s food scene is about to experience something truly special. On Wednesday 25th November, DakaDaka restaurant on Heddon Street will welcome Meriko Gubeladze, one of Georgia’s most celebrated chefs and television personalities, for an exclusive one-night-only takeover. For those living across London—from Hounslow to Whitton and beyond—this is a rare opportunity to taste authentic Georgian cuisine prepared by someone who’s shaped the country’s modern food culture.
Gubeladze spent a decade as the face of Georgian national television, hosting a primetime cooking show that made her a household name in Tbilisi. Her restaurants, Shavi Lomi and Ninia’s Garden, have become pilgrimage sites for food lovers visiting the Georgian capital. Perhaps most impressively, she earned international recognition when she cooked for Anthony Bourdain during his legendary 2015 Parts Unknown episode filmed in Tbilisi. This isn’t just another pop-up; it’s a genuine culinary event bringing world-class expertise directly to your doorstep.
What to Expect: A Feast the Georgian Way
If you’ve never experienced Georgian cuisine, prepare yourself for a revelation. This food sits at the fascinating crossroads between European and Asian culinary traditions, creating something entirely unique. On Gubeladze’s menu, you’ll find gobi and aubergine rolls, rich aubergine prepared in bazhe walnut sauce, and lobio—a traditional bean stew that’s been feeding Georgian families for centuries. The standout dish many are anticipating is kalia, a pomegranate chicken stew that features prominently in the newly published Georgia: The Cookbook, which Gubeladze co-authored.
For something truly special, don’t miss the slow-cooked chanakhi lamb stew and the authentic khachapuri—that iconic boat-shaped cheese bread topped with a runny egg and melting butter. DakaDaka will also serve their own house specialities alongside Gubeladze’s creations, including a Saperavi red wine soft serve that’s genuinely as creative as it sounds. The experience culminates with Batumi-style baklava, the perfect conclusion to an evening of discovery. Georgian wine from Pheasant’s Tears vineyard will flow throughout the night.
How to Experience This and What Comes Next
Booking is essential—tables are expected to fill quickly given the celebrity chef status and limited availability. Two seatings are available: a daytime session from 12pm to 2:30pm and evening service from 6pm onwards. You can reserve your spot through OpenTable now. The most authentic way to experience this meal is via the supra style—the traditional Georgian way of feasting featuring large sharing plates, generous wine pours, and plenty of toasts. The full supra experience costs just £35 per person, offering exceptional value for a meal prepared by someone of Gubeladze’s calibre.
This event is part of London On The Inside’s Field Trip series, which has successfully brought international chefs to London since launching last month. The initiative has already proven popular, with their first edition featuring Bangkok chef Chalita drawing 200 guests. Whether you’re a restaurant enthusiast from Richmond, a curious diner from Hounslow, or anyone seeking genuine culinary adventure, this represents a genuine opportunity to learn about a cuisine that’s rapidly gaining recognition worldwide. Get your reservation in now—this experience won’t wait around.
Source: Field Trip No. 2: Meriko Gubeladze (Shavi Lomi) x DakaDaka
