Just a stone’s throw from Pike Place Market, Skalka is serving up a taste of Georgia that has Seattle food lovers swooning.
This cozy downtown spot has carved out a delicious niche with just one perfect dish that they’ve absolutely mastered – the khachapuri. 🧀
For the uninitiated, khachapuri are boat-shaped bread creations that arrive at your table steaming hot, filled with gooey cheese and crowned with a gleaming egg yolk.
At Skalka, these handcrafted vessels of culinary delight are made from scratch throughout the day, with each batch of dough lovingly prepared and shaped to order.
The result? A piping hot, impossibly fresh bread boat that’s crisp on the outside and cloud-soft within.
Walking into this bright, minimalist space feels like discovering a secret culinary hideaway.
Founded in 2019 by immigrants from Georgia and Russia, Skalka embodies the philosophy that simplicity and quality ingredients yield extraordinary results.
The name itself – a Russian word for a common bakery tool – hints at their back-to-basics approach that lets the food shine. ✨
The menu might be concise, but it’s mighty flavorful. Diners can choose from several variations of the signature dish – the traditional Adjaruli boat with classic cheese, butter, and egg yolk; a hearty stroganoff version with beef and pickles; a chicken option with tomatoes and bell peppers; a vegetarian delight; or the Lobiani boat with red beans and bacon.
Each creation is a masterclass in comfort food that’ll have you ripping off pieces of the soft bread and swirling it through the molten interior like you’ve been doing it your whole life. 🍞
Don’t be fooled by their modest appearance – these boats are as filling as they are scrumptious. One khachapuri can easily satisfy a hungry soul or be shared between two more modest appetites.
At around $18 a pop, they’re a substantial meal that won’t break the bank but will surely create a memory your taste buds won’t soon forget.
The dining experience at Skalka is refreshingly straightforward. You’ll place your order on a tablet at the counter, and when your name is called, prepare for a feast.
Just remember – there’s a 15-25 minute wait while your boat is crafted, but boy howdy, is it worth every minute. 🕰️
While some might lament that Skalka has narrowed its once broader Georgian menu to focus primarily on khachapuri, there’s wisdom in perfecting one thing. And perfect it they have.
Their dedication to this single dish has earned them recognition from local media and created a dedicated following of khachapuri converts throughout Seattle. 😋
For those looking to explore global cuisines without leaving the Pacific Northwest, Skalka offers a genuine taste of Eastern European tradition with every cheesy, egg-topped bite. Just be warned – one visit may not be enough!
address: 77 Spring St, Seattle, WA 98104
phone: (206) 408-8169