The country is regarded as a cradle of wine that is renowned throughout the Caucasus, yet in China - and I suspect in much of the world - Georgian wines are as obscure as its hidden culinary treasure, and the country itself.

Annayev said: "In all the former Soviet Union, Georgian food gained the most fame and remains the most popular. Now in America and Europe it's becoming better known. Our mission is to introduce Georgian cuisine to Chinese people, and to make it known as much as we can in China."

Some distinct and basic ingredients of Georgian cuisine include garlics, walnuts, onions, eggplants and cheese, Tomaradze said.