The Art of Khinkali: The Dough and Its 12 Perfect Folds
At EatNamu, the true heart of our Namu Khinkali soup dumplings isn’t just the juicy, broth-filled center — it’s the expertly made dough and its carefully hand-folded pleats. Every dumpling we craft in our Atlanta kitchen carries centuries of Georgian mountain tradition in its delicate yet unbreakable wrapper.
The Dough: Simple, Strong, and Essential
Georgian grandmothers have always insisted: good khinkali begins with honest dough. We use only premium flour, fresh water, and a pinch of salt — no eggs, no shortcuts. The dough is kneaded until silky, rested to develop strength, and rolled paper-thin by hand.
This balance is everything. It must feel light and tender on the tongue once cooked, yet sturdy enough to hold nearly half a cup of steaming, aromatic broth without a single tear. Too thick and it feels heavy; too thin and the precious soup is lost. In our Atlanta kitchen, we test every batch so your Namu Khinkali arrive with that same perfect wrapper: silky, resilient, and unmistakably Georgian.
The 12 Folds: Craftsmanship, Beauty, and Prosperity
Look at the top of a finished khinkali and you’ll see an elegant twisted knot — the kudi or tail — surrounded by radiating pleats. While traditional high-mountain recipes sometimes call for up to 28 folds to mirror the ancient sun symbol Borjgali (ბორჯღალი), our Namu Khinkali are proudly hand-folded with exactly 12 perfect pleats.
In Georgian tradition, 12 pleats are highly regarded — they symbolize prosperity and the fullness of life, like the 12 months of the year bringing abundance to the mountains. Each precise fold creates a beautiful, symmetrical sun-ray pattern that ensures a tight, leak-proof seal while delivering a clean, elegant shape that’s ideal for home cooking. Twelve well-executed pleats show skill, care, and respect for the craft without sacrificing the juicy experience you love.
From Our Hands to Your Table
We fold every Namu Khinkali with this same pride and precision, flash-freeze them at peak freshness, and ship them straight to your door across the US.
The next time you boil a batch, pause to admire the delicate dough and those graceful 12 pleats. Hold the tail, take that first bite, slurp the rich broth, and feel the warmth of Georgian hospitality fill you.
That’s not just dinner — it’s living heritage you can taste.
Ready to experience the art? Order Namu Khinkali soup dumplings today at www.eatnamu.com
