Dezerter Bazaar near Station Square metro (line 1, Sadguris Moedani station) is where actual Georgians shop, and the prices will absolutely shock you. Khinkali 0.80 gel each, fresh produce 2-5 gel per kilo, open 7am-5pm daily. Take metro to Station Square then walk 10 minutes northeast, or taxi from city center for about 10 gel.

This sprawling indoor market is the antidote to tourist pricing. Vegetables cost half what you'll pay in Old Town shops, fresh Georgian bread 1-2 gel per loaf, local sulguni cheese 8-12 gel per kilo. Perfect for stocking hostel kitchens or apartment stays — I consistently saved 60% compared to shopping in tourist areas.

The khinkali stalls here beat most restaurants for both quality and price. Hit them around lunch when everything's fresh from the pot — Order a plate of 10 mixed meat and cheese dumplings, grab fresh bread and a drink, total meal under 5 gel ($2). The vendors know their stuff and aren't trying to impress tourists, just feed locals well.

Navigate to the produce section first for incredible seasonal fruit — Georgian peaches, grapes, and persimmons are legendary when in season. The spice vendors sell proper Georgian spice blends like khmeli suneli and blue fenugreek that you won't find in regular supermarkets. Cash only, and a few words of Georgian or Russian help, though pointing works fine.