LILLE, June 15, 2025
David Khildikharoiev, a former TV journalist and political refugee, opened Duda’s, a new restaurant specializing in Caucasian cuisine, in Lille on June 14, 2025. This establishment offers a taste of the Caucasus with its unique dishes and warm atmosphere.
Discover the heartwarming story of David Khildikharoiev, who brings the flavors of the Caucasus to Lille, France. From war-torn Chechnya to the bustling streets of Lille, his journey is as rich as the food he serves.
- Duda’s offers authentic Caucasian cuisine.
- The restaurant is located in Lille, France.
- David Khildikharoiev is the owner, a former journalist and refugee.
- The menu features Georgian, Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Chechen dishes.
What’s on the menu at Duda’s? At Duda’s, you’ll find a taste of the Caucasus, with a menu featuring Georgian, Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Chechen dishes. David Khildikharoiev, the owner, wants to bring the warmth and flavors of his homeland to the people of Lille.
From chechnya to Lille: A Culinary Journey
David Khildikharoiev, who will soon be 49, was born in Grozny, Russia, to a Georgian mother and a Chechen father. Growing up in Georgia,he experienced a home where hospitality was paramount,with meals prepared quickly,even for unexpected guests.
In the 1990s, David worked as a TV journalist in Chechnya, hosting his own program, “The Caucasus seen by young people,” which aimed to connect generations. He filmed war, ultimately understanding that his freedom of speech came at a high cost. He left Chechnya permanently in 2000.
Arriving in France in 2003 as a political refugee, he rebuilt his life. He initially worked in construction and then in industry before moving to Lille, where he ran the Spleen Bar on rue de Solférino for ten years. The idea to cook professionally came from French friends who loved his cooking.
Although journalism remains close to David’s heart-he earned a Journalist Images Reporter (JRI) diploma in Valenciennes in 2022-he now expresses himself through cooking. He opened Duda’s with his wife, nicknamed Duda, to share their family’s generous hospitality. The first Duda’s opened in December 2023 in Marcq-en-baroeul, and, due to its success, a second establishment opened at 18 rue Gambetta in Lille on June 14, 2025.
David hopes to be an ambassador of the Caucasus in France. after success in Marcq and Lille, he dreams of opening more locations.
Family Dishes Served with Speed
To entice the people of northern France to experience Georgia,David and his wife have selected signature Caucasian dishes. The menu at Duda’s includes 70% Georgian dishes, with Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Chechen influences as well. A bestseller is the ajaruli, a Georgian specialty in the shape of a boat, filled with melted cheese, butter, and an egg. He says, “it looks like the raclette.”
The menu also features khinkalis, ravioli filled with beef, cheese, or mushrooms, and the khachapuri, a bread pancake topped with melted butter and cheese, which will delight any gourmand. Other dishes include vegetable terrines,the pkhali,and the pide (Turkish pizza) and salads.
David has kept the bread oven for certain recipes in the old bakery where the restaurant is located. He has also built his own barbecue to grill meat like beef,chicken,or lamb,and sturgeon from the Caspian Sea,which is known as “the king of the barbecue.” Vines are used to give a special aroma to the grills.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is designed to be warm and welcoming, in a Caucasian chalet style, with 20 seats.
Duda’s is a place that embodies the essence of its cuisine, filled with the heart and soul of David, his wife, and the Caucasus. It’s a culinary and cultural journey in the heart of Lille.
Beyond teh Plate: Exploring Caucasian Culinary Traditions
The opening of Duda’s in Lille is more than just the launch of a restaurant; it’s an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of Caucasian cuisine. David Khildikharoiev, driven by his desire to share his heritage, has curated a menu that reflects the diverse influences of the Caucasus region.His story, and the dishes he serves, offer a window into a world of flavor often overlooked in Western dining.
What makes Caucasian cuisine so captivating? it stems from a confluence of factors: geography, climate, and a long history of cultural exchange. The Caucasus, nestled between Europe and Asia, has acted as a crossroads for centuries. This has resulted in a culinary landscape defined by fresh ingredients, bold spices, and time-honored cooking techniques.
The core of Caucasian cuisine is a celebration of family and hospitality. Meals are frequently enough communal experiences, designed to be shared and savored. This aspect is reflected in Duda’s inviting atmosphere and the shared-plate nature of many dishes.
Did You Know? Many Caucasian dishes incorporate walnuts, fresh herbs, and garlic, lending a distinct flavor profile. These ingredients are staples in the local cuisine. It’s a vibrant and healthy cuisine!
One of the signature dishes, the ajaruli-the “boat” filled with cheese, butter, and an egg-is a perfect example of this convivial spirit. The act of mixing the ingredients and sharing the bread encourages interaction and enjoyment. Similarly, khinkalis, filled with savory meat or cheese, embody the rustic, hearty style of the region.
Dishes to Discover at Duda’s
For those new to this cuisine, consider these popular options at Duda’s:
- Ajaruli: A Georgian specialty. It’s a cheese-filled bread boat with an egg and butter.
- Khinkali: Georgian dumplings. They’re typically filled with beef, cheese, or mushrooms.
- Khachapuri: A bread pancake with melted butter and cheese.
- Pkhali: Vegetable terrines, frequently enough made with spinach or beets.
- Grilled Meats: Beef, chicken, lamb, and Caspian sturgeon.
What can diners expect when they try Caucasian cuisine? Diners can expect a culinary adventure filled with fresh flavors, savory dishes, and warm hospitality. Caucasian cuisine is a celebration of family and community.
What makes the dining experience at Duda’s unique? The ambiance of the restaurant, inspired by the Caucasian chalet style, adds to the immersive experience. the authentic dishes will transport you to the Caucasus.
The Future of Caucasian Cuisine in france
David’s vision for Duda’s extends beyond Lille.He hopes to expand, bringing the flavors of the Caucasus to more people in France.His success demonstrates a growing interest in diverse culinary experiences.
The popularity of Duda’s also highlights the increasing recognition for regional and ethnic cuisines. People are eager to explore new flavors and learn about different cultures. David’s restaurant serves as a cultural bridge and a culinary destination.
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