Taste of Georgia. Cooking-Class Khinkali, Khachapuri and more

A Cozy Tasting and Cooking Experience in Tbilisi

If you’re visiting Georgia and want more than just tasting the food—if you want to learn how to make it yourself—this Taste of Georgia cooking class is a perfect addition to your itinerary. For about $98 per person, you get roughly two hours of friendly, hands-on instruction with a local family in a cozy home environment. Led by experienced hosts, this class is designed to teach you the art of making Khinkali, Georgia’s signature dumpling, and Ajarian Khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread topped with an egg.

What we love most about this experience is its intimate setting—you’re not just watching a chef prepare dishes but actively participating in the process. The hosts do a wonderful job of sharing cooking tips that make Georgian cuisine accessible, even if you’re new to making dumplings or bread. Secondly, the inclusion of local ingredients and the focus on authentic recipes ensures you leave with practical skills you can try at home.

The only possible consideration? The tour lasts about two hours, which is enough time for a thorough lesson but might feel a bit quick if you’re eager to cook more dishes or explore the city afterward. Still, this experience suits anyone curious about authentic Georgian food, from first-time cooks to seasoned food lovers wanting a local touch.

This class is ideal for travelers who value hands-on learning, culture, and delicious, homemade food. If you want a meaningful experience that combines culinary skills with local hospitality, this tour will resonate with you.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Hosted in a Georgian family’s home, providing genuine insight into local cooking traditions.
• Hands-On Learning: You actively participate in preparing Khinkali and Khachapuri, not just observing.
• Local Ingredients & Recipes: Focus on authentic ingredients and traditional recipes, making it easy to recreate at home.
• Small Group: Limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, offering personalized attention.
• Value for Money: Includes a meal and beverages, making it a practical way to enjoy local flavors.
• Flexible and Convenient: Located near public transportation in Tbilisi, with a mobile ticket for easy access.

A Deep Dive into the Culinary Class in Tbilisi

When you sign up for this Taste of Georgia class, you’re stepping into a warm, welcoming atmosphere—hosted by a local family that takes pride in sharing their culinary heritage. You start at the Georgian Cooking Classes on Merab Kostava Street in Tbilisi, a convenient location that’s easy to reach via public transit. Once inside, you’re greeted with a genuine sense of hospitality that sets the tone for the session.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The class begins with a brief overview of Georgia’s most beloved dishes: Khinkali and Khachapuri. Your hosts, including a knowledgeable culinary technician, guide you step-by-step through the process, making sure you understand each part of the preparation.

Khinkali is the star of the show and a true symbol of Georgian food. You’ll learn how to make the dough elastic and soft—an art in itself—and how to fill these dumplings with a flavorful, broth-rich mixture. The secrets to pinching and twisting the dough to prevent the dumplings from falling apart are shared generously, and you’ll practice turning them correctly, a skill that will come in handy at home.

The filling involves more than just wrapping dough; it’s about balancing spices and broth to create a juicy, satisfying bite. The experience is interactive—you’re encouraged to ask questions and get your hands dirty.

Next, you’ll switch gears to making Ajarian Khachapuri, a cheese-stuffed bread topped with a raw egg just before baking. The host demonstrates how to prepare the dough to be tender yet sturdy enough to hold the cheese filling. You’ll learn which cheese varieties work best for stretching and melting—trust us, you’ll want to try this at home. The various ways of arranging the dish are also discussed, giving you ideas for presentation and customization.

The Meal and Beverages

Once the cooking is done, you sit down with your fellow travelers to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The class includes a tasting of the homemade dishes, paired with alcoholic beverages—a nice touch that enhances the experience. Julene R’s review captures this well: “Nothing like enjoying a meal you made, with a glass or two of Georgia wine.”

The Value of This Experience

At $98, this class offers exceptional value considering it includes expert instruction, the ingredients, the meal, and drinks. Compared to dining out, you’re not only getting food but also knowledge—a skill that can turn your own kitchen into a Georgian restaurant. Plus, being in a family home adds a layer of authenticity that you just can’t get in a restaurant or a touristy setting.

Group Size and Logistics

With a maximum of 8 travelers, you won’t feel lost in a crowd. The small group format encourages interaction, questions, and a more personalized experience. The booking process is straightforward, with confirmation provided instantly, and the tour is flexible enough that you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Authenticity and Hospitality

Reviews highlight how genuine and friendly the hosts are. Julene R describes her experience as a “perfect evening with friends and our table-side chef Grisha,” emphasizing the level of personal attention and warmth that makes this tour memorable.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This class is perfect for curious travelers eager to enjoy Georgian culture through food. It suits those interested in hands-on experiences rather than passively tasting dishes. If you love cooking and want to learn specific skills like turning Khinkali or preparing the perfect Khachapuri, this is ideal.

It’s also a great choice for travelers who appreciate local hospitality—the chance to join a family for a meal and learn their culinary secrets. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers a relaxed, intimate activity over big-group tours, this class will meet those expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the class?
The experience lasts approximately two hours, giving enough time for instruction, hands-on practice, and tasting.

Is the price inclusive of food and drinks?
Yes, the ticket price of $98 includes the cooking lesson, the homemade dishes, and alcoholic beverages.

Where does the tour take place?
The class is located at Georgian Cooking Classes on Merab Kostava Street in Tbilisi, a location that’s accessible via public transportation.

What is the group size?
The class is limited to 8 travelers maximum, ensuring a friendly, personalized atmosphere.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The hosts focus on making Georgian cuisine approachable, sharing detailed tips for making dough and fillings even if you’re new to cooking.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for kitchen work. The experience provides all necessary ingredients and utensils, so you just need to show up ready to cook!

Final Thoughts

This Georgian cooking class offers a genuine taste of local hospitality and culinary mastery. It’s a chance to learn authentic recipes that you’ll be eager to recreate at home—plus, you get to enjoy a delicious meal straight from the hands of local cooks. The intimate setting, friendly guides, and focus on tradition and technique make it a standout experience for food lovers.

If you’re traveling to Tbilisi and want to connect with Georgian culture through its food, this class will give you practical skills and a warm memory. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy interactive, small-group experiences and want to take home more than just photos—namely, a few new recipes and stories to tell.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, this cooking class adds a flavorful, authentic layer to your Georgia adventure—one dumpling and cheese bread at a time.