Tbilisi: Khachapuri, Khinkali and Bread-Making Masterclass

A Taste of Georgia: Khachapuri, Khinkali, and Bread-Making in Tbilisi

If you’re visiting Tbilisi and want to get more than just a glimpse of Georgian culture, this cooking masterclass offers a delicious and authentic experience. Set in Kvemo Kartli, this two-hour session is led by friendly instructors who guide you through the preparation of three iconic Georgian dishes: the cheesy Khachapuri, the savory Khinkali, and the traditional Shoti bread.

What I love about this experience is how approachable it feels, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out. The small group size (limited to 10 participants) makes it easier to ask questions and get personalized tips. Plus, the inclusion of all necessary ingredients means you can focus solely on learning and tasting. My favorite part? Watching the dough come together as you learn the secret techniques for a crispy crust and flavorful filling that makes these dishes so irresistible.

A potential consideration is that this class isn’t suitable for those with gluten intolerance, so if you’re avoiding gluten, this might not be the right fit. Also, since the experience is only two hours, it’s a quick dive into Georgian cuisine — perfect for a morning or early afternoon activity.

This experience is best suited for foodie travelers eager to learn authentic recipes, or anyone curious about Georgia’s culinary secrets. It’s also ideal if you want a fun, interactive activity that leaves you with skills and recipes to try back home.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Recipes: Learn to make three traditional Georgian dishes from scratch.
• Hands-On Technique: Get practical experience shaping dumplings, kneading bread, and filling cheese-stuffed bread.
• Friendly Atmosphere: Small group size fosters interaction and personalized tips.
• All-Inclusive: Ingredients and instruction are provided; no need to bring anything.
• Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Georgian food traditions through a guided, local perspective.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

Exploring the Flavors of Georgia in Kvemo Kartli

This tour begins at a cozy café bakery marked with a welcoming sign that’s easy to spot. Once you arrive, your instructor — often speaking English and Russian — welcomes you with a warm smile, setting the tone for an informal yet informative experience.

The Setting and Atmosphere

The workshop takes place in a homey, approachable environment that feels more like cooking with friends than a formal class. This relaxed setting encourages questions, laughter, and plenty of tasting. You’ll find that the instructor emphasizes authentic techniques, such as kneading the dough for Khachapuri from scratch and shaping Khinkali with the proper pleats to trap the flavorful juices inside.

Making Khachapuri: Georgia’s Cheese-Laden Bread

The highlight for many is the process of creating Khachapuri, Georgia’s famous cheese bread. The instructor guides you through kneading a simple yet delicious dough, explaining the importance of proper resting times for achieving that perfect, slightly crispy crust. Next, you’ll learn to prepare the filling, often a mixture of Georgian cheeses, which you spread generously inside the dough before baking. Watching the bread emerge from the oven with a golden, slightly glossy crust is a joy, and you’ll love the way the gooey cheese inside complements the crispy edges.

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Crafting Khinkali: Georgian Dumplings with a Spicy Twist

Next up are Khinkali, often called “Georgian dumplings,” filled with spiced, savory meat. The instructor demonstrates how to roll and cut the dough, then how to pinch and pleat it into the traditional “knots” that are both functional (to hold the juices) and beautiful. Shaping Khinkali takes a bit of practice, but the instructor is patient, providing tips for getting the perfect size and pleats. The best part? Learning the technique for biting into these dumplings to enjoy the broth-filled interior without spilling — a skill that makes all the difference.

Baking Georgian Bread: Shoti

The final step is mastering Shoti, Georgia’s traditional bread, baked in a clay oven or on a stone surface in your home oven. The instructor shares insights into the traditional methods, explaining how the bread’s soft, pillowy interior and crispy crust are achieved. You’ll enjoy shaping the dough into the characteristic elongated form, ready for baking. The aroma that fills the room while the bread bakes is simply irresistible and leaves you with a tangible sense of Georgian culinary tradition.

The Value of the Experience

For a price that includes all ingredients and instruction, this class offers excellent value. You leave not just with a handful of recipes but with new skills and confidence to cook Georgian dishes at home. Many reviews praise the deliciousness of the food and the friendly, approachable style of the instructors. One noted they appreciated “learning the secrets to creating the perfect crispy Khachapuri,” which is truly the hallmark of a successful class.

While the session is relatively short, it packs in a lot — from dough kneading to shaping dumplings and baking bread. The fact that it’s a small group ensures everyone gets ample attention, making it suitable for beginners as well as seasoned cooks.

Practical Details and Tips

Booking in advance is recommended, ideally at least two days beforehand, especially during peak travel times. The experience is available in English and Russian, making it accessible to many travelers. Since it lasts only two hours, it’s a perfect activity to fit into a morning or early afternoon schedule.

If you’re gluten-sensitive or have dietary restrictions, this class might not be suitable, so plan accordingly. Be prepared to get your hands a bit floury — it’s part of the fun! The meeting point is easy to find with signage on a brick wall, and the activity ends back at the starting point, so no need for transportation afterward.

Who Will Love This Tour?

It’s ideal for food lovers who enjoy hands-on activities and want a genuine taste of Georgian cooking. It’s also great for travelers who want to deepen their understanding of local culture through its cuisine. If you’re after a fun, intimate, and practical experience that provides lasting skills, this class fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

This Tbilisi-based cooking class offers more than just a meal — it’s a chance to connect with Georgian culture through its most beloved dishes. You’ll leave with new recipes, a full belly, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, you’ll appreciate the approachable instructors and authentic flavors that make Georgian food so special.

Travelers looking for a genuine, hands-on culinary experience in a friendly setting will find this tour a delightful addition to their Georgian adventure. It’s not just about the food, but about understanding a culture through its most iconic flavors.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed to be approachable for all skill levels, including beginners. The instructor provides clear, step-by-step guidance.

What languages are spoken during the class?
The class is conducted in English and Russian, making it accessible to many travelers.

Are all ingredients included?
Yes, all necessary ingredients are provided, so you only need to bring your enthusiasm.

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

Is there gluten in the dishes?
Yes, traditional Georgian bread and dumplings contain gluten, so it’s not suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

How long is the class?
The session lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the class take place?
It starts at a café bakery marked with a brick wall banner and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, everything is provided, though comfortable clothing suitable for kneading and shaping dough is recommended.

Will I learn new cooking skills?
Absolutely. You’ll learn techniques for making dough, shaping dumplings, and baking bread, which you can practice at home.

Is this experience good for groups or solo travelers?
It’s ideal for small groups (up to 10 people), making it a more intimate and engaging experience for all.

This cooking class stands out as a genuine way to taste Georgia’s culinary soul, offering practical skills, delicious flavors, and a friendly atmosphere. Perfect for those who want to bring a piece of Georgian culture back home through food.

You can check availability for your dates here: