Kutaisi isn’t just Georgia’s second-largest city; it’s a fantastic place to learn about traditional Georgian cuisine firsthand. What makes Kutaisi especially appealing for cooking classes is the authentic experience you get—cooking in local homes or cozy kitchens, surrounded by fresh ingredients, and learning family recipes passed down through generations. We particularly like the Traditional Georgian Cooking Class in Kutaisi, where a local family shares their kitchen and their culture in a warm, welcoming environment. It’s more than just cooking; it’s a chance to feel like part of Georgia’s daily life.
For those interested in mastering one of Georgia’s most famous dishes, the Khinkali cooking class with wine tasting is a standout. It combines hands-on experience with a tasting of local wines, providing a complete picture of Georgian culinary traditions. Below, you’ll find two excellent options that highlight the diversity of cooking experiences available in Kutaisi.
1. Traditional Georgian Cooking Class in Kutaisi
This deeply personal cooking class invites you into a local family’s home, where you’ll learn to prepare Nigvziani Badrijani, Khinkali, Khachapuri, and seasonal pkhali. The class lasts about 2 hours and costs around $35 per person, making it a very good value for the immersive experience you get. The hosts use fresh local ingredients, and after cooking, everyone shares a communal meal paired with homemade wine.
What makes this experience stand out is its authenticity. You’re not just watching a demonstration—you’re kneading dough, stuffing khinkali, and learning the secrets behind those perfect cheese-filled khachapuri. The family’s warmth and willingness to share their traditions help you understand how integral food is to Georgian hospitality. You leave with recipes you can try at home and a better sense of Georgian culture. Guests often comment on how genuine and heartfelt this experience feels, making it ideal for travelers craving an authentic, family-led cooking session.
Bottom Line: For an authentic, family-oriented Georgian cooking experience that offers a full meal and wine, this class is hard to beat at its price point. It’s perfect for those wanting a real taste of Kutaisi’s food culture.
2. Kutaisi: Khinkali Cooking Class with Wine Tasting
At number two, this class focuses exclusively on Khinkali, Georgia’s iconic dumplings, and includes a delightful element of wine tasting. Lasting about 1.5 hours, it’s slightly shorter but packed with hands-on instruction from a local cook in a cozy setting. The class fee covers all ingredients, and while the exact price isn’t listed here, it’s known for offering good value considering the wine tasting included.
What sets this class apart is its specialized focus. You’ll learn the techniques behind making perfect khinkali—from folding to boiling—while sipping on a glass of qvevri wine, Georgia’s ancient method of wine fermentation. The instructor shares stories about Georgia’s winemaking traditions, making it a cultural as well as culinary lesson. After cooking, you get to enjoy your khinkali along with a light meal, making it an ideal choice if your main interest is mastering this particular dish or combining food with wine.
A reviewer notes, “I loved how relaxed yet informative the class was, and the wine made it extra special.” It’s best suited for those who prefer a focused, small-group experience and enjoy pairing food with local wine.
Bottom Line: If khinkali and wine are your priorities, this class offers an intimate, hands-on experience that deepens your understanding of Georgia’s culinary and winemaking traditions—without breaking the bank.
How to Choose Your Cooking Class in Kutaisi
When deciding between these options, consider your main interests and time constraints. For a full-family experience that includes multiple dishes, the Traditional Georgian Cooking Class is ideal, especially if you want to learn about a variety of recipes and enjoy a communal meal. If your focus is on perfecting khinkali—and pairing it with some local wine—the Khinkali class with wine tasting is a more targeted choice. Budget-wise, both are affordable options, but the first offers more dishes for a slightly longer duration, making it excellent value.
Think about timing: the full traditional class is longer and more comprehensive, while the khinkali class is perfect if you’re short on time but want a memorable, hands-on experience. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak tourist season, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Kutaisi offers a range of engaging cooking experiences, from family-led multi-dish classes to specialized khinkali workshops combined with wine tasting. If you’re after an authentic taste of Georgian hospitality, the traditional family cooking class provides a warm, immersive experience. For those who want to perfect a single dish and enjoy some local wine, the khinkali class with wine tasting is a fantastic, focused option. Both experiences give you invaluable insight into Georgia’s rich culinary traditions, making your trip more meaningful.
No matter which you choose, these classes are a wonderful way to connect with Kutaisi’s food culture, learn practical skills, and bring home delicious memories. Be sure to book early — these popular experiences fill up fast, especially during the busy season.