Join a Local for a Market Tour, Cooking Class and Meal in her Tbilisi Home

A Friendly Look at a Private Georgian Cooking Experience in Tbilisi

If you’re considering a way to really connect with local culture and cuisine during your trip to Tbilisi, this tour offers a charming introduction. It’s designed as a private, personalized experience where you’ll visit a bustling market, shop for fresh ingredients, and then cook authentic Georgian dishes in a local home. It’s not a big-group mass experience; rather, it’s intimate and tailored, making it perfect if you’re after something authentic and immersive.

What we love about this experience is how genuine it feels—you’re not just watching a demonstration but actively participating in the food’s journey from market to table. Plus, the inclusion of a local host who’s eager to share her culture really makes it special. That said, it’s not a culinary boot camp, so don’t expect a highly structured or formal cooking school. If you prefer an unhurried, friendly atmosphere where you can ask questions and learn about Georgian life, this tour checks those boxes.

One thing to keep in mind is that transportation isn’t included; you’ll need to get to the starting point at the Dezerter Bazaar. Also, since menus vary with the seasons, don’t expect a fixed list of dishes—what you cook will depend on what’s available that day. But if you’re open to trying different flavors and enjoying a home-cooked meal, this experience is likely to be a highlight.

This tour seems ideal if you’re looking to blend local shopping, cooking, and a taste of Georgian hospitality in a casual, authentic setting. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate meaningful cultural exchanges over traditional sightseeing, and those eager to gather some cooking tips and a delicious meal along the way.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: You’ll visit a lively market and cook in a real Georgian home, getting a true taste of everyday life.
• Personalized and private: The experience is tailored to your group, making it more relaxed and engaging.
• Includes spirits and drinks: Local alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages are part of the meal, adding to the authentic feel.
• Flexible menu: Dishes vary by season, offering a fresh and spontaneous culinary experience.
• Value for money: At $189, you get a full market tour, cooking class, meal, and drinks—quite comprehensive for the price.
• Ideal for curious food lovers: If you enjoy hands-on experiences and home-cooked meals, this tour ticks those boxes.

Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off at the Dezerter Bazaar, a bustling indoor marketplace that’s a feast for the senses. Here, you’ll see local vendors selling vibrant fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and an array of spices. It’s a lively, colorful scene—perfect for soaking up the local vibe. Your host, Tina, will guide you through, sharing insights into what makes Georgian cuisine special. You might get to pick out ingredients for your cooking class, making the experience both interactive and practical. It’s a manageable one-hour visit that sets the stage for what’s to come.

Many reviews highlight what a genuine treat this part of the tour is. Cherie_A mentions, “Tina was a wonderful host. Asked me what I would like to make and helped with recipes. Really nice to be in the home of a local.” This shows how personalized and accommodating the experience can be.

After shopping, you’ll head to Tina’s home near Tbilisi Mall, where the real magic happens. Inside her cozy kitchen, you’ll learn to prepare two or three typical Georgian dishes. The focus is on simple, hearty recipes, with Tina helping you along the way. Since menus depend on seasonal ingredients, the dishes could vary, but the goal is to give you a taste of authentic Georgian flavors.

What to Expect During the Cooking Class

The cooking part is informal but very hands-on. You’re not just watching; you’re actively involved. Expect to learn how to prepare common dishes that are staples in Georgian homes—possibly including Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), Khinkali (dumplings), or other local favorites. The reviews speak highly of Tina’s warmth and her willingness to help. Fatima_F describes it as “the most memorable cooking class,” emphasizing the personal touch.

The kitchen environment is described as cozy and welcoming, giving you a genuine glimpse into Georgian life. Tina’s family is friendly, and many guests appreciate the chance to chat and learn about local customs while cooking.

The Meal and Drinks

Once your dishes are cooked, you’ll sit down at Tina’s family dining table. Here’s where it gets real—sharing a home-cooked Georgian meal, complete with local spirits included, makes the experience feel like a visit to a friend’s house. Nadine_N sums it up beautifully: “Tina and her family were warmly welcoming us into their home. We started with a tour, then enjoyed the delicious meal afterward.”

You’ll also find non-alcoholic drinks available, so everyone can relax and enjoy the meal together. The inclusion of spirits is a nice touch, adding a bit of local flavor and hospitality.

Duration, Cost, and Logistics

The whole experience lasts around four hours, which is a good length for a relaxed, comprehensive introduction. The price, $189 per person, covers everything from market tour to home-cooked meal, including drinks and tips.

Keep in mind, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the starting point at Dezerter Bazaar, since hotel pickup isn’t included. The tour ends near Tbilisi Mall, making it easy to plan the rest of your day.

What the Reviews Say

Overall, guests love the authenticity of this experience. Cherie_A noted, “It’s really nice to be in the home of a local,” highlighting the personal connection. Fatima_F says, “Im still getting people asking me about it,” which speaks volumes about how memorable and unique this experience is.

There’s a minor note from Holly_M about the tour feeling “a bit unstructured,” but even she admits it was “a unique experience.” The informal nature seems to be part of the charm, even if it’s not perfectly polished.

The Value Proposition

Compared to standard cooking classes, this experience offers more than just a lesson—it’s a cultural exchange in a home setting. For $189, you get a market tour, cooking, a meal, drinks, and a chance to interact with locals in a genuine way. It’s a good deal considering the personalized attention you receive, especially if you’re keen on authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for food lovers who want more than just eating out—it’s for those who enjoy hands-on participation, culture, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s also great if you’re traveling as a small group or couple and want a more intimate experience. Since it’s held in a family home, those who value genuine hospitality will find it especially rewarding.

It’s less suited for travelers looking for a formal cooking course or a fast-paced culinary lesson, as the focus is on enjoying the process and the company. And while it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, older children or teenagers interested in food could find it engaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to cook to join this tour?
Not at all. The experience is designed to be accessible for all skill levels. Tina will help guide you through each step, making it suitable even if you’re a beginner.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the start point at Dezerter Bazaar.

What dishes might I learn to make?
The menu varies depending on the season, but guests have enjoyed learning how to prepare typical Georgian dishes. The focus is on authentic, home-style recipes.

Are drinks provided?
Yes, the price includes local spirits (1-2 glasses) and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy with your meal.

How long does the experience last?
Approximately four hours in total, giving ample time for shopping, cooking, and dining.

Is this experience suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, if you have allergies or dietary preferences, please let the host know at booking so they can accommodate you.

In the end, this private tour offers a warm and genuine window into Georgian life through its food and hospitality. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply curious about local culture, you’ll likely come away with more than just recipes—you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the people and flavors that make Tbilisi special.