Tbilisi: Cooking Class with a Local Family

Traveling to Georgia often means tasting its famous khinkali and khachapuri, but what if you could go beyond just eating and actually learn how to make these dishes yourself? That’s exactly what this cooking class in Tbilisi offers—an authentic, hands-on experience inside a local family’s home, led by a seasoned chef. It’s a chance to connect with Georgian culture through food, and from what travelers say, it’s a memorable journey into the heart of Georgia’s culinary traditions.

What we really love about this experience are two things: first, the personal touch of cooking in a family home, which makes the experience feel genuine and warm. Second, the expert guidance from Shorena, a chef with over 30 years of experience who clearly loves sharing her knowledge. That said, a potential downside is that the tour is quite focused on Georgian cuisine, which might not appeal if you’re not keen on cooking or trying local alcoholic drinks like Chacha and homemade wine. It’s best suited for those eager to learn a new skill and dive into local culture — whether you’re a food lover, a curious traveler, or someone wanting a deeper connection to Georgia.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Cooking with a local family provides a genuine taste of Georgian home life.
• Hands-on learning: You’ll prepare multiple traditional dishes yourself, gaining cooking skills and recipes.
• Cultural insights: Guides share stories about Georgian culture, history, and traditions alongside the cooking.
• Tasty rewards: End the class by enjoying all the dishes you made, paired with homemade wine and Chacha.
• Value for money: With six foods, drinks, and a local guide, most find this experience offers great overall value.
• Considerations: Expect a 3-hour activity that involves active participation, so be prepared for some hands-on work and a relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

If you’re visiting Tbilisi and want a taste of the real Georgian lifestyle, this cooking class at Shorena’s home could be a highlight. From start to finish, it’s designed to be both educational and delicious. You’ll meet your guide at Avlabari Metro Station around 17:30, where a friendly representative will greet you with a branded orange flag — a small detail that keeps things simple and stress-free. Transportation from the meeting point to the family’s home is included, which is a thoughtful touch considering navigating a busy city can sometimes be tricky.

Inside the Family Home

Once you arrive at Shorena’s house, you’re greeted by the warm, inviting atmosphere of a traditional Georgian home. It’s clear her family takes pride in their culinary heritage, and the setting itself feels authentic and cozy. Here, you’ll meet not just the guide but also the family members, including her husband and children, which adds to the sense of intimacy.

The Cooking Process

The heart of the tour is the hands-on cooking. Shorena shares her expertise while you participate in making khinkali, khachapuri, eggplant with walnuts, Georgian salad, and mchadi (cornbread). According to reviews, everyone gets to be involved, no matter your cooking experience level. One traveler said, “We all participated in the actual preparation of the meal,” indicating the tour is designed to be inclusive and engaging.

Those dishes aren’t just for show—they’re the core of Georgian cuisine. Khinkali are juicy dumplings that require a bit of skill to fold properly, while khachapuri is a cheesy bread that’s a national favorite. Eggplant with walnuts is a flavorful side, and mchadi adds a crunchy, satisfying texture. The recipes are handed down from a local expert, so you leave not just with a full stomach but also a new skill set.

Tasting and Drinking

After all the effort in the kitchen, it’s time to eat and drink. You’ll get to sample your creations alongside homemade dry white wine and Chacha—a traditional Georgian vodka. The reviews praise the generosity of the drinks and the quality of the food, with many mentioning how much they enjoyed the pairing of dishes and drinks. Several reviews note that the food is plentiful—so come hungry!

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Cultural Stories and Guide Insights

What makes this experience stand out is the guide’s storytelling. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, Nicolas, not only explained the cooking process but also shared insights about Georgian culture, history, and current events. The guide’s knowledge adds depth to the experience, transforming it from a simple cooking class into a culture.

The Authentic Touch

Many reviewers highlight the authenticity of the setting and experience. One said, “Shorena’s home was surrounded by grape vines and plum trees,” which enhances the rural, traditional vibe. This isn’t a touristy setup—it’s a real Georgian family sharing what they love, making the experience feel personal and genuine.

How Does It Compare to Other Tours?

Compared to other food tours or cooking classes, this experience is more intimate and home-based. It’s not a large-group, commercial setup but rather a small, personalized class. The inclusion of transportation from the meeting point makes logistics easier, and the flexible cancellation policy means you can book with confidence.

The price might seem high for some, but considering the personalized guidance, the variety of dishes prepared, and the drinks included, many find it offers excellent value. As one reviewer pointed out, “You get enough food for 20 people, and the process of making it was fun,” which shows how well the experience balances quality and quantity.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to learn how to cook authentic Georgian dishes in a relaxed, friendly environment. Food lovers, culinary curious, or those wanting a more meaningful connection to Georgia’s culture will particularly enjoy it. If you’re keen on wine and local spirits, you’ll find the drinks component adds a delightful extra. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy socializing and meeting local families, making it a memorable cultural exchange.

However, if you’re looking for a quick, purely sightseeing activity or aren’t interested in cooking or alcohol, this might not be the best fit. Also, expect active participation—it’s a hands-on class, so be ready to roll up your sleeves.

The Practical Details

• Duration: About 3 hours, starting around 17:30. Check availability for specific times.
• Meeting Point: Avlabari Metro Station, where a guide will meet you with an orange flag.
• Inclusions: Guide, six foods, homemade wine, Chacha, water, and transportation from the meeting point.
• Exclusions: Transportation back from the family’s home.
• Dress Code: Dress according to the weather—tour operates rain or shine.
• Language: English-speaking guide.
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility to your plans.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Vegetarian options are available upon request, so if you don’t eat meat or fish, just let the provider know ahead of time.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just your passport or ID card. Everything else, including ingredients and supplies, is provided.

Can I participate if I have no cooking experience?
Absolutely. The class is designed to be inclusive, so even beginners will find it accessible and fun.

What kind of drinks are included?
You’ll enjoy homemade dry white wine and the famous Georgian spirit, Chacha. The reviews mention the drinks are plentiful and pair beautifully with the food.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from the meeting point to the family’s home is included. However, transportation back from the home isn’t part of the package.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
No, it runs rain or shine. Just dress appropriately for the weather.

This cooking class in Tbilisi offers a rare chance to step inside a local Georgian family’s home and learn their culinary secrets firsthand. It’s a perfect blend of food, culture, and personal connection. Travelers who enjoy hands-on experiences and want to understand Georgian traditions through its dishes will find this tour rewarding.

While it’s not for those seeking a quick overview or uninterested in cooking, the rich flavors, warm hospitality, and cultural insights make it a standout activity. Many reviews highlight how much fun, educational, and delicious the experience is, making it one of the top-rated food activities in Tbilisi.

If you’re ready to get your hands dirty and walk away with new skills—and some great stories—you’ll love this intimate look into Georgia’s vibrant food scene. Just come hungry, curious, and open to new flavors.

This experience provides a genuine taste of Georgian life, perfect for those who want an authentic, engaging, and delicious cultural adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: