Tbilisi: Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri

If you’re exploring Georgia and want to get a real taste of local life, a cooking class focused on traditional Georgian dishes might just be the highlight of your trip. This experience, hosted in Tbilisi, offers a chance to learn how to make khinkali (juicy dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) from the people who know them best—local chefs from KITCH, one of the city’s well-regarded eateries.

What caught our eye about this class is how it combines hands-on cooking lessons with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere—plus, there’s plenty of wine and local cheeses to enjoy along the way. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to get into the kitchen and make something authentic, or travelers who simply want a fun, cultural activity that results in a tasty meal.

That said, it’s worth noting that the class lasts about 2.5 hours, and while it’s generally praised for its friendly guides and excellent value, some may find the wine service a bit more generous than expected—so if you’re drinking on a schedule, keep that in mind. Also, it’s suited for most ages and mobility levels, especially since it’s accessible for wheelchair users, but it’s best for those comfortable with some interactive cooking.

This experience works well for curious travelers, foodies, and anyone wanting a personable, immersive taste of Georgian culinary traditions without breaking the bank. It’s a hands-on, delicious way to spend a few hours and walk away with new skills—and a full belly.

Key Points

• Authentic Georgian dishes like khinkali and khachapuri are the focus, offering a genuine taste of local cuisine.
• Guided by a professional chef from a renowned Tbilisi restaurant, ensuring quality instruction.
• Includes wine and local cheeses, giving you a true Georgian tasting experience.
• Informative and friendly guides enrich the experience with stories about Tbilisi and its food culture.
• Good value for the price, especially considering the practical cooking skills and tastings included.
• Accessible and family-friendly, with provisions for wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Deep Dive into the Georgian Cooking Class

The Experience Location and Atmosphere

The class takes place at KITCH, a cozy restaurant close to Orbeliani Square. If you’ve ever visited Tbilisi, you’ll appreciate how charming and inviting this spot is. The restaurant boasts a large, beautiful courtyard and inside, a bright, welcoming interior that sets a relaxed tone for the session. Several reviews highlighted how much they enjoyed the ambiance—”Lovely little restaurant in a little side street,” as one traveler put it. It’s a space that feels intimate but lively, perfect for what is essentially a shared culinary adventure.

The Itinerary and What You’ll Do

The session runs for about 2.5 hours, which is enough time to cover the essentials of Georgian cooking without feeling rushed. You start off with a glass of Georgian wine and a cheese platter, immediately setting the mood for a relaxed, flavorful experience.

Next, you’ll learn how to prepare khinkali and Imeretian khachapuri. The chef guides you through each step—shaping the dough, folding the khinkali, and filling the bread with cheese. Several reviews mention how well-organized and practical the instructions are: “Very well organized lessons with practical work,” said one happy participant. You get to shape the dough, fold the khinkali, and form the khachapuri yourself, which makes the meal that much more satisfying afterward.

While some parts are made as a group (like dough preparation), there’s enough individual attention to help everyone improve their technique. Plus, the chef shares fun facts and stories about Tbilisi and Georgian food, adding depth to the experience.

The Tasting and Eating

Once your dishes are ready, it’s time to feast. The class ends with everyone gathering around to enjoy their creations, and you’ll typically get to try multiple khinkali and khachapuri—”Depending on the group size, you might eat about 4 khinkali and as many as 4 khachapuri,” a review noted.

The cheese platter and salad of Georgian tomatoes and cucumbers with Kakheti aromatic oil complement the meal perfectly. Many reviewers highlight how delicious and authentic everything tastes, with some even mentioning the option to take leftovers home.

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The Wine and Local Flavors

A highlight is the Georgian wine tasting. The class includes at least one glass of homemade wine, and many reviewers mention the quality of the wines served. One reviewer said, “Tried amazing wine too,” and others appreciated that the wines were well paired with the food.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviews pointed out the wine service being more generous than initially expected, with continuous pours during the session. If you’re cautious about alcohol consumption, you might want to clarify this beforehand.

Practical Details and Value

The total cost is quite reasonable considering the inclusions—hands-on cooking, wine, cheeses, salads, and the recipes to take home. Many reviewers consider it excellent value, especially since they leave with new skills and plenty of food.

The class is accessible, with accommodations for wheelchair users, and the language options include English and Russian. You’ll want to check the availability for your preferred date, as the experience starts at different times, but generally, it’s flexible enough to fit into most travel plans.

The Crowd and Group Size

This is a group activity, but reviews suggest the size is manageable, allowing for an intimate atmosphere where you can ask questions and get detailed guidance. Some reviews mention that working in a small group makes the experience more personal and fun.

The Downside

The main consideration is the alcohol. As mentioned, the wine might be served more freely than expected, so if you prefer to limit your drinks, it’s worth asking in advance. Also, some travelers noted that the atmosphere could be a tad more lively—if you’re expecting a high-energy party, this might be a more relaxed, educational setting.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love food and want to learn how to cook authentic Georgian dishes, this class is a perfect choice. It offers a practical, hands-on approach that leaves you with new skills, recipes, and a full stomach—all in a friendly environment. It’s suitable for most ages and abilities, especially since it’s accessible for wheelchair users, and it caters to those interested in local culture and cuisine.

Travelers who appreciate good value will find this experience rewarding, as it combines education, tasting, and socializing in one session. If you’re traveling with family or friends and enjoy food activities, this is a fun, engaging way to spend part of your trip.

However, if you’re looking for a very lively, party-like atmosphere, or strict control over alcohol, you might find the experience a bit more subdued.

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally suitable for most ages, especially since it’s a hands-on, interactive class. Just be aware that younger children might need more supervision or might not be as interested in the detailed cooking process.

Are the instructions only in English?
The class is offered in both English and Russian, so you can choose based on your language preference.

How long does the class last?
The experience runs for approximately 2.5 hours.

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

Is transportation necessary?
No, you meet at the restaurant KITCH, which is close to Orbeliani Square, so it’s walkable from many central areas.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.

Are additional wines or foods available for purchase?
Yes, extra wine or food is available a la carte if you want more, but it’s not included in the initial price.

What kind of wines are served?
The experience includes Georgian homemade wine, which many reviews praise for its quality.

Will I get to take home the recipes?
Absolutely, the class provides detailed recipes so you can recreate the dishes later.

Is the group size large?
No, the class is designed to be manageable, allowing for personal attention and interaction.

Final Thoughts

This Georgian cooking class strikes a wonderful balance between learning, tasting, and socializing. You’ll walk away with new culinary skills, a deeper appreciation for Georgian culture, and plenty of delicious food to remember your trip by. The friendly guides, authentic recipes, and high-quality wine make it a worthwhile addition to your Tbilisi itinerary.

It’s especially suited for travelers who love food, want a manageable and engaging activity, and appreciate good value. If you’re looking for a relaxed, friendly setting to discover Georgian cuisine firsthand, this class offers a genuine, enjoyable experience well worth your time.

You can check availability for your dates here: