Savannah’s culinary scene is as rich and inviting as its historic streets. Known for its Southern comfort food and warm hospitality, the city offers more than just great restaurants — it’s a place where you can roll up your sleeves and learn to cook like a true local. Cooking classes here aren’t just about recipes; they’re about understanding the stories, ingredients, and techniques that define Savannah’s unique flavors. Whether you’re interested in classic Lowcountry dishes or exploring healthy, plant-based options, these experiences give you a taste of Savannah’s culinary soul.
What makes Savannah especially appealing for cooking tours is the chance to learn in intimate, personal settings — often inside historic homes or with local chefs passionate about their craft. These hands-on classes go beyond the cookbook, offering insight into local traditions and ingredients that you won’t find in typical tourist fare. Plus, most include a meal to enjoy at the end, making the whole experience both educational and delicious.
Quick Overview
This guide features two top-rated private cooking experiences in Savannah. The first is a Private Cooking Class & Lowcountry Boil with Local Chef Clay, which emphasizes traditional Southern dishes in a private home setting. The second is Private Ayurvedic Vegetarian Cooking with Ninoska in Savannah, focusing on healthy, plant-based cuisine tailored to your personal dosha. Read on for detailed insights into each.
1. NEW: Private Cooking Class & Lowcountry Boil with Local Chef Clay
For around $89, this class offers an authentic Southern cooking experience in a private setting, which makes it stand out. Your host, Chef Clay, invites you into his historic Savannah home to learn the secrets behind a Low Country Boil, a classic dish loaded with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. The class isn’t just about boiling seafood — you’ll also prepare traditional Southern sides like hush puppies and coleslaw, learning about their cultural roots along the way.
What makes this experience special is its personalized approach. The class lasts roughly 2.5 hours, giving ample time to master each step while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a historic home. You’ll get hands-on experience with local ingredients, and afterwards, sit down to enjoy your feast with beer or wine, either indoors or outside on the porch. This setup creates a genuine Southern family-style feast that’s perfect for food lovers wanting to see behind the scenes.
This class suits those interested in authentic Southern dishes and a more intimate experience. The private setting allows for questions and personal attention — ideal for foodies eager to learn regional cooking techniques.
Bottom line: If you want a memorable, hands-on introduction to Lowcountry cuisine in a warm, private environment, this class is a top pick. It’s great for couples, small groups, or anyone craving an authentic Southern meal made with local ingredients.
2. Private Ayurvedic Vegetarian Cooking with Ninoska in Savannah
At $82, this class offers a different but equally compelling experience — a personalized, health-focused cooking workshop with Ninoska, who specializes in Ayurvedic cuisine. Duration is about 2.5 hours, during which you’ll prepare a customized vegetarian meal based on your body’s dosha, after completing a food quiz beforehand. This tailored approach ensures the dishes resonate with your dietary needs and health goals.
Ninoska’s passion for plant-based food shines through as she combines bold flavors with traditional Ayurvedic principles. Her home setting provides an intimate, welcoming environment to learn techniques that emphasize balance and wellness. The class includes tips on creative dishes and healthy cooking methods that you can replicate at home.
This experience is particularly suited for health-conscious travelers or those interested in vegetarian and Ayurvedic cuisine. Because it’s customized to your dosha, it offers a truly personal touch that you won’t find in standard cooking classes. Guests often walk away with practical skills, new recipes, and a deeper understanding of how food influences health.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about plant-based diets or want a health-oriented cooking experience, Ninoska’s class offers a thoughtful, personalized introduction to Ayurvedic vegetarian cuisine in Savannah.
How to Choose Your Perfect Savannah Cooking Experience
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, dietary preferences, and the kind of experience you want. The Lowcountry Boil class offers a hands-on dive into Savannah’s signature dishes, suitable for those looking for a traditional Southern feast. Meanwhile, the Ayurvedic vegetarian class appeals to health-conscious travelers eager to explore plant-based cooking tailored to their personal needs.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak tourist season, as these personalized classes tend to fill quickly. Think about your own interests: if you love seafood and classic Southern flavors, the Lowcountry Boil is a perfect fit. If you’re more interested in healthy eating or vegetarian cuisine, the Ayurvedic class will likely suit you better.
Final thoughts
Savannah’s culinary classes give travelers a chance to connect deeply with local flavors and traditions. For a traditional Southern experience, the Private Cooking Class & Lowcountry Boil with Local Chef Clay is hard to beat. If health and custom cuisine are more your style, then Private Ayurvedic Vegetarian Cooking with Ninoska offers a unique, tailored approach.
Both experiences provide practical skills and a taste of Savannah’s warm hospitality. Booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these intimate, enriching culinary adventures. Whatever your choice, you’ll leave with more than just recipes — you’ll take home a piece of Savannah’s heart.