Tbilisi is a city that pulses with life, and its culinary culture is no exception. What makes it especially attractive for cooking classes is the way Georgian cuisine combines bold flavors, age-old traditions, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re interested in mastering khachapuri and khinkali or enjoying authentic family recipes, Tbilisi offers a variety of options that go beyond just tasting food—they invite you to participate and learn. One of our favorites is the Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri, which stands out for its focus on iconic dishes and its lively courtyard setting.
If you’re looking for a more personal experience, the Cooking Class with a Local Family offers an intimate look at Georgian home cooking, complete with homemade wine and Chacha. The city’s culinary scene is alive with options for all budgets and interests, from small-group workshops to full feast experiences with songs and dances. Read on to find the best fit for your culinary curiosity.
Quick Overview
This list covers a range of cooking classes and food experiences in Tbilisi, including hands-on workshops, family-led lessons, small-group courses, and festive feasts. Each offers a unique window into Georgian cuisine and culture:
- From beginner-friendly classes to more immersive experiences
- Small-group workshops that focus on authentic dishes like khinkali and khachapuri
- Family-led lessons that include homemade wine and traditional toasts
- Full-day experiences combining horseback riding, wine tasting, and cooking in Kakheti
Now, let’s explore each option in detail so you can choose the perfect culinary adventure.
1. Tbilisi: Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri
This popular class in Tbilisi dives into the heart of Georgian cooking, focusing on two of its most beloved dishes: khinkali (savory dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread). Led by a chef from the acclaimed restaurant KITCH, it offers a hands-on experience where you’ll learn the basics of making dough, filling, and traditional shaping techniques. The class lasts around 2.5 hours, making it a manageable but fulfilling activity.
What makes this experience stand out is the setting — a charming Georgian courtyard that adds an authentic ambiance. Participants rave about the friendly guidance from the chef, Seva, and appreciate the combination of practical skills and cultural insight. You’ll taste Georgian wines and sample local cheeses, deepening your understanding of regional flavors.
This class is ideal if you want a quick yet comprehensive introduction to Georgian cuisine, with the chance to enjoy a hearty meal at the end. The focus on traditional dishes and the lively atmosphere make this a top choice for first-timers or anyone eager to learn the basics.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, engaging class that offers authentic dishes, local drinks, and a warm setting — perfect for a half-day culinary intro.
2. Tbilisi: Cooking Class with a Local Family
Number two on the list takes a more personal route: a cooking class hosted in a local Georgian home. This 3-hour experience is highly rated (4.9/5 from 81 reviews) and offers an authentic peek into everyday Georgian life. You’ll learn how to cook iconic dishes like khinkali and khachapuri directly from a family that cooks them daily, making this a very immersive and genuine experience.
The highlight here is the opportunity to prepare your own dishes under the guidance of a local expert, who shares stories about Georgian traditions and customs. You’ll enjoy homemade Georgian wine and Chacha, a strong local spirit, which enhances the communal feel. Guests often mention the passion of the hosts and the warm hospitality that makes this class special. One reviewer said, “This was a night I will never forget,” emphasizing the heartfelt nature of the experience.
The recipe you take home is an added bonus, allowing you to recreate the dishes back home. The class is suited for travelers who want a deep connection to Georgian culture and enjoy sharing food with locals.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking an intimate, culturally rich experience with a focus on authentic family recipes and warm hospitality.
3. Small-Group Khinkali and Khachapuri Cooking Class in Tbilisi
This small-group workshop prioritizes personalized instruction in the heart of downtown Tbilisi. Limited to just six participants, it’s a great choice for those who want an interactive and intimate experience. Over roughly two hours, you’ll learn the art of making khinkali and khachapuri with a professional chef, following clear steps in a friendly environment.
Included in the experience are local wines, cheese, and salad, which complement your freshly prepared dishes. The guide is praised for her clear instructions and engaging storytelling about Georgian food culture. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved folding the khinkali and enjoyed the gorgeous restaurant ambiance.” The central location makes it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
This class offers excellent value at about $24 per person, especially for those who want a hands-on, social experience without feeling rushed. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer small groups and want to leave with new skills and a tasty meal.
Bottom Line: An affordable, intimate class ideal for social learners and foodies eager to master Georgian staples.
4. Tbilisi: Georgian Feast with Wine and Cooking Class
The most comprehensive on our list, this experience combines a full Georgian feast with wine and chacha tasting, plus a lively cooking masterclass. Duration is around 4.5 hours, making it perfect for an evening activity. You’ll learn to prepare classic dishes like khinkali and khachapuri, then sit down to enjoy a festive meal filled with songs, dances, and toasts led by a tamada (toastmaster).
What sets this apart is the celebratory atmosphere, emphasizing Georgia’s social eating traditions. The class is suitable for those who want an immersive cultural experience, including participating in toasts and enjoying the music and dance. However, with its higher rating (3.7/5 from 3 reviews), it’s less polished and more about the lively experience than precise culinary techniques.
This experience offers a deep dive into Georgian customs, ideal for travelers wanting more than just cooking. It’s best suited for those looking for fun, social evenings rather than a focused culinary lesson.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an all-encompassing festive experience, blending food, wine, and culture.
5. Tbilisi: Pro Wine Tasting & Georgian Cooking Class from Chef
At number five, this studio-based experience pairs professional wine tasting with a cooking class focusing on khinkali and khachapuri. It costs about $106 per person and lasts around 2.5 hours. While the rating is only 2/5 from a single review, the format is ideal for those who prioritize professional guidance in both wine and cooking.
The studio is equipped for comfortable culinary events, and the chef and sommelier will guide you through Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions, complemented by cooking tips. While the review is limited, the focus on expert-led experiences makes it a strong choice for wine lovers interested in pairing local drinks with traditional dishes.
This class works well for travelers who want a structured, professional environment and plan to spend more time exploring Tbilisi’s wine scene in addition to cooking.
Bottom Line: Good for wine enthusiasts and those who prefer a more formal, guided culinary experience.
6. Tbilisi: Kakheti Horse Riding, Wine Tasting, and Cooking
This full-day adventure takes you out of Tbilisi to the Kakheti region, famous for its wine and scenery. Combining horseback riding, wine tastings at the Kvareli Wine Cave, and cooking traditional Georgian dishes, it gives a well-rounded taste of Georgia’s countryside. The trip is ideal for active travelers who want to experience both the land and the food.
Guests rave about the stunning views and the chance to learn about wine-making in a cave setting. The day concludes with a home-cooked dinner of dishes you helped prepare, making it a comprehensive cultural experience. The tour typically lasts a full day, so it’s suited for those with plenty of time and an interest in Georgian wine and rural life.
While it’s pricier and more involved, this tour offers a deep dive into Kakheti’s landscape and its culinary traditions—an excellent choice if you want more than just a cooking class.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active, curious travelers eager to combine adventure, wine, and food in Georgia’s scenic countryside.
How to Choose Your Tbilisi Cooking Experience
Picking the right cooking class depends on your priorities. If you want a quick introduction with excellent food and ambiance, the Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri is hard to beat. For a more personal, home-cooked experience, the Family-led class is a top pick. If you’re after a small-group, hands-on workshop with good value, the Khinkali and Khachapuri group class is ideal.
For a full-day experience that combines culture, land, and culinary arts, the Kakheti horseback riding and wine tour offers a unique mix, while those seeking a festive, social dinner with Georgian songs might prefer the Feast with wine and dance.
Consider your budget, the amount of time you want to spend, and whether you’re more interested in hands-on cooking, culture, or wine pairing. Booking early is recommended, especially for the most popular classes and tours, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Tbilisi’s culinary experiences run the gamut from quick lessons to full cultural immersions. If you’re on a tight schedule, the 2.5-hour classes give you a taste of Georgian flavors, while the full-day Kakheti tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive countryside experience. Families and solo travelers alike will find options that suit their style.
No matter which you choose, each offers a chance to get close to Georgia’s authentic cuisine and warm hospitality. So, pick your adventure, book early, and get ready to bring a piece of Georgia back home in the form of new recipes and unforgettable memories.