Georgian cooking class in Tbilisi: make khinkali and khachapuri

Cook khinkali, khachapuri, and four other dishes in a family kitchen, then sit down to eat them.

A three-hour cooking class in a local Tbilisi family's kitchen where you make khinkali, khachapuri, eggplant with walnuts, Georgian salad and cornbread from scratch, then taste everything you've cooked alongside homemade wine and chacha. Transport from the meeting point, a live English-speaking guide, and the recipes are included; vegetarian khinkali is available on request.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tbilisi local family food tour

• Meet at Traveler's Meeting Point
• Join cooking class with local family
• Learn to make traditional Georgian dishes
• Try homemade wine and Chacha
• Taste all prepared dishes

The Experience

The class starts at a meeting point in Tbilisi where you can settle in before heading to the family kitchen. Once there, a local cook walks you through making the five dishes that define Georgian food—khinkali (the dumplings everyone comes for), khachapuri (cheese bread), eggplant with walnuts, Georgian salad, and mchadi (cornbread). You make each one by hand, which is where the learning actually happens: the feel of the dough, the fold of the dumpling, the way the cheese melts into the bread. It's not a demonstration you watch from the side.

After cooking, you eat. The table fills with what you've made, plus Georgian cheese (sulguni), homemade dry white wine, and chacha—the famous Georgian vodka that has a reputation of its own. The whole experience runs three hours, which is long enough to move through the cooking without rushing and still have time to sit and taste properly. Transport from the meeting point to the family's home is arranged; you don't navigate it yourself.

What’s included

• Transport from the meeting point to the local family kitchen.
• cooking instruction in five traditional Georgian dishes.
• water.
• homemade wine and chacha.
• the food you prepare.
• and a live English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gamarjoba Georgia Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the cooking instruction and conversation comfortably even if Georgian is new to you. Book this one if you want to learn by doing rather than watching, and if sitting down to eat what you've made matters more than visiting multiple restaurants.

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Top questions

What dishes do I actually make in this cooking class?

You make khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), eggplant with walnuts, Georgian salad, and mchadi (cornbread). Each one you prepare by hand in the family kitchen, and after cooking, you eat all of them together with homemade wine and chacha.

Is there a vegetarian option for the khinkali?

Yes, vegetarian khinkali is available upon request. Let the operator know when you book if you need it.

How long is the whole experience?

The class runs three hours from start to finish, including the cooking, the meal, and time with the local family.

What's included in the price?

Transport from the meeting point to the family kitchen, the cooking instruction, water, the food you make, homemade wine, chacha, and a guide who speaks English are all included. Gratuities for the guide are optional.

Do I need cooking experience to join?

No. The class is suitable for all fitness levels and no prior cooking knowledge is required. The local cook teaches you step by step.

What is chacha?

Chacha is a traditional Georgian vodka made from grapes. It's homemade and served as part of the tasting after you cook.