Private Cooking Class with a Tbilisi Food and City Expert Dinara

Authentic Georgian Cooking in a Tbilisi Home: A Personal Experience

The Private Cooking Class with Dinara, a Tbilisi-based food and city expert, offers a unique peek into Georgian cuisine right in the heart of the city. This experience isn’t just about following recipes; it’s a chance to step into a local’s home, learn family secrets, and enjoy a meal made with your own hands. With around 3.5 hours dedicated to food and conversation, this class is perfect for those who crave genuine cultural connection paired with delicious food.

What I particularly like about this experience is how personalized it feels. Dinara, who shares her apartment with her family—including a friendly dog—acts as both a guide and a host. Her warm approach makes learning about Georgian food feel like a visit to a friend’s home rather than a staged touristic activity. Plus, the focus on handmade dishes like khachapuri, khinkali, and pkhali offers a true taste of Georgia’s culinary heritage.

One potential consideration is that this is a private, home-based experience, so if you’re expecting a large, communal class, this might not be your style. Also, since it’s held in her apartment, travelers who prefer a more formal or commercial setting might find it less structured than a restaurant-based cooking class. The intimacy and authenticity outweigh the drawbacks for most who seek genuine culture.

Key points / Takeaways

• Personalized Instruction: Dinara’s warm, family-oriented approach makes this a memorable, tailored experience.
• Authentic Georgian Dishes: Learn to make traditional favorites like khachapuri and khinkali from recipes passed down through generations.
• Home Setting: Cooking in a private apartment offers a cozy, real-life glimpse into Georgian domestic culture.
• Meal at the End: You sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, sharing stories and food with your host.
• Educational Tips: Dinara shares useful cooking tips and techniques, making this suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks.
• Value for Money: At $148 per person, you get a comprehensive, hands-on culinary lesson in a very authentic setting.

Entering a Georgian Home: The Setting

The experience begins at Dinara’s apartment in Tbilisi’s Saburtalo district, a lively neighborhood where you’ll meet her family and a friendly dog. Unlike a restaurant or commercial kitchen, this is a true home-based activity. Dinara, a former café owner and local guide, combines her culinary skills with her passion for sharing her city and culture.

You’ll start with a refreshing drink—probably homemade or traditional—setting a relaxed tone before stepping into her expansive open kitchen. The space feels inviting, with warm lighting and the aroma of spices already hinting at the delicious journey ahead. The chance to visit a local’s home lends a comfortable, genuine atmosphere that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

The Cooking Lesson: Traditional Recipes and Techniques

Dinara’s goal is to teach you how to prepare three traditional Georgian dishes from scratch. The specifics include classics like khachapuri, a cheese and egg-filled bread that’s arguably Georgia’s most famous export, and khinkali, those plump, juicy dumplings. She also might teach you Shkmeruli, a fried chicken dish with garlic sauce, or pkhali, a minced vegetable spread with nuts and herbs.

The class lasts about 2.5 hours, during which Dinara demonstrates each step, sharing tips on kneading dough, seasoning fillings, and folding dumplings. She emphasizes techniques passed down through her family, making each step not just instructional but culturally rich. Her background in running cafes means she’s adept at making the cooking process clear for all skill levels, ensuring everyone feels confident.

The lesson isn’t just about copying recipes; Dinara shares insider tips—like how to get the perfect cheese for khachapuri or how to fold khinkali so they don’t burst during cooking. These insights make a difference at home or in a restaurant.

Family-Style Dining and Cultural Exchange

Once your dishes are ready, you gather around her family-style table to eat what you’ve made. This communal meal typically includes khachapuri, Georgian salad, khinkali or Shkmeruli, and pkhali. The experience is relaxed and friendly, with Dinara sharing stories behind each dish and answering questions about Georgian cuisine.

The meal concludes with a sweet note—perhaps matsoni (Georgian yogurt) with honey and nuts—offering a satisfying end to a hearty, flavorful feast. The opportunity to eat what you’ve cooked, surrounded by locals, makes the entire experience feel truly authentic and rewarding.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Starting in Saburtalo, this private activity is booked on a mobile ticket, with confirmed bookings generally made 17 days in advance. The price of $148 per person reflects a comprehensive experience in a home setting, including personalized instruction, ingredients, and the meal.

It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy hands-on experiences, are curious about local life, and want a meaningful culinary adventure. The class is suitable for all skill levels, especially those eager to learn family recipes and cooking tips directly from a local expert.

The duration is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, giving ample time for learning, cooking, and eating without feeling rushed. Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, which allows for a more personalized experience.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is perfect for travelers who want to connect deeply with Georgian culture through food. If you enjoy cooking or wish to learn authentic recipes from a genuine local, this is a superb choice. It’s also well-suited for those who value home-based experiences over commercial tour settings, offering a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere.

It’s a good option for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want to meet someone local and share a meal in a relaxed environment. The price might seem steep for some, but considering the personalized instruction, the authentic setting, and the meal you’ll share, it offers very good value for those interested in a genuine cultural exchange.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth Your Time?

If you’re after a true taste of Georgian cuisine and enjoy hands-on experiences, this class provides a warm, informative, and delicious journey into Tbilisi’s culinary heart. Sitting in Dinara’s home, learning recipes handed down from her family, and sharing a meal at the end creates a memorable, intimate encounter that’s hard to find in more commercial settings.

This experience is especially fitting for curious food lovers who want to go beyond eating out and understand the story behind Georgian dishes. The friendly host, authentic recipes, and cozy setting make it a standout option for those who appreciate personalized, culturally immersive activities.

While it’s not a large-group demonstration, that intimacy is where the value lies. For travelers eager to bring home new skills and stories, this class offers a genuine, heartfelt taste of Georgia.

FAQ

How early should I book this experience?
Bookings are typically made around 17 days in advance, so it’s wise to plan ahead, especially during peak travel seasons.

Where does the experience start and end?
It begins in Saburtalo, Tbilisi, at Dinara’s apartment. The activity concludes back at the same location.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, Dinara’s approach is welcoming for all skill levels. She shares tips and techniques suited for both novices and those with some cooking experience.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You’ll typically prepare three dishes from traditional Georgian cuisine, such as khachapuri, khinkali, and a vegetable dish like pkhali or a chicken dish like Shkmeruli.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the class, offering peace of mind if your schedule shifts.

Is this a private or group experience?
It’s a private class, meaning only your group will participate, which enhances personalization and comfort.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the ingredients, instruction, and the meal at the end. It’s a comprehensive, all-in-one culinary experience.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
While not explicitly stated, it’s always best to contact the provider beforehand if you have specific dietary needs.

Would I recommend this experience?
Absolutely, especially if you want to learn authentic Georgian recipes in an intimate setting from a local expert.

This private cooking class in Tbilisi offers a genuine slice of Georgian life, a chance to learn family recipes, and a delicious meal—all in one cozy, family-run setting. Perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, and anyone interested in meaningful cultural exchanges.