Join a Local for a Market Tour, Cooking Class and Meal in her Tbilisi Home

Discover the True Flavors of Georgia with a Private Market and Cooking Class in Tbilisi

If you’re looking to go beyond typical sightseeing and truly connect with local culture, this market tour and cooking class in Tbilisi offers a genuine taste of Georgian life. Hosted by Tina in her comfortable home, the experience combines a lively visit to a bustling market with a hands-on cooking session that results in a shared, home-cooked meal. It’s a wonderful way to learn about regional ingredients, traditional dishes, and local hospitality—all in just four hours.

What we love most about this experience is the personal touch. Tina’s warm, welcoming nature makes it feel like cooking alongside a friend rather than participating in a tourist activity. The chance to shop for fresh, local ingredients directly from the Dezerter Bazaar and then prepare authentic Georgian dishes in a home setting makes this tour special. However, keep in mind that it’s not a highly structured culinary workshop—more of an organic, interactive experience. This relaxed vibe suits travelers who enjoy authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and who want to gain insight into everyday Georgian life.

Key Points

• Authentic Connection: You’re visiting a local home and market, not just a commercial tour.
• Hands-On Cooking: You’ll learn to prepare two or three traditional Georgian dishes.
• Local Market Experience: The Dezerter Bazaar is lively and full of fresh produce, spices, and regional ingredients.
• Inclusive Meal: The class ends with sharing a homemade meal, often accompanied by local spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Personalized Tour: It’s a private experience, so your group gets focused attention.
• Cost & Value: At $189 per person, it offers a meaningful cultural experience that combines food, local life, and hospitality.

The Experience in Detail

Starting at Dezerter Bazaar

Your journey begins at the Dezerter Bazaar, a vibrant indoor market in Tbilisi. This is more than just a place to buy groceries; it’s a sensory overload of sights, smells, and sounds. You’ll walk through aisles filled with regional fruits, vegetables, spices, meats, and dairy products, giving you a firsthand glimpse of what Georgians cook with daily.

The reviews highlight this part as a clear highlight. Cherie_A described Tina as a “wonderful host” who asked about her preferences, making it feel very personalized. She appreciated the chance to see the market through Tina’s eyes and even purchase ingredients to take home. This stops being just a shopping trip and becomes a cultural exchange—you’re learning why certain ingredients are staples in Georgian cuisine and how they’re used.

Visiting Tina’s Home Kitchen

After the market tour, you’ll head to Tina’s home, which she shares with her family. The setting is cozy and unpretentious but full of warmth, making it a perfect backdrop for an authentic Georgian cooking class. Tina is known for her friendly manner, and many reviews mention how she makes guests feel like part of the family.

Inside her kitchen, you’ll learn to make two or three traditional Georgian dishes. The specific recipes may vary depending on the season, but you can expect to cook items that are representative of local flavors—possibly including dishes like Khachapuri (cheese bread), Khinkali (dumplings), or other regional delicacies. The process is very interactive; Tina has been praised for helping with recipes and asking what you’d like to make, making it very tailored to your interests.

Sharing the Meal

Once your dishes are prepared, you’ll sit down at Tina’s family dining table to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The meal is described as delicious, often accompanied by a couple of glasses of local spirits, which add a jovial touch to the experience. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available for those who prefer.

Reviews such as Fatima_F’s mention that this was “the most memorable cooking class” she’s ever experienced, emphasizing how much the personal atmosphere and home-cooked food contributed to the value. Nadine_N highlights the warmth of Tina’s family and the chance to experience Georgian cuisine in an intimate setting.

Practical Details & Considerations

The entire experience lasts approximately four hours, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates—perfect for those who want a more intimate, personalized adventure. The cost covers all taxes and fees, including a small gratuity, and there are options for lunch or dinner classes depending on your schedule.

While the experience does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, Tina’s home is conveniently near public transportation and near the Tbilisi Mall. The tour is booked on average about 29 days in advance, which is a good tip for planning your trip.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What truly makes this experience stand out is the genuine local connection. Unlike larger, more commercial cooking classes, this one offers a glimpse into everyday life in Tbilisi. The fact that you start at a lively market and conclude with a meal in a local’s home makes it feel authentic rather than staged.

Plus, the flexibility to customize your cooking experience—asking Tina what dishes you’d like to learn—means it can be tailored to your tastes and interests. Many reviews mention how Tina’s hospitality and her family’s charm made the experience memorable.

The quality of the food and the chance to learn about regional ingredients are other major pluses. Many travelers note that they left with not only new recipes but also a deeper appreciation for Georgian cuisine and culture.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a genuine, immersive taste of Georgia beyond monuments and museums. If you’re into food and culture, and enjoy relaxed, home-based experiences, this tour will suit you well. It’s perfect for those who value personal interaction and are curious about local ingredients and cooking techniques.

However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a professionally run culinary school. If you’re expecting a highly structured class with strict recipe instructions, this might feel a bit informal. But for those seeking warm hospitality and authentic flavors, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts—Is It Worth It?

Considering the cost of $189 per person, this tour offers a wealth of value for anyone interested in authentic Georgian cuisine and local life. You get to explore a vibrant market, learn from a friendly host in her home, and enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and meaningful. The reviews consistently praise Tina’s warmth and the authentic experience, making it a standout option for cultural travelers.

The opportunity to buy ingredients directly from a market and then cook with them under the guidance of a local host means you’ll walk away with more than just memories—you’ll have new skills and recipes to recreate at home. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Georgia’s culinary traditions while enjoying genuine hospitality.

If you’re after a relaxed, intimate, and flavorful experience—something that leaves you feeling connected and satisfied—this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s a rare peek into everyday Georgian life, one that’s perfect for food lovers and cultural explorers alike.

FAQ

Can I choose the dishes I want to cook?
Yes, Tina is happy to help you choose what to make and tailor the experience to your preferences, making it more personal.

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
While the specific menus may vary, you should mention any dietary restrictions when booking so Tina can accommodate your needs.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience runs for about four hours, including market shopping, cooking, and dining.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
No, but the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Tina’s home is near public transportation and Tbilisi Mall.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the market tour, cooking class, home-cooked meal, local spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, taxes, fees, and gratuities.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group will participate, ensuring a relaxed and personalized atmosphere.

In sum, this market and cooking class experience in Tbilisi offers a genuine look into Georgian cuisine, culture, and hospitality. It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours connecting with locals, learning new recipes, and tasting delicious food—one bite at a time.