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

Explore Tbilisi’s Local Food Scene with a Personal Market and Cooking Experience

The “Join a Local for a Market Tour, Cooking Class and Meal in her Tbilisi Home” offers a warm, personalized glimpse into Georgian cuisine. Priced at $189 per person, this approximately 4-hour experience combines private market shopping with a home-cooked meal in a cozy family setting. The tour is highly recommended, with a 5.0-star rating from 15 reviews and 93% of participants suggesting it for others.

This experience starts at Dezerter Bazaar, a lively indoor market packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, spices, and dairy. After shopping, guests return to Tina’s home, where they learn to prepare two or three traditional Georgian dishes. The class ends with a shared meal, including local spirits and non-alcoholic drinks, offering an authentic taste of Georgia. Best suited for those eager to connect with local culture and enjoy homemade cuisine, this experience offers depth, intimacy, and a chance to see Georgia through its food.

Key Points

• Private market tour and cooking class in Tina’s home near Tbilisi Mall
• Visit Dezerter Bazaar, a bustling indoor market showcasing regional produce and spices
• Learn to cook two or three traditional Georgian dishes in a cozy home environment
• Includes local spirits and beverages to complement the meal
• Flexible options for lunch or dinner classes
• Fully private experience with personalized attention and no shared groups

Starting Point at Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi

This tour begins at Dezerter Bazaar, an energetic indoor market located at 5 Abastumani St. The market is renowned for its variety of regional fruits, vegetables, meats, and spices, giving visitors an authentic look at Georgia’s culinary ingredients. You’ll be guided by Tina, who lives nearby with her family, and she takes you on a tour to pick out fresh ingredients for your upcoming meal.

The market visit lasts approximately 1 hour, during which you can observe how locals shop and identify ingredients that will feature in your cooking class. Expect to see piles of spices and seasonal produce, and depending on the season, the menu may vary. This part of the experience is an excellent way to understand local food traditions and get inspired for your cooking.

Cooking in Tina’s Cozy Tbilisi Kitchen

After shopping, you return to Tina’s home, situated near Tbilisi Mall, where the cooking class unfolds. Inside her warm and inviting kitchen, you learn to prepare two or three typical Georgian dishes. The class is private and personalized, allowing for adjustments based on your preferences or dietary restrictions if you inform the host beforehand.

Tina’s approach is friendly and relaxed, making it easy to learn the techniques behind Georgian cooking. The focus is on authentic recipes, many of which feature local herbs, spices, and ingredients that you may have never encountered before. The class typically lasts around 2-3 hours, during which you participate actively—helping with chopping, mixing, and plating.

Enjoying a Home-Cooked Georgian Meal

Once your dishes are ready, you sit down at Tina’s family dining table to savor the meal you helped create. This is the highlight: a shared, warm meal that embodies the variety of flavors Georgia has to offer. The meal includes local alcohol—typically 1-2 glasses—which enhances the experience and provides a true taste of Georgian hospitality.

Guests appreciate the informality and intimacy of the setting, which feels like dining with friends or family. The meal is complemented by non-alcoholic beverages as well, ensuring everyone can enjoy and relax. This part of the experience offers a genuine opportunity to connect with local culture through food and conversation.

Flexibility with Meal Timing and Menu

The experience offers options for both lunch and dinner classes, accommodating different schedules. The menu can vary based on seasonal ingredients, but always emphasizes authentic Georgian dishes. If participants have any allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s recommended to inform the host at booking to tailor the menu accordingly.

This flexibility ensures that guests receive a personalized experience that fits their preferences, whether they want a midday break or an evening meal. The focus remains on cooking together and enjoying the meal in a relaxed, home environment.

Logistics and Meeting Point Details

The tour departs from Dezerter Bazaar at 5 Abastumani St in Tbilisi. The experience is private, with only your group participating, and ends at Tbilisi Mall, making transportation easy, especially if you are staying nearby. The tour is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed.

Since no hotel pickup or drop-off is included, travelers should plan to meet at the specified location or arrange transport independently. The confirmation is received immediately upon booking, and the experience must be canceled at least 2 days in advance for a full refund.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

What makes this experience stand out is its private, home-based approach to learning Georgian cuisine. Unlike larger cooking classes, this tour offers personalized attention in a family setting, giving insights into everyday life and food traditions in Tbilisi. The market visit adds an authentic touch, allowing guests to see and select ingredients directly from local vendors.

The inclusion of local spirits and non-alcoholic drinks adds a celebratory element, making the meal feel special and convivial. The positive reviews highlight Tina’s warmth, the quality of the ingredients, and the deliciousness of the dishes prepared.

Potential Considerations for Participants

While the experience is highly praised, some reviews mention a slightly unstructured or casual atmosphere, which might be less appealing for those seeking a highly organized class. Also, because the menu depends on seasonal ingredients, dishes may vary, and those with specific dietary needs should communicate in advance.

Travelers should also note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so arrangements should be made accordingly. The duration of around four hours makes it suitable for those with flexible schedules who enjoy immersive, hands-on experiences.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most

This tour is ideal for food lovers seeking an authentic, personal introduction to Georgian cuisine. It suits adventurous eaters interested in discovering regional ingredients and cooking techniques in a family home setting. It’s perfect for those who value local interactions and want a cultural connection through food.

Those who appreciate a relaxed pace and informal atmosphere will find this experience especially rewarding. It also works well for small groups or couples who want a personalized, intimate activity during their trip to Tbilisi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private experience?
Yes, the tour is private, with only your group participating, ensuring personalized attention.

How long does the experience last?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, including shopping, cooking, and dining.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, if informed at booking, the host can adjust the menu for allergies or dietary preferences.

What is included in the price?
The price covers market tour, cooking class, homecooked meal, local alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks, and all taxes and fees.

Where does the tour end?
The experience concludes at Tbilisi Mall, near the end of the cooking session.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan transportation to the meeting point.

Can I choose between lunch and dinner?
Yes, the experience offers lunch or dinner options, based on your preference and schedule.

Are children allowed?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the experience can be suitable for children if arranged with the host.

What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
Please inform the host at the time of booking so they can accommodate your needs.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, cancellations made at least 2 days in advance are eligible for a full refund.

This home-based Georgian cooking experience provides an authentic, engaging way to discover Tbilisi’s culinary traditions, making it perfect for those eager to explore regional flavors in a warm, personal setting.