Authentic Georgian Cooking Lesson and Meal With a Mother-Daughter Duo in Tbilisi

Set out on a culinary journey through the rich tapestry of Megrelian cuisine in Tbilisi. Led by a charming mother-daughter duo, Tamari and Marina, this authentic cooking lesson promises an immersive experience. Participants will explore the preparation of two traditional Georgian dishes, harnessing the power of robust spices, fresh herbs, and aromatic nuts. The class culminates in a delightful homecooked meal, accompanied by local alcohol, offering a true taste of Georgia’s vibrant food culture. With personalized attention to dietary needs and a warm atmosphere, this unique experience unveils the captivating flavors that have defined Megrelian culinary traditions for generations.

Key Points

• Hands-on cooking class focused on vibrant Megrelian cuisine with mother-daughter hosts Tamari and Marina in their Tbilisi home.
• Participants prepare two traditional Georgian dishes, including vegetarian options, and enjoy a homecooked meal with local alcohol.
• Cooking process emphasizes slow simmering and utilization of fresh herbs, nuts, and spices to showcase Megrelian flavor profiles.
• Private class accommodates dietary needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized culinary experience.
• 10 Tetri coin required for elevator access to the fifth-floor apartment location.

Overview of the Experience

The Georgian cooking lesson in Tbilisi offers an authentic, hands-on experience with a mother-daughter duo, Tamari and Marina.

Guests will learn about Megrelian cooking, known for its robust spices, fresh herbs, and nuts. The private class allows participants to prepare two typical Georgian dishes, including vegetarian options.

The meal is accompanied by 1-2 glasses of local alcohol, and the menu varies based on the season.

The lesson takes place in Tamari’s home in Old Tbilisi, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Guests are advised to bring a 10 Tetri coin for elevator access to the 5th floor.

Megrelian Cooking Traditions

Megrelian cooking traditions are deeply rooted in the culture of the Samegrelo region of Georgia. This cuisine is known for its bold, spicy flavors, liberal use of fresh herbs, and the prominent role of nuts.

Characteristic Megrelian dishes feature a harmonious blend of ingredients like walnut sauce, spicy adjika paste, and fragrant tarragon. The cooking process often involves slow simmering to develop depth of flavor.

Megrelian cooks also make extensive use of corn, both in polenta-like dishes and as a thickener. This vibrant regional cuisine reflects the abundant natural resources and history of the Samegrelo area, offering a unique culinary experience for visitors to Georgia.

Hands-on Cooking Class

A hands-on cooking class with Tamari and Marina invites guests to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Megrelian cuisine.

During this private lesson, you will prepare two typical Georgian dishes, which may include vegetarian options depending on their preferences. The menu varies seasonally to highlight the freshest ingredients.

The class culminates in a homecooked meal accompanied by 1-2 glasses of local alcohol, offering an authentic taste of Georgian hospitality.

To access the fifth-floor location, guests are advised to bring a 10 Tetri coin for the elevator.

This personalized experience caters to dietary restrictions and cooking preferences, ensuring a memorable culinary journey.

• Private cooking lesson
• Prepare 2 Georgian dishes
• Homecooked meal with local alcohol
• Seasonal menu

Prepared Dishes and Menu

During the cooking class, guests have the opportunity to prepare two signature Georgian dishes that highlight the vibrant flavors of Megrelian cuisine. These dishes may vary depending on the season, but typically include a selection from the following:

Dish	Description	Ingredients
Khachapuri	Cheese-filled flatbread	Cheese, eggs, butter, flour
Lobio	Red kidney bean stew	Beans, onions, garlic, spices
Badrijani Nigvzit	Eggplant rolls with walnut filling	Eggplant, walnuts, garlic, herbs

With vegetarian options available, the menu offers a chance to explore the rich culinary traditions of Georgia. The homecooked meal is accompanied by 1-2 glasses of local alcohol, providing a complete and authentic dining experience.

Meeting Point and Pickup

The cooking class takes place at Tamari’s home in Old Tbilisi, with the exact address provided upon booking confirmation.

Participants are picked up from their hotels and transported to the meeting point. At the end of the activity, they’re returned to the original pickup location.

The key details are:

• Meeting point: Tamari’s home in Old Tbilisi
• Pickup and drop-off: Included from hotels
• Activity ends back at the meeting point

Participants are advised to bring a 10 Tetri coin for elevator access to Tamari’s 5th-floor apartment.

The cooking class isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Accessibility and Dietary Needs

Despite the cooking class not being wheelchair accessible, the hosts are accommodating to participants’ dietary needs and preferences.

Upon booking, guests are encouraged to advise of any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences. The menu can be adapted to accommodate vegetarian, vegan or other dietary requirements. This level of personalization ensures each guest has an enjoyable and delectable experience.

Plus, participants are advised to bring a 10 Tetri coin to access the 5th floor elevator, where the class takes place in Tamari’s home.

Insider Tip for Elevator

To access the 5th floor elevator where the cooking class takes place, participants are advised to bring a 10 Tetri coin. This insider tip ensures smooth access to the venue.

The elevator requires a small payment, typically a 10 Tetri coin, to operate. Some key points about this:

• The 10 Tetri coin is a small denomination of the Georgian currency.
• It’s a common practice in Tbilisi for buildings to have coin-operated elevators.
• Bringing the correct change ahead of time avoids any delays or inconvenience.
• This small detail helps participants arrive prepared and ready to fully enjoy the authentic Georgian cooking experience.

Positive Guest Reviews

Glowing testimonials from past participants underscore the overwhelmingly positive experience of this Georgian cooking class.

With a perfect 5-star rating across 5 reviews, guests rave about the personalized nature of the lesson and the host’s adaptability to dietary needs.

One reviewer noted, "Tamari and Marina were so welcoming and tailored the menu to our preferences."

Another shared, "We learned so much about Megrelian cuisine and felt immersed in the local culture."

Reviewers consistently praised the delicious homemade meal and the generous pours of local alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Cooking Class Typically Last?

The cooking class typically lasts for around 2-3 hours, during which participants prepare two traditional Georgian dishes and enjoy a homecooked meal with local alcohol. The exact duration may vary depending on the menu and pace of the class.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Cooking Class?

The cooking class is a private lesson exclusively for your group. There is no maximum group size specified, allowing flexibility to accommodate your desired party size.

Can I Bring Children to the Cooking Class?

Children are welcome to attend the cooking class. The provider notes that the experience is suitable for all ages, so families can enjoy the hands-on cooking lesson and meal together.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Cooking Equipment?

No, you don’t need to bring any special cooking equipment. The hosts will provide all the necessary utensils and ingredients for the hands-on cooking class. Just come ready to learn and enjoy the authentic Georgian culinary experience.

Is There an Additional Cost for More Alcoholic Beverages?

The cooking class includes 1-2 glasses of local alcohol, but additional alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately at an extra cost. The price for extra drinks is not specified in the details provided.

Recap

This authentic Georgian cooking class offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant food culture of Tbilisi. Participants can look forward to a hands-on learning experience, savoring traditional Megrelian dishes, and enjoying a delightful homemade meal paired with local alcohol. Personalized attention to dietary needs and a warm atmosphere contribute to an unforgettable culinary journey.