Tbilisi’s cuisine reflects centuries of trade, migration and occupation, shaped by influences from Persia, the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Central Asia and beyond.
We’ll begin in the city’s oldest quarter with tea and khachapuri before tasting freshly baked shoti straight from a traditional clay oven. From there, we’ll explore Georgian walnut spreads, pickles, herbs, spices and sweets such as churchkhela at local cafés and markets.
We’ll also sit down for handmade khinkali, followed by a generous Georgian supra featuring garlicky chicken shkmeruli. The day ends with a tasting of natural kvevri wines made using Georgia’s ancient clay-vessel winemaking tradition.
Along the way, we’ll explore how Tbilisi’s food culture has been shaped by the Silk Road, Soviet rule and Georgia’s modern revival, connecting the city’s complex history with the flavors found on the table today.
Tour Options
Old Town and Beyond: A Tbilisi Silk Road Feast with Culinary Backstreets
Itinerary
30 min
We’ll begin in the atmospheric old town of Tbilisi, where we will visit an underground Azeri tea house.
60 min
We will make our way to a church-run shop selling products straight from Orthodox monasteries – long-time bastions of artisanal production – here we will sample some stunning treats
60 min
In the back streets near Freedom Square we will visit an unusual wine bar for a tasting of Georgia's finest small-scale wine producers.
45 min
We will visit the oldest church in Tbilisi, an architectural and cultural treasure.
45 min
Near this famous theater, we will sit down for shkmeruli, a sizzling chicken dish and certpeice of any Georgian feast.
60 min
Near Parliament we will visit a khinkali master and sample her freshly-made dumplings.
30 min
Another stunning Cathedral we will pass by on our way to an artisanal cheese shop for a tasting.
Highlights
Alcoholic Beverages
Lunch
Snacks
Coffee and/or Tea
What's included
Included
Alcoholic Beverages
Lunch
Snacks
Coffee and/or Tea
Traveller Ratings
4.9
85 reviews
5
81
4
2
3
0
2
1
1
1
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Old Town and Beyond: A Tbilisi Silk Road Feast with Culinary Backstreets lasts about 7 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $125 per person for this Tbilisi experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Our meeting point is in front of the statue of the falcon at Waterfall Square. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 7 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Reviews(85)
K
katie5_sydney
September 7, 2026
Highly recommend
Excellent food and guide. Gained a deeper understanding of Georgian history, food and wine. Explored beyond the tourist-y areas.
Operator response
Thank you for joining us and taking the time to share your experience. We are thrilled that you enjoyed exploring beyond the tourist areas to gain a deeper understanding of Georgian history, food, and wine. Your visit helps support the unsung heroes of the kitchen and plays a vital role in preserving these beautiful culinary traditions.
L
lelando101
September 4, 2026
All the food
Really great tour to learn the history of Georgia while getting nthe best home cooked food
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are so glad you enjoyed exploring the rich history of Georgia and discovering the incredible home-cooked meals of our local culinary heroes. Your support helps us preserve these cherished traditions and ensures these masters can continue sharing their craft with the world.
C
Csouter
September 4, 2026
Awesome Tour!
Everything about this tour was fantastic. I was worried the tour would feel too long but it was perfectly paced. The food was delicious and Maia’s insights on Georgia were captivating to listen to. Would recommend to anyone.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the delicious food and the captivating insights into daily life in Georgia. Your participation helps us continue our mission of honest tourism, supporting the unsung heroes who preserve these beautiful culinary traditions.
J
jblaher
August 29, 2026
Great Food Tour
Maka was fantastic. Such a great tour and a wonderful way to spend a day sampling Georgian cuisine while also getting a first hand account of how Georgian cuisine has evolved from Soviet to post-Soviet to today.
Operator response
Thank you for the review and for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are thrilled that you enjoyed learning about the deep history and evolution of Georgian cuisine while visiting the unsung culinary heroes of Tbilisi. Your support helps preserve these vibrant culinary traditions and local communities for future generations.
A
Alex_G
August 26, 2026
Tasting tour with Tamar
The tour with Tamar was great. She took us to delicious restaurants off the beaten path . She was also very knowledgeable about Tbilisi and its history.
L
liatl2020
August 19, 2026
Experiential food tour
We had a food tour that was especially delicious with wonderful dishes and also an amazing guide who told us about the history from the Georgian perspective. We connected a lot with the stories, the flavors, and we had a wonderful and experiential day.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review and for taking the time to share your experience. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the deep historical perspective and connected with the rich flavors of Tbilisi. By walking with us, you are helping to preserve these incredible culinary traditions and supporting the unsung heroes of the local kitchens.
5
56belleb
August 10, 2026
Excellent experience
Kristo was an incredible guide, and I could not have had a more pleasant experience. She was passionate and full of knowledge, I am so glad I booked this tour over any other operator.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review and for exploring the streets of Tbilisi with us. We are thrilled to hear that Kristo's passion and deep knowledge brought the city's rich culinary traditions to life for you. By joining our walks, you are directly supporting the local heroes and traditional family-run spots that make these neighborhoods so special.
O
Owenitis
August 2, 2026
An amazing food tour with the best guide.
Booked the tour for our third day in Tbilisi. What an incredible experience! Kristo was very knowledgeable, passionate and did not stop smiling. Her experience and knowledge of the area, the food and the history made for a fantastic time. Plenty of different foods tasted along with a story behind each dish. A leisurely walk around the city was made so much better by Kristo’s energy. She is an ambassador to a beautiful country and an absolute credit to Culinary Backstreets. I highly recommend a tour with Kristo.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience on our Tbilisi walk. We are thrilled to hear that your guide's knowledge and passion brought the rich history of the area to life for you. Your participation helps us continue our mission of supporting the unsung heroes of the kitchen and preserving their cherished culinary traditions. We truly appreciate you traveling with us.
O
O1589MOlouisep
July 30, 2026
Amazing tour for a first day!
Amazing tour: for the food, for the history, for the visit, and especially for the guide! The 7 hours flew so quickly and I think I know so much more of Georgia now!
Perfect for a first day visit!
Operator response
Thank you for leaving such a wonderful review of your time in Tbilisi. We are thrilled that you enjoyed exploring the complex history of Georgia and connecting with the unsung heroes of the local kitchens. Your visit helps us continue preserving these cherished culinary traditions and supporting the local community.
E
erzgruener15
July 14, 2026
Do not skip this tour
Loved the tour with Magda. It was not only about food. Magda is a very good story teller with really big historic knowledge. We enjoyed the tour a lot.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review and for joining us to explore the complexity of the city's history and culinary culture. We are thrilled that the storytelling and historical knowledge resonated with you so deeply. Your participation helps us continue our mission of supporting the unsung heroes of the kitchen and preserving these vital culinary traditions.
Compare similar tours in Tbilisi
Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Old Town and Beyond: A Tbilisi Silk Road Feast with Culinary Backstreets
