Learn Vietnamese Cooking: Best Vietnamese Cooking Classes in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City & Hoi An

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Bhumika

Updated Date

October 29, 2025

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7 minutes

Learn Vietnamese Cooking: Best Vietnamese Cooking Classes in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City & Hoi An

Have you ever dreamed of mastering the secret to a perfect bowl of pho or rolling fresh spring rolls like a local? and would like to learn Vietnamese cooking, that offers an unforgettable way to explore the heart of local culture — through its flavours, aromas, and bustling markets? Whether you are a passionate foodie or just a curious traveller, these hands-on experiences let you dive deep into the essence of Vietnam tourism. From Hanoi’s street kitchens to Hoi An’s riverside markets, get ready to cook, taste, and fall in love. This Vietnam guide compared 15+ classes based on authenticity, hygiene, local chef reputation & traveller experience.

Why Join a Cooking Class in Vietnam?

Cooking in Vietnam goes far beyond recipes — it is about the stories, scents, and relationships. A local cooking class is not just a means to get a good meal; it is a way to experience the culture. You’ll be taken through bustling wet markets, learn how to pick the freshest herbs, and gain an insight into how the food of the families you visit has become the heritage of the whole country’s cuisine.

Also, you will come across people who use food as their love language. One of these is a dish that speaks — from the same techniques used through the ages to new ideas that make Vietnamese cuisine still attractive and alive. Whatever the case may be, whether frying garlic in Ho Chi Minh City or barbecuing pork skewers in Hanoi, every moment is a flavour that you can add to your travel ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌story.

What to Expect in a Typical Vietnamese Cooking Class

The Vietnamese cooking class is like opening a sensory suitcase – it is fun and educational, and you get to treat yourself at the same time.

Market Tour (45–60 minutes):

Start your day with a tour of a lively wet market with your local chef. You will hear, smell, touch, and taste – pick up lemongrass, smell fresh noodles, and learn how to select the best fish sauce. You will meet people, chat with vendors, and maybe even grab a small bite while you discover shopping in Vietnam like a local.

Cooking Session (2–3 hours):

It is the moment for you to make a difference in the kitchen. See the chef show you the basic skills – from the art of wrapping rice paper to the technique of making the crispiest banh xeo. After that, it is your turn to put on a hand and do it, preparing two to three dishes under the guidance of the chef. No need to worry if you make a mistake – it is all part of the process!

Shared Meal (1 hour):

At the end, sit down together with your group and relish the feast you have prepared. Tell experiences, share laughter, and eat hot dishes fresh from the kitchen. There is something wonderful about connecting over a meal that you have made yourself – it is a magical way to turn strangers into friends and every bite into a ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌memory.

Top Vietnamese Cooking Classes by City

Vietnamese cooking classes in Hanoi, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Hanoi – Northern Vietnamese Flavours & Cooking Classes

Hanoi,‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ the lovable and picturesque capital of Vietnam, is widely known for its fresh and delicate northern flavours. Make and eat pho bo, bun cha, and nem ran, the famous northern dishes, with the help of friendly chefs who also share their cooking tips, stories, and laughter with you, thus making the class enjoyable, interactive, and unforgettable.

Top Pick: Rose Kitchen
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 1,200,000 VND (≈ ₹4,000)
Extras: Vegetarian and vegan options available; central location with hotel pickup or easy taxi access

2. Ho Chi Minh City – Southern Spice & Vietnamese Cooking Experience

Ho Chi Minh City is lively and energetic, the best place to visit in Vietnam to have southern flavours. The city is known for its sweet notes, tropical ingredients, and coconut-based broths. Learn to prepare southern delicacies like goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), banh xeo, and canh chua ca (sweet and sour fish soup) for a perfect sweet and savoury taste.

Top Pick: Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Tuc
Duration: 3–4 hours
Price: 1,000,000 VND (≈ ₹3,400)
Extras: Vegan/vegetarian tracks available; hotel pickup recommended to avoid traffic

3. Hoi An – Central Vietnam Charm & Cooking Classes by the River

Hoi An is a place with lantern-filled streets and a serene river. Prepare and eat the local delicacies like cao lau, mi quang, and banh xeo with the help of village chefs and then have your meal by the Thu Bồn River, which is considered to be one of the best rivers in Vietnam, as lanterns are lighting up the night sky, making it a really enchanting ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌experience.

Top Pick: Bliss Hoi An Cooking Class
Duration: Half-day to full-day
Price: 1,400,000 VND (≈ ₹4,700)
Extras: Focus on sustainability, small intimate groups, locally sourced ingredients

Cost Overview of Vietnamese Cooking Classes

Type of Class	Duration	Price (VND)	Price (INR)	What’s Included
Budget Half-Day Class	3–4 hours	700,000 – 1,000,000	₹2,400 – ₹3,400	2–3 dishes, market visit
Mid-Range Market + Cook Class	4–5 hours	1,200,000 – 1,500,000	₹4,000 – ₹5,100	Market tour, 3–4 dishes, recipes
Premium Private Class	Half or full day	2,000,000+	₹6,800+	Private chef, full course, transfers

Tip: Book at least one week in advance if you’re traveling during peak tourist months (December to March).

Signature Vietnamese Dishes You’ll Learn

Pho (Hanoi): This iconic noodle soup is rich, fragrant, and deeply comforting. Made with beef or chicken, the broth simmers for hours to bring out the perfect balance of herbs and spices.
Bun Cha (Hanoi): Grilled pork patties served with fresh noodles and herbs. It’s a must-try northern dish that captures the essence of Hanoi’s vibrant flavors and bustling street food culture.
Banh Xeo (Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh): Crispy golden pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Fun to make and even better to eat, it is considered one of the best street foods in Vietnam.
Cao Lau (Hoi An): A speciality unique to Hoi An, these chewy noodles are served with flavourful pork, fresh greens, and a savoury broth. The dish reflects the city’s rich culinary traditions.
Goi Cuon (Saigon): Fresh rice paper rolls packed with shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli. Light, healthy, and delicious, they are a perfect introduction to the balance of flavors in southern cuisine.

Tips to Book and Enjoy Your Vietnamese Cooking Class

Book Early: Cooking classes are extremely popular and therefore get booked early, especially at seasonal times when the tourists are in high numbers. Book early enough (a few weeks before) so as not to be disappointed.

Look for Additions: Ensure that all the things you desire in the class are included, such as the market tour, recipes to take home and hotel transfers where necessary. It is better to know what it contains in order to avoid surprises.

Wear Easy Clothing: Kitchens can be hot, so light and airy fabrics such as cotton are preferable. Safety would also be a good idea in closed-toe shoes.

Requested Allergies: Notify your chef of any food limitation or allergy issues ahead of time, and you will have a safe, tension-free and completely enjoyable time of cooking. This is to make sure that you do not have to worry about cooking.

Carry Small Change: It is better to keep a little local money so that you can purchase ingredients, small souvenirs or snacks in the market. It facilitates the process and makes it easier and enjoyable.

Conclusion – Immerse Yourself in Vietnamese Cooking Classes Across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City & Hoi An

Are you ready to explore Vietnam through its flavours? Vietnamese cooking classes offer more than just recipes — they are an action road trip through the crowded markets, smelly kitchens, and colourful markets of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An. From learning how to prepare pho and banh xeo to spending your time loving your work by the Thu Bon River, such classes allow you to immerse yourself in Vietnam tourism and create memories that cannot be forgotten. Take a course, enjoy every bite, and go home not only with dishes but also with Vietnam itself. To have an experience of a lifetime! Pickyourtrail is here for you. Plan your trip hassle-free and book your personalised Vietnam tour package now.