Advanced Vietnamese Cooking Class with Market Tour in Saigon

Summary

Hands-On Culinary Workshop for Experienced Home Cooks

You’ll dive into Saigon’s vibrant food scene—shopping local markets, cooking classic Vietnamese dishes from scratch, and sharing a meal with new friends. Perfect if you want to sharpen your skills or just love real food experiences.

What’s the experience like?

Ben Thanh Market was already buzzing when I arrived—vendors calling out, the smell of fresh herbs and fish sauce in the air. Our chef greeted us right at the main entrance, and we dove straight into the maze of stalls. She pointed out lotus stems I’d never noticed before and explained why some fish sauce brands are better for dipping than others. If you’re into food markets, this part alone is worth waking up early for. The morning light makes everything look brighter, and you get to see how locals actually shop for their daily meals.

Back at the kitchen, we cooled off with a glass of sweet iced tea. The chef shared a quick story about the Kitchen God—something I’d only ever heard from my grandmother. Then aprons on, knives out. We chopped, marinated, and rolled our way through a menu that changed depending on what folks wanted to learn: beef salad with crunchy lotus stems, chicken wings glazed in fish sauce, or even delicate steamed dumplings. The chef kept things moving but always stopped to show us the right way to slice lemongrass or fold a pancake. My hands smelled like fresh cilantro for hours.

Sitting down together at the end felt like a real family meal. Everyone swapped tips and stories over plates piled high with what we’d just made. The best part? You leave with a little recipe book, a certificate (which my partner found hilarious), and a small souvenir that actually fits in your suitcase. If you’re looking to level up your Vietnamese cooking skills—or just want a fun afternoon with good food and company—this class hits the spot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Advanced Cooking Course in Ho Chi Minh

• Meet at Ben Thanh Market
• Morning market visit with Chef
• Welcome drink and Kitchen God's story
• Cooking class covering basic methods
• Prepare various daily menus
• Feast on prepared dishes
• Receive manual recipes, certificate, and souvenir

Top questions

Is this class suitable for beginners?

This course is designed for those who already have some cooking experience and want to improve their skills, but enthusiastic beginners are welcome too.

Can I join the market tour in the afternoon or evening session?

The market visit is only included in the morning session. Afternoon and evening classes focus on cooking techniques in the kitchen.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, just let us know your dietary preferences when booking and we’ll adapt the menu where possible.

Do I need to bring anything?

No need—everything from ingredients to aprons is provided. Just bring your appetite and curiosity!

What’s included

Your session includes a guided market visit (morning only), all cooking ingredients, lunch or dinner depending on your class time, a recipe booklet to take home, a certificate, and a small souvenir gift. Wheelchair access and infant seats are available too.