Da Nang Cooking Class & Market Tour with 5 Local Dishes

Summary

Vietnamese flavors hands-on market walk cooking class Da Nang

You’ll wander Da Nang’s bustling market with a local guide, then learn to cook five Vietnamese dishes like Banh Xeo and Bun Bo Hue from scratch. There’s laughter over torn rice paper, shared meals with homemade rice vodka, and recipes to take home. Expect warm company and flavors you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to try the fish sauce?” That’s how it started — our guide Mai grinning at me while holding up a bottle that honestly smelled like old socks (in the best way). We’d just ducked into the morning market off Nguyen Ba Lan street, and I was already sweating a little from the steam and all the chatter around us. The colors were wild — heaps of jackfruit, tiny limes, shrimp still twitching. Mai explained which herbs go in Bun Bo Hue, which ones are for Banh Xeo. I tried repeating the names but mostly just got laughed at by an older lady selling greens. It was friendly though — people here seem to enjoy when you stumble through their language.

Back at the kitchen, we tied on aprons that felt a bit too big and got chopping. The sizzle when the Banh Xeo batter hit the pan made everyone pause — it’s louder than you’d think. Mai showed us how to swirl it just right so it crisps up (mine looked more like scrambled eggs but tasted fine). Making those Hoi An fresh rolls was trickier than it looks on YouTube; my rice paper tore twice before I got one that didn’t fall apart. There was this moment when we all sat down together, passing around plates of young jackfruit salad and sipping homemade rice vodka (it burns a little but goes down easy). Someone cracked a joke about Michelin stars and we all lost it for a minute.

I didn’t expect avocado ice cream to be so good — creamy but not too sweet, almost grassy? We swapped stories about food back home while Mai handed out these little recipe books with our names scribbled inside. Walking out into the late afternoon light, I could still smell lemongrass on my fingers. It’s funny how quickly you feel at home in someone else’s kitchen when everyone’s messing up together. If you’re looking for a cooking class in Da Nang that actually lets you get your hands dirty (and feeds you well), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cooking class with market visit

• Meet at 07 Nguyen Ba Lan street
• Visit nearby market to shop ingredients
• Return to cooking class location
• Learn to cook 5 dishes
• Enjoy meal with homemade rice vodka
• Receive cookbook and certificate

Top questions

What dishes do you learn in this Da Nang cooking class?

You’ll cook five dishes: young jackfruit salad, Bun Bo Hue (beef noodle soup or vegetarian), Banh Xeo (sizzling pancake), Hoi An fresh roll (with pork/shrimp or vegetarian), and avocado ice cream.

Does the class include a local market tour?

Yes, it starts with a guided visit to a nearby market in Da Nang to shop for ingredients and learn about them firsthand.

Is lunch or dinner included in the price?

Both lunch and dinner are included as part of your meal after cooking.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan versions can be prepared—just mention your preference when booking.

How long does the Da Nang cooking class last?

The full experience typically covers several hours including the market trip, cooking session, meal together, and wrap-up.

Is this cooking class suitable for children or families?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is transportation provided for this Da Nang cooking class?

No hotel pickup is listed; guests meet at 07 Nguyen Ba Lan street before start time.

Do I get recipes to take home after the class?

Yes, each participant receives a recipe booklet with instructions for all five dishes cooked during class.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your group at Nguyen Ba Lan street in Da Nang before heading out with your local guide for a lively market tour. After shopping for fresh ingredients together, you’ll return to cook five Vietnamese dishes side-by-side in the kitchen—then sit down for lunch or dinner with coffee or tea plus homemade rice vodka before heading out with new recipes in hand.