Da Nang: Cooking Class & Market Tour with 5 Local Dishes

Summary

Da Nang flavors come alive as you shop, cook, and eat together

You’ll wander Da Nang’s bustling market for fresh ingredients before cooking five classic dishes side-by-side with locals. Learn real techniques, swap stories over lunch (with rice vodka if you’re brave), and leave with recipes — plus a few new friends. The memory of that kitchen warmth lingers long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — vendors calling out prices in the market near Nguyen Ba Lan street, their voices bouncing off baskets of herbs and tiny green limes. Our guide (she told us to call her Linh) handed me a sprig of something that smelled like peppery basil but sharper. I tried to repeat its name — rau ram? — and she grinned, correcting my accent gently. It was humid, but the stalls were busy and bright, full of people who seemed to know exactly what they wanted for lunch.

Back at the kitchen, we washed our hands under cool water that felt good after the sticky walk. Linh showed us how to slice jackfruit for salad — it’s softer than I expected, almost like pulling apart bread. There was laughter when someone splashed chili on their shirt (not me this time). Making Bun Bo Hue took more patience than I thought; Linh explained how every family does it differently in Central Vietnam. The sizzle from the Banh Xeo pan made everyone pause for a second — it really does sound like its name.

I’ll admit I was nervous about rolling Tam Huu fresh rolls neatly, but Linh just shrugged and said “as long as it tastes good.” When we finally sat down together with rice vodka and avocado ice cream (surprisingly rich), everyone was swapping stories about where they’d messed up or nailed a flavor. There was no rush; we just ate slowly while Linh talked about growing up in Da Nang and what food means here. I still think about that meal sometimes when I smell lemongrass now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cooking class with market visit

• Meet at 07 Nguyen Ba Lan street
• Visit nearby market for ingredients
• Return to kitchen to cook 5 dishes
• Cook Bun Bo Hue and Banh Xeo
• Prepare Tam Huu fresh roll and jackfruit salad
• Make Da Nang avocado ice-cream dessert
• Enjoy meal with fruits and rice vodka
• Chat with instructor about local life
• Receive cookbook and certificate

Top questions

What dishes do you cook in the Da Nang cooking class?

You’ll make Bun Bo Hue (beef noodle soup), Banh Xeo (sizzling pancake), Tam Huu fresh roll, young jackfruit salad, and Da Nang avocado ice cream.

Does the cooking class include a market visit?

Yes, the day starts with a guided trip to a nearby local market to buy fresh ingredients.

Is there a vegetarian option available?

Yes, each dish has a vegetarian version available upon request.

Where is the meeting point for the class?

You meet at 07 Nguyen Ba Lan street in Da Nang about 10 minutes before start time.

Are drinks included in the class?

The experience includes coffee or tea during your meal as well as some rice vodka to try.

How long does the cooking class last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect several hours including shopping, cooking, eating, and chatting.

Do I get recipes to take home?

Yes, you’ll receive a cookbook with recipes plus a certificate at the end of class.

Is this cooking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed too.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Nguyen Ba Lan street in Da Nang for a guided market tour to gather ingredients; all cooking tools provided; hands-on preparation of five local dishes; coffee or tea; lunch or dinner enjoyed together with fruit and rice vodka; plus your own recipe book and certificate before heading out again.