Vietnamese Cooking Class in Hanoi: 3 Dishes + Market Tour

You buy the ingredients yourself at the market, then cook them an hour later in the same class.

A Vietnamese cooking class in Hanoi where you choose three traditional dishes to prepare, starting with a 45-minute visit to a local market to select ingredients, then returning to cook and eat together. The guide teaches technique and seasoning, provides written recipes after class, and children from age 5 are welcome. A live English-speaking guide leads the group; private classes are available as an alternative to the shared option.

The Experience

The morning starts at a local market in Hanoi where you walk through stalls with your guide and pick out the ingredients you'll cook with later. You spend about 45 minutes there selecting fresh produce, proteins and seasonings for whichever three dishes you've chosen from the menu—options include spring rolls, bun cha (Hanoi's famous fried pork), cha ca (fried fish), Vietnamese pancakes, beef or pork wrapped in betel leaf, stir-fried chicken with chili and lemongrass, or pho. Back at the meeting point, the staff help you wash and prep everything while you rest.

Once the ingredients are ready, the guide walks through the cooking procedure for each dish, explaining the seasonings and techniques as you work. You cook alongside other people in the class, making each dish from start to finish. The guide shows you how the flavors come together and what to watch for at each step. After everything is cooked, you sit down and eat what you've just made with the rest of the group—the food is included, along with bottled water. You leave with written recipes so you can make the dishes again at home.

What’s included

• The three Vietnamese dishes you cook and eat.
• bottled water.
• written recipes sent after class.
• instruction from a live English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hong Hoai Cooking Class

Is this one for you?Book the shared group class if you want to cook alongside other travelers and meet people in Hanoi; choose the private option if you'd rather have the guide's full attention and set your own pace through the three dishes.

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Top questions

What three dishes can I choose to cook in the Hanoi cooking class?

The menu includes fried spring rolls, Hanoi fresh rolls, green mango salad with shrimp, bun cha (Hanoi's traditional fried pork), cha ca (Hanoi's traditional fried fish), Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo), beef or pork rolled in wild betel leaf, stir-fried chicken with chili and lemongrass, and beef or chicken noodle soup (pho). You pick three for your class.

How long do we spend at the local market before cooking?

The market visit takes about 45 minutes. You walk through with the guide, select the fresh ingredients you'll need for your three dishes, then return to the kitchen to prepare and cook them.

Is the food I cook included, or do I have to pay extra to eat it?

The food you cook is included in the class price. After finishing all three dishes, you eat together with the other people in your group, and bottled water is provided.

Can I book a private cooking class instead of joining a group?

Yes, a private cooking class option is available at checkout. You can choose between the shared group class or a private class depending on what suits your trip.

Are children allowed in the Hanoi cooking class?

Children are welcome from age 5. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants must sit on an adult's lap during the market visit.

Do I get the recipes after the class?

Yes, the guide sends you written recipes after the class so you can recreate the dishes at home.