Hanoi Old Quarter: Cooking Class & Market Tour with Egg Coffee

Summary

Hanoi food stories market colors egg coffee warmth

You’ll wander through Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter market with a local guide before learning to cook classic Vietnamese dishes—like crispy spring rolls and papaya salad—then try your hand at making rich egg coffee. Expect laughter in the kitchen, new flavors on your tongue, and a meal you’ll remember every time you smell fresh herbs back home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I mostly signed up for this Hanoi cooking class because I wanted to figure out how the locals make those fried spring rolls so crispy. But walking into the Old Quarter that morning, with scooters weaving past and that warm, humid air clinging to everything, I felt a weird mix of nerves and excitement. Our instructor Linh greeted us at the door with this huge grin and a “Xin chào!” that made me feel like maybe I wouldn’t totally embarrass myself in the kitchen.

The first stop was Yen Thai market, which is just a few minutes away but somehow felt like another world. The smells hit you first — herbs, fish sauce, something sweet I still can’t name. Linh pointed out all these greens I’d never seen before (she laughed when I tried to pronounce “rau ram”). There were old women haggling over papayas and guys chopping blocks of ice for the fish stalls. It’s loud but kind of comforting. We picked up what we needed — green papaya for salad, rice paper for rolls — and Linh explained what you could swap if you can’t find the same stuff back home. That actually helped; I always get lost in Asian grocery stores.

Back at Maya Kitchen, we tied on aprons and got to work. Rolling those spring rolls is harder than it looks — my first one looked more like a tiny pillow than anything else. Linh just smiled and showed me again, her hands moving so fast it was almost hypnotic. The best part? When we fried them up, everyone cheered if theirs didn’t fall apart (mine mostly held together). Making papaya salad was messier than expected; my fingers smelled like lime and chili for hours after. Pho rolls came next — soft rice paper, beef, herbs — simple but honestly so good when you eat it right away.

I didn’t expect to enjoy making egg coffee as much as I did. Linh whisked the yolks until they turned this pale yellow cloud and poured it over strong black coffee; it smelled like caramel mixed with something earthy. Sipping it after all that food while everyone swapped stories about their hometowns… yeah, that’s a memory that sticks around longer than any recipe card.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and cooking class

• Welcome at the office
• Visit Yen Thai local market
• Buy fresh ingredients
• Head to the kitchen
• Make fried spring rolls
• Prepare papaya salad
• Make pho rolls and mixed pho
• Prepare egg coffee
• Enjoy meal with your dishes

Top questions

What dishes do you learn to cook in this Hanoi cooking class?

You’ll make fried spring rolls (Nem Ran), papaya salad (Nom Du Du), pho rolls (Pho Cuon), mixed pho (Pho Tron), and Vietnamese egg coffee.

Does this cooking class include a visit to a local market?

Yes, you start with a guided walk through Yen Thai market in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to buy fresh ingredients.

Is lunch included in the Hanoi Maya Kitchen cooking class?

Yes, after cooking you’ll sit down together to eat all the dishes you prepared during the class.

Are there vegetarian options available in this tour?

The reference content doesn’t specify vegetarian options; check directly with Maya Kitchen for details.

How long does the market tour take before cooking?

The exact duration isn’t listed but the market is nearby so this part is relatively short before heading back to cook.

Is an English-speaking guide included?

Yes, your instructor speaks English and guides you through both the market tour and cooking session.

What drinks are provided during the class?

You can choose from water, tea, or coffee; plus you’ll make traditional Vietnamese egg coffee as part of the experience.

Can infants or small children join this activity?

Yes, infants and small children can participate using a pram or stroller if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking instructor guiding you through both Yen Thai market and Maya Kitchen’s hands-on class; all fresh ingredients for four Vietnamese dishes plus egg coffee; one drink (water, tea or regular coffee); dessert with seasonal fruit; and time to relax over your own homemade meal at the end.