Hoi An: Vietnamese Cooking Class with Chef & Lunch

Learn classic Vietnamese dishes in Hoi An’s kitchens with locals

You’ll step into a real Hoi An kitchen to cook side by side with a local chef—mixing batter for banh xeo, rolling fresh spring rolls, tasting as you go. You’ll share laughs over papaya salad and finish by enjoying your own homemade Vietnamese meal together. Expect hands-on learning, small surprises, and flavors that linger long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An

• Meet local chef
• Learn ingredient selection
• Cook deep-fried spring rolls
• Prepare papaya salad
• Make pork or fish clay pot
• Cook Banh Xeo rice pancake
• Enjoy cooked dishes for meal

The Experience

We ducked under the faded lanterns and followed the smell of lemongrass into the kitchen—honestly, I was still thinking about the morning market, but our chef, Ms. Lan, already had everything lined up. She grinned at my clumsy attempt to say “banh xeo”—Li laughed too, but in that gentle way people do when you’re obviously out of your depth. The rice flour felt cool and soft between my fingers as we mixed it for the pancakes. There was this sharp, almost citrusy scent from the herbs she handed me—I never knew Vietnamese mint had such a kick.

We chopped papaya for salad (my slices looked nothing like hers), then rolled up spring rolls so tightly I thought they’d burst. Ms. Lan showed us how to test oil temperature by flicking in a tiny piece of batter—she said her grandmother taught her that trick. The sizzle was louder than I expected, and for a second I worried I’d burn everything. But somehow it worked out; maybe it was her calm voice guiding us through each step. The kitchen got warm and steamy, and I kept sneaking tastes when nobody was looking—especially the chicken with lemongrass.

Sitting down to eat what we’d made felt weirdly satisfying—like you’ve earned every bite. The papaya salad was sweet and sharp at once, and that first bite of banh xeo just… well, it’s one of those flavors that sticks with you long after you leave Hoi An. We swapped stories over lunch (or dinner if you go later) and Ms. Lan sent us off with recipe books tucked under our arms. I still haven’t tried making it at home—yet—but every time I think about that kitchen light filtering through the window, I kind of want to.

Top questions

How long does the Hoi An cooking class last?

The cooking class lasts about 3 hours.

What dishes will I learn to make during the class?

You’ll learn dishes like banh xeo (rice pancake), papaya salad with shrimp cracker, fried spring rolls, chicken with lemongrass, and seasonal fruits.

Is lunch or dinner included in the cooking class?

Yes, you get to eat what you cook for lunch or dinner as part of the experience.

Are vegetarian options available in this Hoi An cooking class?

Yes, vegetarians can have ingredients changed to mushrooms, tofu or eggplant.

Will we get a recipe book after the class?

Yes, a recipe book is included so you can try making the dishes at home.

Is transportation provided for this Hoi An cooking class?

No hotel pickup is mentioned but public transportation options are nearby.

How many people are usually in each cooking session?

The group size isn’t specified but classes are hands-on with personal guidance from the chef.

What’s included

Your experience includes all ingredients prepared by your chef in Hoi An’s kitchen, hands-on instruction for several Vietnamese dishes like banh xeo and spring rolls, a shared meal (lunch or dinner depending on timing), plus a recipe book to take home so you can relive those flavors whenever you want.