Vietnam is world-famous for its unique and flavorful cuisine. The hallmarks of Vietnamese food include fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, various meats and seafood, and complex but delicate flavor profiles. Those wanting an immersive culinary experience in Vietnam often turn to cooking classes to learn tricks and techniques to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes.
A Glimpse into Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Participants
Cooking classes typically attract foreign travelers eager to immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine. These classes are an excellent opportunity for such experiences. Tourists from South Korea, Japan, Australia, the United States, and various European countries especially enjoy this hands-on culinary adventure.
Program
These cooking sessions are often hosted by restaurants, hotels, or tourism companies. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to ensure visitors have the best experience possible. Each class typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours and encompasses:
An instructor or chef warmly welcomes guests at their hotel or restaurant, then takes them on a journey through traditional markets where they shop for fresh ingredients, taste local snacks, and learn about Vietnamese food traditions. Afterward, the chef leads participants back to the cooking space, demonstrating how to prepare, cook, and present various dishes. To wrap it up, everyone poses for photos with the chef and enjoys the meal they’ve created together.
Reasons to Join a Cooking Class
Cooking classes are fantastic fun!
They genuinely offer a wonderful way to engage and enjoy. Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or family, the vibe in these classes is always lively and welcoming.
Cooking classes provide hands-on learning
While watching cooking shows can be entertaining, nothing beats the direct engagement of a cooking class led by a professional chef. You’ll be actively involved in every step of the process.
Collaborate with an experienced chef
You’ll work alongside a talented chef who not only knows the ins and outs of cooking but also excels in teaching. This will enhance your skills in time management, teamwork, ingredient measurement, nutrition, and effective communication.
Immerse yourself in local flavors and traditions
In addition to honing your cooking skills, these classes take you on an exciting journey through local markets, allowing you to explore the culture, taste street food, and select the freshest ingredients and spices for your cooking experience.
Master the art of plating
Beyond just learning how to cook a dish with the right techniques and flavors, you’ll also discover how to artfully present your creations to make them visually appealing and customizable to your preferences.
Top 10 Best Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam in the north, offers some of the best cooking classes in the country. The old-world charm of Hanoi’s streets and back alleys provide an atmospheric backdrop for cooking local specialties. From the French-inspired fare to street food favorites and hard-to-find regional dishes, Hanoi has it all.
Cooking classes range from quick demonstrations to intensive, multi-day affairs. Most classes include a trip to a local market to pick out fresh ingredients. Students then head to a kitchen to prep, cook, and feast. Read on for our list of the top 10 best cooking classes for visitors looking to master Vietnamese cuisine in Hanoi.
Apron Up Cooking Class
At Apron Up Cooking Class, you will have the opportunity to learn from a group of young and enthusiastic Hanoians who are well-versed in the rich culture and delectable cuisine of their city. These individuals are not only knowledgeable about Vietnamese food in general, but they also possess a deep understanding of the unique flavors and techniques that make up Hanoian cuisine.
Unlike simply searching for recipes online, attending Apron Up Cooking Class allows you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind each dish. You will not only learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, but you will also gain insight into the history and traditions that have shaped them over time.
Moreover, the passionate instructors at Apron Up Cooking Class will guide you through each step of the cooking process, sharing tips and tricks that can’t be found in any recipe book. They will also introduce you to the wide variety of ingredients used in Hanoian cuisine, giving you a better understanding of the flavors and textures that make it so unique.
In addition to learning about the food itself, Apron Up Cooking Class offers a chance to connect with the local community and make new friends. The class is a fun and interactive experience that allows you to bond with your fellow classmates over a shared love for food and culture.
So if you’re looking to truly experience the vibrant and diverse food scene of Hanoi, look no further than Apron Up Cooking Class. With its knowledgeable instructors, hands-on learning approach, and immersive cultural experience, it’s the perfect way to discover the heart and soul of Hanoian cuisine.
Our classes are held every day and each session runs for 3 hours. We offer four cooking group classes daily, with the following time slots:
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Daily cooking class menu
| Pho Hanoi (beef noodle soup) | Vegetarian glass noodle |
| Bun cha (BBQ pork noodle) | Tofu ball tomato noodle |
| Nem ran ( fried springroll) | Vegetarian Nem ran |
| Nom du du (papaya salad) | Papaya salad |
| Cafe trung ( Hanoi egg coffee) | Egg Coffee |
Duong’s Cooking Class
Duong’s Cooking Class is located inside a restaurant in Hanoi. Chef and owner Duong grew up cooking Vietnamese dishes with his chefs, later studying at culinary school. He expertly instructs students in preparing dishes spanning North to South Vietnam.
Highlights
- Convenient central Hanoi location
- Small groups up to 10 people
- Visit local market for seasonal ingredients
- Prepare 5+ authentic dishes like pho, spring rolls, clay pot caramel chicken
- Vegetarian/gluten-free menus available
- Morning or afternoon classes
Duong’s restaurant sets the stage for a special cooking class experience in Vietnam’s bustling capital. Duong is enthusiastic about sharing her extensive culinary knowledge in a hands-on setting. His classes allow you to cook a feast of Vietnamese favorites while learning tips, tricks and food culture.
Rose Kitchen Cooking Class Hanoi
When planning your itinerary for Hanoi, don’t forget to include Blue Butterfly on your list. This unique experience allows you to learn how to make delicious Hanoi dishes with the help of Chef Hung. Each person gets their own workstation during the cooking session, where they can create tasty dishes like banana flower salad, spring rolls, and pho. After cooking, everyone gathers in the dining area to enjoy the meals together, paired perfectly with local beer. As a special keepsake, participants also receive recipe cards to take home with them.
Highlights
- Quiet villa location removed from city bustle
- Small class size up to 8 people
- Visit to Long Bien market
- Prepare dishes like pho, spring rolls, papaya salad
- Afternoon and evening classes
- Vegetarian/gluten-free menus
Rose Kitchen stands out for its peaceful setting in a villa with a professional open kitchen. Rose is very knowledgeable about Vietnamese herbs, spices, and special ingredients. Her passion for Vietnam’s culinary tradition is evident as she guides each student through cooking a feast. The class price is reasonable given the intimate experience.
Blue Butterfly Cooking Class
The Blue Butterfly cooking class is located inside a French colonial villa in central Hanoi. Mrs. Trieu, the owner, leads small classes focused on North Vietnamese cuisine. The hands-on classes end by enjoying a meal together.
Highlights
- Convenient central Hanoi location
- Intimate classes up to 8 people
- Visit to Dong Xuan Market
- Cook 4 classic Vietnamese dishes
- Morning and afternoon classes
- Vegetarian/gluten-free menus
Blue Butterfly stands out for its elegant setting inside a stunning 1930’s villa. The small class sizes, personable host, and array of dishes focusing on northern Vietnam make for an excellent cultural and culinary experience. Reasonable pricing and high ratings from past visitors solidify Blue Butterfly as one of Hanoi’s best cooking classes.
Hoang’s Cooking Class
Since its inception in Hanoi, Chef Hoang’s cooking class has become increasingly popular among tourists visiting the bustling capital of Vietnam. Visitors are given the option to attend either a morning session at 9 AM or an afternoon session at 2 PM. It is worth noting that each group class only allows a maximum of eight participants to ensure individualized instruction. The class also happily accommodates those with dietary restrictions or vegetarian diets.
Highlights
- Our group classes can accommodate up to 8 people, but if you prefer a more intimate setting, please let us know and we can arrange a private class for you.
- Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink before embarking on a trip to the local fresh market. Here, we will purchase all the necessary ingredients for our cooking class.
- As part of the experience, you will have the opportunity to taste various foods at the market.
- In the class, you will be provided with all the food and one soft drink. At the end of the class, you will receive a certificate from our chef as a token of your participation.
- Don’t worry about taking notes during the class, as we will provide you with detailed recipes to take home.
- Our English-speaking guide will be there to assist you throughout the entire experience.
Hoang’s cooking classes allow visitors to cook and feast in a welcoming restaurant. Mr. Hoang is passionate about sharing her cultural traditions and culinary secrets. Highlights include making dishes not found in restaurants. Reasonable pricing and intimate groups make this a wonderful way to learn about Vietnamese food.
Hanoi Cooking Class Tours
At Hanoi Cooking Class Tours, we prioritize all things related to food. Our tours not only include hands-on cooking classes, street food tours, and café visits, but also feature trips to local wet markets.
By joining one of our 4 scheduled group cooking classes, you can gain a deep understanding and appreciation for the flavors, history, and culture of Hanoian Vietnamese cuisine. You will learn how to select ingredients at the wet market and cook delicious street foods.
For a more personalized experience, you can also book a private cooking class tour and choose which dishes you want to learn. Our experienced chefs will guide you through preparing the dishes at your own work station, and the workshop will end with a satisfying meal of your own creations.
Highlights
- Small groups up to 8 people
- Visit to Fresh Market
- Prepare and enjoy 5 street food dishes
- Also offer specialized classes like Bun Cha or vegetarian menus
- Morning and evening classes
Hanoi Cooking Tour Class is operated by professional chef. They expertly guide students in preparing and enjoying Hanoi’s most iconic street food specialties. Small, personalized attention in an intimate setting make for a delightful cultural immersion. Past visitors rave about the hands-on experience and friendly hosting.
Red Bean Hanoi Cooking Class
Red Bean is a well-known establishment in Hanoi that is often top-of-mind for those looking for a high-quality dining experience. In addition to their delicious food, they also offer a unique cooking class where you can fully engage in the process of making traditional Vietnamese dishes in a fun and interactive way.
Along with learning various cooking techniques, you will also gain knowledge about the history and customs behind these dishes, as well as the skill of selecting and blending the best ingredients. By the end of this experience, you will have a greater appreciation and understanding of the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam.
Highlights
- Small, intimate class groups
- Classes held in restaurant
- Prepare and enjoy 5 iconic Vietnamese dishes
- Visit fresh local market for ingredients
- Afternoon and evening classes
- Vegetarian/gluten-free options
Red Bean Hanoi Cooking Class stands out for its small size, ensuring personalized attention from the talented chefs. Their talent, humor and passion for cooking make for a memorable experience. Students cook and feast on classics like pho and spring rolls in a casual, welcoming setting. Reasonable pricing seals the deal for a top cooking class pick in Hanoi.
Chef Duyen’s Home Cooking Classes & Market Tours
At Chef Duyen’s cooking class, Duyen shares family recipes in her home kitchen. Classes include a local market tour followed by cooking traditional Vietnamese dishes. Her northern Vietnamese menus change seasonally.
Highlights
- Family home location in Hanoi
- Hands-on cooking class
- Tour sprawling local market
- Cook and feast on 3-4 Vietnamese dishes
- Morning classes
- Vegetarian/gluten-free options
Chef Duyen’s small cooking classes allow an authentic peek inside Vietnamese home cooking. Duyen is friendly, passionate and knowledgeable about Vietnamese cuisine. Highlights include cooking seasonal Vietnamese dishes selected based on the freshest ingredients. An affordable way to pick up culinary skills and culture.
Madam Tran Cooking Class
Madam Tran Cooking Class is located in the Ta Hien area of Hanoi, famous for its buzzing bar and restaurant scene. Madam Tran expertly leads small cooking classes in her home while sharing personal stories about Vietnamese cuisine and culture.
Highlights
- Convenient central Hanoi location
- Small, intimate class size
- Prepare and enjoy 3 classic Vietnamese dishes
- Afternoon and evening classes
- Gluten-free options
Madam Tran Restaurant in Hanoi is renowned for its delicious food and also offers a cooking class where guests can learn how to make traditional dishes. The class starts with a trip to a local wet market to select fresh ingredients, followed by 2 hours of hands-on cooking in the kitchen. The class ends at either 12 PM or 6 PM with a tasty meal. The package includes welcome drinks, a market tour, ingredient shopping, food tasting, all necessary materials, and a certificate. Special dietary requests can be accommodated if notified in advance.
Tung’s Kitchen Cooking Class
Mr. Tung offers popular small-group cooking classes out of his home on the outskirts of Hanoi. Tung brings humor and skill to these hands-on classes focused on northern Vietnamese dishes.
Highlights
- Small class sizes up to 8 people
- Family home location
- Visit Hang Be Market to source ingredients
- Prepare and feast on 4 classic Vietnamese dishes
- Morning or afternoon classes
Tung’s sense of humor and culinary talents have earned his cooking classes outstanding reviews. Students cook classics like spring rolls, pho, papaya salad, and more with guidance from Tung in an informal home setting. Tung’s classes allow cooking and connecting with Vietnamese culture in a comfortable environment with reasonable pricing.
Conclusion
Hanoi offers atmospheric alleyways, bustling markets, and talented cooks ready to share the intricacies of Vietnamese cuisine. Cooking classes provide the ultimate travel experience, pairing culinary endeavors with cultural insight from knowledgeable locals. Classes range from casual home kitchens to elegant villas, but all allow intimate groups to source ingredients, chop, mix, stir, and dine their way through Vietnam’s vibrant food traditions under the guidance of amicable hosts. Visitors come away with full bellies, recipes to take home, and special memories connecting through food.