Hoi An has long been voted by prestigious magazines as one of the most attractive destinations in Asia, continuously earning the title of Asia’s leading cultural city. Hoi An’s cuisine is particularly diverse and appealing: CNN stated, “The dishes in Hoi An’s ancient town are a blend of various cuisines, creating an interesting diversity,” and Tripadvisor noted, “The cooking class tour products in Hoi An are among the top 10 unique travel experiences in the world.”
Visitors love having the opportunity to go to the market to select ingredients and spices, then cook the dishes themselves in half-day cooking classes, an amazing experience that no cookbook can provide. Below are some recommended cooking classes to add to your culinary tour exploration in Hoi An:
For Travelers Who Love Gardening and Learning About Herbs: Cooking Class at Tra Que Vegetable Village
Leaving the center of Hoi An Ancient Town, visitors will cycle through green rice fields to the tranquil traditional craft village of Tra Que Vegetable Village. Here, visitors will learn about various vegetables, participate in soil tilling, planting, fertilizing, and watering under the guidance of experienced local farmers. Guests will pick vegetables, prepare, and cook delicious dishes using the produce grown in Tra Que Village. Specialties such as cao lau, tam huu, and banh xeo are also part of the menu.
Contact Information:
- Tra Que Water Wheel
- Address: Tra Que Vegetable Village, Cam Ha Commune, Hoi An City
- Website: https://www.traquewaterwheel.com/
If you are in Da Nang and want to quickly reach Hoi An to find a cooking class, book our private car service from Da Nang to Hoi An. Our private car service with a driver in Hoi An will ensure you have the safest and most comfortable journey to your cooking class in Hoi An.
Gioan Cookery Class
Gioan Cookery is a family-run cooking center offering private cooking classes for couples, families, and friends. The story began 15 years ago when the school’s owner, a talented and passionate woman, decided to bring Vietnamese cuisine to the world. Come to Gioan, and you’ll discover what a truly sweet home is.
Generally, each cooking class will take you to the market first, and Gioan is no exception.
You will learn the Vietnamese names of various vegetables. Unlike other classes, Gioan Cookery allows you to choose the dishes you want to make. The menu is extensive (up to 50 dishes), so it is sure to satisfy even the most demanding guests! Besides cooking, you will join in karaoke with the host. This will certainly entertain you, and soon you’ll forget the pressure of cooking.
Contact Information:
- Address: 222/17 Ly Thuong Kiet, Son Phong Ward, Quang Nam 560000
- Hours: Open 8 AM – Closes 9 PM
- Phone Number: 0948 479 598
For Travelers Who Love Exploring Nature: Cooking Class at Cam Thanh Coconut Forest
The program begins with a tour of the bustling Hoi An market. Visit various spice stalls featuring items like cinnamon and dried coconut, fresh produce vendors, and stalls selling fresh food, while learning about the cooking utensils available in the market’s dry goods section. From the Hoi An market, you will take a boat trip to the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, enjoying the scenery along the Thu Bon River and watching locals cast nets to catch fish and shrimp. The journey concludes at Sabirama Hoi An Restaurant. Here, you will learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes in a lush garden setting.
Contact Information:
- Sabirama Hoi An
- Address: Group 1, Con Nhan Hamlet, Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City
- Website: https://restauranthoian.com/
Red Bridge Restaurant & Cooking School
Situated beside the picturesque Hoai River, Red Bridge Cooking School is an ideal place to learn about Vietnamese cuisine. Start your culinary journey with a welcome drink and get ready to experience the local lifestyle, select ingredients, and interact with vendors at the morning market. Upon arriving at the school, you will explore the herb garden. Learn fascinating information about traditional Vietnamese herbs and discover which dishes are best enhanced by their unique flavors.
Next, you will learn how to make rice paper, shrimp paper rolls, crispy pancakes, seafood salad, and Quang Nam-style noodles. Last but not least, you will explore the art of Vietnamese-style dish presentation. If you need to burn off some calories after this hearty meal, head to the school’s 20-meter swimming pool. It’s free, so don’t hesitate to jump in!
Contact Information:
- Address: Thon 4, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Hours: Open 8 AM – Closes 5 PM
- Phone Number: 0905 452 092
- Website: visithoian.com
For Travelers Who Love Exploring Local Culture: Cooking Class with a Hoi An Family
The best recipes often come from simple family meals. Visitors will have the chance to prepare and cook a traditional, simple meal at a local family’s home and experience shopping for ingredients at a colorful local market. Travel by boat from the market to the local house, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ancient town. The host family warmly welcomes you and will guide you through the preparation of each ingredient and the cooking process. It will be a delightful and cozy experience to enjoy a meal with the locals, tasting the dishes you have cooked yourself.
Contact Information:
- Hoi An Express
- Address: 30 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City
- Website: https://hoianexpress.com.vn/
Whether you’re a food enthusiast eager to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine, a nature lover wanting to experience the serene beauty of the countryside, or a culture seeker looking to immerse yourself in local traditions, Hoi An offers a diverse range of cooking classes tailored to your interests. Each class provides a unique opportunity to not only enhance your culinary skills but also to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the region. From market tours and hands-on cooking sessions to engaging interactions with local families and picturesque settings, these experiences are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine. So, embark on this culinary adventure and take home not just recipes, but stories and flavors that will linger long after your trip.