Taking a cooking class in Hanoi is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced cook, there are numerous options available that cater to all skill levels and culinary interests. Here are some of the top cooking class experiences in Hanoi:
Cooking class experiences in Hanoi
Hanoi offers a wide array of cooking classes that cater to different tastes and skill levels. Whether you want to learn traditional Vietnamese recipes, experience cooking in a local home, or refine your skills in a gourmet setting, there’s something for everyone.
1. Traditional Cooking Classes
Traditional cooking classes typically take place in the Old Quarter or other historic parts of Hanoi. They often begin with a visit to a local market where you can select fresh ingredients. The classes usually cover a range of classic Vietnamese dishes, such as pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), spring rolls, and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes). These classes cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced cooks.
Ideal For: Those interested in learning foundational Vietnamese recipes and experiencing a slice of local life.
2. Home Cooking Experiences
Home cooking experiences allow you to cook in a local home, often located outside the city center. These classes offer a more personal and intimate setting, providing insights into Vietnamese family life and culinary traditions. Dishes might include bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) and nem ran (fried spring rolls). These classes are great for beginners to intermediate cooks.
Ideal For: Those seeking a personal and immersive cultural experience.
3. Gourmet Cooking Classes
Held in high-end restaurants or culinary schools, gourmet cooking classes are designed for intermediate to advanced cooks looking to refine their skills. Participants can learn to prepare multi-course meals, including more sophisticated dishes like seafood hotpot or grilled fish, often paired with wine.
Ideal For: Food enthusiasts looking to elevate their cooking skills and enjoy a more refined culinary experience.
Key features of Hanoi cooking classes
When choosing a cooking class in Hanoi, there are several key features to consider to ensure you find the perfect fit. From the level of cooking expertise required to additional activities and dietary accommodations, these features will help you select the best experience for your needs.
- Level of Cooking: Beginner to advanced options available.
- Additional Activities: Many classes include market visits, farm tours, or home visits.
- Duration: Classes range from quick 1-2 hour sessions to half-day or full-day experiences.
- Special Dietary Requirements: Vegan, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly options can be accommodated.
- Private or Group: Options for both private and group classes, allowing for a personalized or social experience.
- Location: Classes are offered in various locations, including the Old Quarter, local homes, and high-end restaurants.
- Dishes: A variety of dishes can be learned, from traditional Vietnamese meals to street food and gourmet cuisine.
Best cooking classes in Hanoi
Hanoi offers a variety of cooking classes that cater to all levels of culinary enthusiasts. Whether you want to learn the basics or refine your skills, these top 10 cooking classes provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine and culture.
Hanoi offers a variety of cooking classes that cater to all levels of culinary enthusiasts. Whether you want to learn the basics or refine your skills, these top 10 cooking classes provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine and culture.
1. Hanoi Apron Up Cooking Class
Apron Up Cooking Class stands out as a top-notch cooking center in Hanoi. Taught by experienced chefs, participants begin with a visit to the local market to select the freshest ingredients. The hands-on class allows you to craft signature Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls, bun cha, pho rolls, and egg coffee. The class concludes with a meal where participants enjoy their creations together. Additionally, a recipe book is provided so you can recreate the dishes at home.
Ideal For: Those interested in learning foundational Vietnamese recipes and experiencing local culture.
Reviews: Participants praise the friendly and knowledgeable instructors, the engaging market tour, and the delicious dishes they prepare. The class is described as fun, informative, and a great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.
Address: 66 Bat Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, daily
2. Rose Kitchen Cooking Class Hanoi
Rose Kitchen Cooking Class offers a cultural and culinary adventure in a spacious house with a garden. The experience begins with a hotel pick-up and a guided visit to traditional markets to hand-pick fresh ingredients. The class focuses on making traditional Vietnamese dishes, but instructors are flexible and can teach other requested dishes. The session ends with a communal meal and a seamless return to your hotel.
Ideal For: Those seeking an immersive and flexible cooking experience in a beautiful setting.
Reviews: Reviewers highlight the engaging market tour, the comprehensive cooking instructions, and the delicious food. The instructors are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the class both educational and enjoyable.
Address: 156 Pho Duc Chinh, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, daily
3. Blue Butterfly Cooking Class
Blue Butterfly Cooking Class, guided by Chef Hung, offers an engaging culinary experience in Hanoi. Each participant has a dedicated workstation to create dishes such as banana flower salad, spring rolls, and pho. The class includes a market tour and ends with a communal meal accompanied by local beer. Participants receive recipe cards as a memento.
Ideal For: Serious home cooks and travelers looking to delve into Vietnamese cooking with professional guidance.
Reviews: Participants appreciate the hands-on nature of the class, the informative market tour, and the high-quality instruction. The experience is described as a highlight of their time in Hanoi, with delicious results they feel confident to recreate at home.
Address: 69 Ma May, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, daily
4. Vietnamese Home Cooking Class by Chef Duyen
Chef Duyen, a professional chef with extensive experience, offers a unique home cooking class in her Hanoi neighborhood. The experience includes a market tour where participants interact with local vendors, followed by a hands-on cooking session at her home. Dishes may include local delicacies, and the class concludes with a meal enjoyed with her family.
Ideal For: Those seeking a personal and authentic cooking experience with a professional chef.
Reviews: Reviewers commend Chef Duyen’s passion, organization, and the informative nature of the market tour and cooking class. The personal connection and cultural insights make the experience memorable and enriching.
Address: 21A Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, daily
5. Hoang’s Cooking Class
Located in the heart of Hanoi at No. 56 Hang Buom Street, Hoang’s Cooking Class has become a popular destination for travelers. Participants can join either a morning session at 9 AM or an afternoon session at 2 PM. The small group size, limited to eight participants, ensures personalized attention. The class begins with a visit to a local market to buy fresh ingredients and includes cooking three traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as vegetable spring rolls, chicken stir fry with chilies and lemongrass, and bun cha.
Ideal For: Those looking for a small, personalized class with flexible timing options.
Reviews: Reviews highlight the welcoming environment, informative market tour, and delicious dishes. Participants appreciate the attention to dietary restrictions and the friendly, knowledgeable instructors.
Address: No. 56 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, daily
6. Farm Tour and Home Cooking Class with Manh
This unique cooking class takes you on a journey to the west of Hanoi, about a 35-minute drive from the city center. The experience begins with a visit to a historic local market, followed by a tour of vegetable farms. Participants then head to Manh’s home to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from the market and farm. The class includes detailed instruction and cultural insights, making it a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Ideal For: Those interested in a farm-to-table cooking experience and learning about rural Vietnamese life.
Reviews: Participants rave about the personalized experience, the informative market and farm tours, and the delicious food. Manh’s hospitality and cooking expertise are highly praised.
Address: Provided upon booking
Operating Hours: By appointment
7. Anh Tuyet’s Cooking Class
Situated at No. 25 Ma May Street, Anh Tuyet’s Cooking Class is hosted by Madam Anh Tuyet, a renowned chef who has cooked for famous personalities like Anthony Bourdain. This hands-on class focuses on traditional Hanoi dishes, such as banana flower salad, spring rolls, and steamed snakehead fish soup. Participants also learn about local herbs and spices and proper cutting techniques.
Ideal For: Those wanting to learn from a highly experienced chef in a historic setting.
Reviews: Reviews praise the quality of the instruction, the delicious dishes, and the cultural insights provided by Madam Tuyet. The class is described as a highlight of their trip to Hanoi.
Address: No. 25 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Operating Hours: By appointment
8. Red Bean Hanoi Cooking Class
Red Bean, located at No. 94 Ma May Street, is not only a popular restaurant but also offers a cooking class that immerses participants in the art of Vietnamese cuisine. The class includes a market tour, where participants learn to select and combine the finest ingredients, followed by hands-on cooking of traditional dishes like pho ga, bun cha, and seafood green mango salad.
Ideal For: Those seeking a high-quality, interactive cooking experience with professional guidance.
Reviews: Participants highlight the thorough and engaging market tour, the meticulous cooking instruction, and the delicious food. The class is considered the best cooking experience in Hanoi by many reviewers.
Address: No. 94 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Operating Hours: By appointment
Tips for booking a cooking class in Hanoi
When planning your culinary adventure in Hanoi, here are some important tips to ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Cooking class for vegans and vegetarians in Hanoi
If you are vegan or vegetarian, you can still enjoy a cooking class in Hanoi. Many cooking schools offer specialized vegan and vegetarian classes where you can learn to make delicious plant-based Vietnamese dishes. Always check with the cooking school beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your dietary preferences.
Allergies
If you have certain allergies, make sure to inform the cooking class providers in advance. Most cooking schools are happy to adjust the ingredients and recipes to ensure your safety. You can even book a private cooking class tailored to your dietary needs, ensuring a worry-free cooking experience.
Street food tour
If you love discovering new foods, we highly recommend doing a street food tour in Hanoi. Enjoy local dishes, learn about the culture, and pick the right street food stalls with the help of a local guide. It’s more than a food adventure; your guide will give you great insights and show you parts of Hanoi you might not discover on your own.
Unique food experiences
Hanoi offers a range of unique food experiences that go beyond the typical cooking class. From dining in secret locations to tasting rare local delicacies, these experiences are perfect for food enthusiasts looking for something different. For more details, read our article on the 10 Unique Food Experiences in Hanoi.
Book in advance
Popular cooking classes in Hanoi can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. To ensure you get a spot in your preferred class, book as early as possible.
Dress comfortably
Cooking can get messy, so wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety in the kitchen.
Booking a cooking class in Hanoi and making the perfect itinerary
Ask us at Local Vietnam to help you arrange a cooking class with pick-up services. We can also combine your cooking class with other activities to make the most of your time in Hanoi.
