Hoi An Cooking Experience: A Market-to-Table Culinary Adventure
US$33 per person
5.00
3 reviews
Starting time
8:20am
Duration
5 hours
Group Size
1–9+ guests
Language
English, Vietnamese
Free pick-up included
Instant booking confirmation
Free cancellation until 48 hours before start
Discounted rates for children
What Guests Love
Traditional, cozy cooking house
Friendly chef with clear guidance
Small group, hands‑on cooking
Market visit introduces fresh herbs
Guests say the experience feels authentically local, set in a traditional, cozy kitchen that isn’t tourist‑focused. The enthusiastic chef makes everyone feel welcome and explains each step clearly, keeping the class beginner‑friendly. Small groups cook together, creating a family‑like atmosphere, and the market visit lets participants handle fresh herbs and learn their names. Guests leave confident making dishes like banh xeo and appreciating Vietnamese food culture.
Experience the charm of Hoi An on a flavorful journey that combines culture, cuisine, and hands-on learning. Your day begins with a guided stroll through the bustling central market, where vibrant produce and local life set the scene. Then, drift along the serene Hoi An River in a traditional rowboat, soaking up the tranquil surroundings and authentic village atmosphere.
Next, visit a fragrant herb garden to discover the fresh ingredients that are the heart of Vietnamese cooking. Then it’s time to roll up your sleeves for a two-hour hands-on cooking class led by local chefs. Using time-honored techniques, you’ll prepare a selection of authentic dishes in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
The experience concludes with a homemade lunch featuring the dishes you've crafted—a delicious reward for your culinary efforts. Book now and cook your way through Hoi An!
Note:
Every guest who books with us will contribute $1 to our charity meals for pediatric patients in central Hanoi hospitals. At Dine With Locals, everything we do goes back to the communities we serve, and we cannot fulfill this important responsibility without you.
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Meet Your Host
Mike Ngo
Hey there, I'm Mike Ngo, and I'm thrilled to be your host on this incredible journey through Vietnam. As a seasoned tour guide with a deep passion for my country's culture, cuisine, and history, I'm not just here to show you around—I'm here to immerse you in the heart and soul of Vietnam. Whether it is sitting down at a cozy family table surrounded by the warm hospitality of locals to a professional hands-on coffee workshop where you'll learn the secrets behind Vietnam's world-renowned coffee culture, you will leave Hanoi with a newfound appreciation for Vietnam and the people here.
Menu
Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad – Fresh, crisp, and tossed with a tangy Vietnamese dressing
Crispy Deep-Fried Spring Rolls – Golden, crunchy rolls filled with savory Vietnamese flavors
Sizzling Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh Xèo) – Crispy rice pancake filled with delicious local ingredients
Traditional Clay-Pot Braised Chicken – Tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich, savory Vietnamese sauce
Garlic Stir-Fried Morning Glory – Fresh water spinach wok-tossed with fragrant garlic
Steamed Jasmine Rice – Fluffy steamed rice, the perfect accompaniment to your meal
Vietnamese Dessert of the Day – A sweet local treat to finish your culinary experience
Note:
Vegetarian options and other dietary requirements are accommodated with suitable ingredient substitutions.
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Schedule
Hotel Pickup & Local Market Exploration (45 minutes)
Begin your culinary adventure with pickup from your hotel in central Hoi An.
Visit a vibrant local market and learn how locals select fresh ingredients.
Continue to the peaceful Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle, climb aboard a traditional Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and navigate through the narrow coconut waterways.
Learn about the local ecosystem and the traditional lifestyle of communities living around the coconut forest.
Try your hand at traditional net fishing and look for the local "purple crabs" in the canals.
Hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class (2 hours)
Arrive at the cooking venue, discover the key ingredients, flavors, and techniques behind four classic Vietnamese dishes.
Watch clear demonstrations from your chef before getting hands-on at your individual workstation.
Prepare each dish yourself with guidance from the chef throughout the class.
Savour Your Creations (40 minutes)
Sit down and enjoy the dishes you've prepared during the cooking class.
Take your time to enjoy an authentic Vietnamese meal in a relaxed local setting.
Recipe Takeaway & Hotel Drop-off (15 minutes)
Receive the recipes for the dishes you've prepared so you can recreate the flavors of Hoi An at home.
Your guide will escort you back to your hotel in central Hoi An.
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Getting There
This activity includes a free pick-up to the location.
Included Highlights
Fragrant Herb Garden Visit
Guided Market Tour Experience
Hands-On Cooking Class with Local Chefs
Scenic River Boat Ride
Small Group Class for a Personalized Experience
Value of Vietnamese Cuisine
Warm and Inviting Atmosphere
Additional Information
Pickup Option
We offer free pickup at your hotel in central Hoi An, with convenient car pickup included. Guests staying outside of Hoi An please contact for the meeting point instruction.
Instant Confirmation
Book now and receive your confirmation instantly.
Free Cancellation
Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the activity.
Very local feeling. The cooking house was traditional and cozy, and I liked that it wasn’t touristy at all. The group was small and we cooked together like family.
Read more
5
Jason
May 2025
Tasty, Educational, and So Much Fun!
Loved the energy of the chef. She made everyone feel welcome and explained the steps clearly. Also, I was full after the second dish already but kept going. Just too delicious to stop!
Read more
5
Hanna
May 2025
Great Start at the Market, Even Better in the Kitchen!
We went to the market first, which was already a great start. I learned the names of many herbs I’ve never seen before. The cooking part was fun and not too difficult. My banh xeo turned out better than I expected!
Read more
5
Sophie
May 2025
Homey, Authentic, and Heartwarming
Very local feeling. The cooking house was traditional and cozy, and I liked that it wasn’t touristy at all. The group was small and we cooked together like family.
Read more
5
Jason
May 2025
Tasty, Educational, and So Much Fun!
Loved the energy of the chef. She made everyone feel welcome and explained the steps clearly. Also, I was full after the second dish already but kept going. Just too delicious to stop!
Read more
5
Hanna
May 2025
Great Start at the Market, Even Better in the Kitchen!
We went to the market first, which was already a great start. I learned the names of many herbs I’ve never seen before. The cooking part was fun and not too difficult. My banh xeo turned out better than I expected!