Chef Vu Cooking Class Plus Market Trip in Saigon Center (Pick up by Cyclo)

Experience a Taste of Vietnam with Chef Vu’s Cooking Class and Market Tour in Saigon

Imagine wandering through the bustling Ben Thanh Market, picking out the freshest ingredients, before heading to a cozy, well-equipped kitchen to learn how to recreate iconic Vietnamese dishes. For just $46 per person, this 4-hour experience offers a perfect blend of culture, culinary skills, and fun. Led by Chef Vu, you’ll enjoy a small group setting (limited to 15), ensuring personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

One of the things we love is the cyclo pickup, which adds a charming, old-world touch at the start of your day, giving you a glimpse of Saigon’s lively streets. Plus, the chance to shop at Ben Thanh Market with a guide who explains ingredients and bargaining tips makes this more than just a cooking class — it’s a cultural adventure.

A potential consideration is the timing — it begins early, around 8:00AM, so early risers will enjoy beating some of the crowds. If you’re someone interested in hands-on learning, fresh ingredients, and tasting your own creations, this tour will hit the spot. It’s especially suited for food lovers eager to dig into local flavors and those who appreciate a more authentic, local experience rather than a touristy show.

Key Points

• Authentic market experience: Shop for fresh ingredients at Ben Thanh Market with guidance.
• Hands-on cooking: Prepare multiple Vietnamese dishes, including signature spring rolls, stewed fish, and more.
• Culinary skills: Learn knife techniques, food decoration, and marinating from a knowledgeable chef.
• Cultural immersion: Enjoy a cyclo ride through Saigon’s streets, adding charm and a local touch.
• Delicious finale: Feast on what you’ve cooked, topped off with an egg coffee—a true Vietnamese specialty.
• Personalized attention: Small group size ensures you get plenty of guidance and individual tips.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

The day kicks off at around 8:00AM with a cyclo ride from your hotel — a delightful way to start the morning, giving you a chance to soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of Ho Chi Minh City. This 30-minute ride is included and adds a fun, authentic layer to your day. We appreciated how the guide describes the city’s vibrancy and local life during this leisurely trip.

Once you arrive at the meeting point, there’s a brief training session where you’ll learn basic kitchen skills, such as knife techniques, dish decoration, and marinating — all essentials for Vietnamese cuisine. This prep work is designed to prepare you for the market trip and subsequent cooking class. The guide, often a local expert, will help you understand the significance of each ingredient, making your cooking more meaningful and connected to Vietnamese traditions.

The Market Tour: A Cultural and Culinary Treasure Hunt

At Ben Thanh Market, your guide will introduce you to local vendors, teach you how to bargain, and select the freshest produce, meats, and herbs. This part of the experience is invaluable for food lovers because it offers a genuine look at daily life in Saigon. Several reviews highlight how informative and friendly the guide is, with some mentioning how they enjoyed learning about the different vegetables, fruits, and meats that form the backbone of Vietnamese dishes.

Expect to see ingredients like morning glory, pork belly, lemongrass, and more. The guide’s knowledge on Vietnamese ingredients adds an educational touch that elevates your understanding of the cuisine. This market visit isn’t just about shopping; it’s about engaging with local vendors, learning to pay in Dong, and getting a feel for the bustling market scene, which is very different from grocery shopping back home.

The Cooking Class: From Prep to Plate

Back in the kitchen, Chef Vu — or his equally talented assistants — will guide you through preparing a diverse menu. The dishes include mango salad, papaya salad, fresh spring rolls, and traditional fried spring rolls, along with main courses like stewed fish in a clay pot, sauteed chicken with lemongrass, and pork belly stew. The menu offers a good mix of appetizers, mains, and soups, providing a comprehensive taste of Vietnamese home cooking.

What sets this class apart is the focus on practical skills. We loved the way Chef Vu emphasized knife techniques and food decoration, which not only enhances presentation but also improves your confidence in the kitchen. Many reviews note how engaging and patient he is, making even complex dishes feel approachable.

You’ll get to taste each dish as you go, and the class includes a feast at the end — a satisfying reward for your efforts. The final touch is an egg coffee, served as a dessert, which is a delightful Vietnamese specialty. Many guests mention how delicious and authentic this coffee is, making it a memorable end to the meal.

The Value: Is It Worth the Cost?

At $46 per person, this experience offers excellent value for those interested in culture and culinary skills. The inclusion of market shopping, a cyclo ride, a cooking class, lunch, recipes, and a certificate makes for a comprehensive package. The feedback indicates that many travelers find it worth every penny, especially considering the personalized attention and the chance to cook and eat Vietnamese classics they can replicate at home.

What Are the Reviews Saying?

Guests consistently praise Chef Vu for his enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendly attitude. Many mention how they learned knife skills, food decoration, and flavor balancing, which they feel confident to try at home. The small group size, often just a few people, ensures a relaxed environment where everyone can participate actively.

Several reviews highlight the market trip as a highlight, saying they appreciated the chance to bargain with vendors and learn about local ingredients. The feast at the end of the class, with dishes they’ve cooked themselves, is viewed as both satisfying and fun. The egg coffee is another standout, with many describing it as delicious and worth trying.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers note that the pick-up by cyclo can be delayed or confusing if your hotel is outside the main districts. Also, the early start time might not suit night owls or those with a more relaxed schedule. Lastly, the class size is limited to 12, so booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot, especially in peak tourist season.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for foodies, culture seekers, and anyone wanting a hands-on introduction to Vietnamese cuisine. It’s perfect if you love learning new skills and want a genuine local experience. Families with children can enjoy it as long as they’re accompanied by adults, and the small group setting means you’ll get plenty of attention.

Final Thoughts

Chef Vu’s Cooking Class plus Market Trip is a fantastic way to spend a morning in Saigon, combining culinary education, cultural insights, and authentic local flavor. The mix of market shopping, cooking, and shared meals makes for a well-rounded experience that offers more than just a cooking lesson — it’s a mini adventure.

The personalized guidance from Chef Vu, the comprehensive menu, and the charming cyclo ride all contribute to creating memorable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, you’ll leave with new skills, a full belly, and recipes to impress back home.

If you’re looking for an authentic, fun, and educational experience centered around Vietnamese food, this tour is a top choice. It balances the hands-on learning with culture and plenty of delicious rewards — a true highlight of any Saigon visit.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup by cyclo is offered for hotels located within districts 1 and 3, making it convenient to start your day.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 4 hours, starting around 8:00AM and ending with lunch and dessert.

Can children join this class?
Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult, and the tour applies a child rate when sharing with two paying adults.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You’ll prepare a variety of dishes including mango salad, spring rolls, stewed fish, and more, with recipes provided for home cooking.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of participants?
Yes, the maximum is 12 travelers, ensuring a small, intimate setting for personalized attention.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This cooking class in Saigon is more than just a lesson — it’s an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese life, food, and culture, delivered with warmth and expertise. Perfect for foodies, culture lovers, or anyone wanting a memorable start to their day in Ho Chi Minh City.