Hanoi is a fantastic city for cooking classes because it offers an authentic look into Vietnam’s culinary traditions, bustling markets, and vibrant street food scene. The city’s rich flavors and fresh ingredients are on display everywhere, making it a natural place to learn how to cook traditional dishes. What makes Hanoi especially appealing is the opportunity to combine cultural exploration with hands-on cooking — whether you’re shopping for herbs in lively markets or sipping local rice liquor after your meal. We’re particularly fond of experiences like the Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi with Market Experience for its intimate size and market visit, and the Hanoi: 5 Local Dishes Cooking Class with Meal & Market Visit for its focus on multiple dishes and practical tips.
Hanoi’s cooking classes range from quick, affordable lessons to multi-hour private experiences with personalized menus. Some include market visits, others focus solely on specific recipes, and a few offer cultural insights with wine or coffee tastings. No matter your style, there’s something to match your curiosity and appetite.
Quick Overview
This list of the best cooking classes in Hanoi includes options for every type of traveler. You’ll find market-to-table experiences like the Hanoi Cooking Class and Market Tour in Ancient House, which combines shopping with hands-on cooking and local wine. For shorter visits, the Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo offers a quick, lively session focusing on Hanoi’s signature dishes. Those seeking personalized attention might prefer the Private Cooking Class with 5 dishes of your choice, offering flexibility and expert guidance. We’ll walk you through each of these options next, highlighting what makes them stand out.
1. Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi with Market Experience
This small-group class begins with an energetic visit to Hanoi’s largest market, where you sample local dishes, buy fresh ingredients, and see Hanoi life in action. Afterward, you’ll learn how to prepare three authentic Vietnamese dishes, which you’ll enjoy with tea and coffee at the end. Its intimate size — limited to 14 — ensures personalized attention from guides like Daisy, who is praised for her market shopping tips and translation skills. What’s particularly charming is the combination of culinary learning and real market immersion, perfect for those wanting a genuine taste of Hanoi’s daily life. The inclusion of coffee, tea, and a certificate of completion adds extra value. Price-wise, it’s a great deal at around $45 for 3.5 hours of fun and learning.
Bottom line: If you want a mix of market adventure and hands-on cooking with a friendly guide, this class offers authentic insight and a delicious meal.
2. Hanoi: 5 Local Dishes Cooking Class with Meal & Market Visit
For around $40, this class takes you straight into Hanoi’s culinary heart by visiting a local market to buy ingredients before cooking five traditional dishes. Winnie, the host, is praised for her kindness and expertise, making this one of the most highly-rated options with a perfect 5-star review score. The class emphasizes techniques and tips to help you replicate the dishes at home, and you’ll sit down to enjoy your creations — a real highlight. The class offers options to choose from two different set menus or take multiple classes for broader learning.
Bottom line: This is perfect for those wanting to learn multiple dishes, enjoy a full meal, and take culinary skills home — all in a friendly, lively atmosphere.
3. Hanoi Cooking Class and Market Tour in Ancient House
This 4-hour class is a full immersion into Vietnamese food, starting early in the morning or afternoon. It’s unique because it combines market shopping, cooking, and tasting in a beautifully preserved Ancient House. The highlight is the local wine served with your meal, and the class is tailored to all levels, from curious travelers to dedicated amateur chefs. The guide Mango is especially appreciated for her detailed explanations and friendly approach. Guests love how this class covers the story behind each dish and offers a deeper cultural understanding.
Bottom line: If you want an all-encompassing Vietnamese food experience with local drinks and a historic setting, this class is a strong choice.
4. Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo…+Free Egg/Salt Coffee
This 2-hour session is perfect for a quick yet authentic experience in a peaceful Hidden Garden Villa. You choose your favorite dish from options like Pho, Bún Chả, or Bánh Xèo, and learn step-by-step how to make them. The class includes free Hanoi-style egg coffee or salt coffee, adding a local flavor to your experience. Simon, the instructor, is praised for his professionalism and ability to make the class lively and educational. This class balances learning and fun, making it ideal for travelers short on time but eager to try Hanoi’s signature dishes. Its affordability at $19 makes it a good value.
Bottom line: Best for a concise, authentic cooking experience with a local touch, especially if you want to try multiple Hanoi specialties quickly.
5. Experience Hanoi Cooking Class with Free Wine Tasting
This 4.5-hour class emphasizes local ingredients and traditional techniques, culminating in a meal paired with local wine. Mango, the guide, is known for her engaging style, and the class includes a mini coffee tasting of salted, egg, and coconut coffees — classic Hanoi treats. It’s a hands-on experience that’s perfect for culinary enthusiasts who want to explore Vietnam’s flavors deeply. The inclusion of wine and the focus on Vietnamese culture elevate this class beyond just cooking.
Bottom line: Suitable for those who enjoy pairing food with local drinks and want a comprehensive cultural experience.
6. Private Cooking Class with 5 dishes of your choice
Priced at $85, this private session offers maximum flexibility to craft your perfect menu with an experienced home chef. You’ll visit a market with your instructor, select ingredients, and then cook in a cozy, private setting. The class is ideal for couples or small groups wanting personalized attention and the chance to ask detailed questions. Guests report that NHI, the instructor, is patient and knowledgeable, making this one-on-one experience stand out. With the ability to choose dishes you’re most interested in, it’s a tailored way to master Vietnamese cooking.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a customized, private experience with expert guidance.
7. Hanoi Maya Kitchen: Traditional Cooking Class & Market Tour
At $34, this 4-hour class combines a market visit, cooking, and a traditional meal in a relaxed setting. Aurora, the guide, shares stories about Vietnamese food and culture, making the experience not just about recipes but about understanding the cuisine. The class includes making four dishes like fried spring rolls and egg coffee, with guests enjoying their creations afterward. The lively atmosphere, coupled with the chance to learn about Vietnamese ingredients firsthand, makes this a very engaging choice.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a blend of cultural storytelling, hands-on cooking, and a relaxed environment.
8. Private Cooking Class in Local Villa with Market Tour
This high-end $147 experience offers a private villa setting with hotel pickup. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to customize their menu and learn from a professional chef. The class includes a market visit, where you pick ingredients, then cook dishes like green papaya salad and spring rolls. Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to enjoy complimentary drinks in a peaceful environment. It’s a more luxurious choice, suitable for special occasions or travelers looking for an all-inclusive experience.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a private, upscale cooking session tailored to their preferences.
9. Hanoi: Old Quarter Market Tour and Cooking Class with Meal
This 3.5-hour tour combines market shopping, learning to cook dishes like pho and bun cha, and enjoying your meal afterward. With a friendly guide like Daisy, you’ll explore local snacks and ingredients, making it perfect for foodies eager to understand Hanoi’s street food. The reviews highlight the engaging experience and the delicious outcome, making it suitable for travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to Hanoi’s culinary scene.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting a comprehensive, interactive experience that ends with a satisfying meal.
10. Hanoi Cooking Class Learning 5 Dishes including Banh Xeo
For about $50, this small-group class focuses on five dishes, including Bánh Xèo. It features a market visit where you buy ingredients, followed by cooking at a local culinary school. You’ll learn to prepare a complete Vietnamese meal, then enjoy eating your creations washed down with coffee or rice liquor. The class is praised for its comprehensive menu and hands-on approach, making it excellent for those eager to learn multiple recipes and explore Hanoi’s diverse cuisine.
Bottom line: Suitable for foodies who want to learn a variety of dishes in one session with an emphasis on vegetarian options.
11. Local Market Tour and Private Cooking Class
This 5-hour private experience combines a market tour, cycling around Hanoi, and cooking a traditional three-course meal. The highlight is the personalized menu and the cyclo ride through the city streets, giving a local perspective. It’s perfect for travelers who want a luxurious, immersive day combining culture and cuisine, with feedback noting the guide’s friendliness and the quality of the food.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a full-day, customizable experience with cultural elements.
12. Hanoi Cooking Class: Local Market Tour & Free Local Wine Tasting
Priced at around $36, this hands-on vegan class emphasizes buddhist principles and local ingredients. After a market visit, you prepare vegan dishes and enjoy a home-cooked vegan lunch with soft drinks. Guests love how personal and informative the experience feels, with particular praise for the host Cherry. It’s a great choice if you’re interested in Vietnamese vegan cuisine and want to learn about Buddhist dietary practices.
Bottom line: Perfect for vegans or those curious about plant-based Vietnamese cooking in a tranquil setting.
13. Hanoi Cooking Class in a Haven of Tranquility – Thom culinary
This 4.5-hour experience takes you into a lush herb and fruit garden, blending culinary arts with Vietnamese tradition. Pick herbs, learn about balancing flavors, and cook in a peaceful garden setting. The guide Trang is praised for her passion and knowledge, and guests appreciate the farm-to-table approach. It’s well-suited for garden lovers and those who want a calm, immersive experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a relaxing, nature-inspired cooking class with cultural insights.
14. Vietnamese Vegetarian Cooking Class in Hanoi
This private 3-hour class focuses on vegetarian dishes, such as vegan Pho, stuffed aubergine, and Bánh Xèo. You shop at a local market and cook in a private kitchen, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians or health-conscious travelers. Reviewers mention the hands-on guidance and the delicious dishes they learned to prepare, leaving with recipes and new skills.
Bottom line: Best for vegetarians or those wanting to explore plant-based Vietnamese cuisine with a private instructor.
15. Vietnamese Bread & Brew: Banh Mi Baking Class & Specialty Coffee
Focusing on Hanoi’s iconic street food, this 4-hour class teaches you how to bake Bánh Mì from scratch and pair it with traditional egg or coconut coffee. The instructor guides you through kneading dough, pickling vegetables, and brewing Vietnamese specialty coffee. Guests appreciate the interactive nature and the chance to recreate Hanoi’s most famous sandwich at home. It’s a fun, culinary way to bring a piece of Hanoi home.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies wanting a hands-on bread and coffee experience with a local twist.
How to Choose the Best Cooking Class in Hanoi
When selecting the right Hanoi cooking class, consider your budget, time availability, and interest level. For a comprehensive, immersive experience, classes like the Hanoi Cooking Class and Market Tour in Ancient House or the Local Market Tour and Private Cooking Class are excellent. If you prefer shorter sessions, the Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo class offers quick, authentic bites. For those seeking private lessons, the private cooking class provides tailored guidance.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred time slot. Also, check whether the class includes market visits, drinks, or recipe booklets to maximize your experience.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi offers a diverse range of cooking classes suited for all tastes and schedules. From market-to-table adventures to private sessions focused on specific dishes, each provides an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine. For casual visitors, the quick classes like the Bánh Xèo and Egg Coffee are perfect. If you want a more in-depth, culturally rich experience, the Ancient House class or the garden-based options deliver lasting memories.
No matter which you choose, these classes are a culinary gateway to Hanoi’s flavors and traditions — so don’t forget to book early and enjoy the experience!