London: Full Day Vietnamese Cooking Class with Wine

A Full Day of Vietnamese Flavors in London—What to Expect

If you’re craving a culinary adventure that takes you beyond fish and chips, this full-day Vietnamese cooking class in London is a delightful choice. For around $264 per person, you spend about 6 hours with professional chefs at the School of Wok, learning to craft authentic dishes like Pho and summer rolls. Located conveniently in South East England, this experience combines hands-on techniques with relaxed socializing—plus a glass of wine or beer to make the food even more enjoyable.

Two things we especially appreciate about this experience: first, the small-group setting—usually 6 to 12 participants—which ensures plenty of individual attention and space to develop your skills. Second, the focus on flavor balancing—not just following recipes but understanding how herbs, spices, and seasoning work together to elevate each dish. The only potential drawback? The class runs for a hefty 5 hours, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy spending ample time in the kitchen and don’t mind a full day of culinary activity. It’s perfect for food lovers, cooks eager to expand their repertoire, and anyone curious about the art of Vietnamese cuisine.

Who will love this? This experience is ideal if you want to learn practical skills you can recreate at home, enjoy a fun social atmosphere, and appreciate the chance to sample dishes with a glass of wine. It suits those with a sense of adventure in the kitchen and an interest in authentic, flavorful Southeast Asian food.

Key Points

Authentic Techniques: Learn to make classic Vietnamese dishes like Pho and summer rolls from scratch.
Flavor Focus: Understand how to balance herbs, spices, and seasonings for truly authentic flavors.
Hands-on Learning: Every participant gets their own prep space and the chance to develop knife skills.
Relaxed Social Setting: Small groups and the inclusion of wine or beer create a convivial atmosphere.
All-inclusive: Ingredients, equipment, apron hire, and a digital recipe pack are included.
Flexible Dietary Options: Vegetarian and allergen accommodations are available with advance notice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

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Location and Atmosphere

Based in South East England, the School of Wok provides a bright, well-equipped environment that’s perfect for this kind of intensive cooking class. The space is designed to be welcoming, with individual workstations at the hob, so even novices won’t feel overwhelmed. Students are encouraged to ask questions, and the instructors—led by a Head Chef and assistant—are approachable and knowledgeable.

The Day’s Itinerary

The class begins with knife skills training, where you’ll handle a Chinese cleaver—an essential tool in Vietnamese cuisine. We loved the way this practical skill builds confidence in handling ingredients and speeds up preparation later in the class. You’ll learn to chop, slice, and fold with precision, which is vital for dishes like summer rolls or preparing ingredients for Pho.

Next, you’ll move on to summer rolls—a fresh, delicate appetizer that’s surprisingly easy once you get the hang of rice paper wrapping. The instructors explain the importance of filling selection and dipping sauces, giving you tips that elevate your homemade versions.

The highlight for many is making the Pho broth. This fragrant, aromatic soup relies on a careful balance of herbs and spices, and the teachers are eager to explain how each component adds to the flavor. You’ll learn to create a rich stock, seasoned just right, capable of standing alone or serving as a base for other dishes.

Technique and Flavor

One of the biggest strengths of this class is its emphasis on flavor harmony. You’re not just following recipes; you’re learning how to taste and adjust seasoning to suit your preferences. The instructors convey this with enthusiasm, aiming to give you skills that last beyond the classroom.

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Social and Practical Aspects

Since groups are kept small, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to interact, ask questions, and get personalized guidance. Cooking in pairs at individual stations allows everyone to develop hands-on skills, rather than just watching. The inclusion of wine or beer turns the session into a relaxed social occasion, making it easier to connect with fellow food lovers.

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What You Take Home

Participants are encouraged to bring containers for leftovers, which is a thoughtful touch—especially since you’ll likely have more than enough food to enjoy later. The digital recipe pack is a valuable resource, so you can replicate your new skills at home without fussing over notes.

Value and Price Analysis

At $264, this class might seem like a splurge for a London activity, but considering it’s a full day of instruction, ingredients, equipment, beverages, and a recipe pack, it’s quite reasonable. You’re getting a comprehensive learning experience that combines technical skills with cultural insights, all in a vibrant, friendly environment. Compared to dining out, where you might spend a similar amount on a single dinner, this experience provides a much richer understanding of Vietnamese cuisine that you can carry forward for years.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The class is open to ages 16 and up, with vegetarian options available. The inclusion of all ingredients and equipment makes it straightforward—just show up and cook. Since cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance, you have some flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Vietnamese cooking class in London offers an excellent blend of culinary education, social interaction, and culture. It’s especially suited for foodies, home cooks looking to expand their skills, or anyone interested in understanding the nuances of Vietnamese flavors. The focus on techniques and flavor harmony makes it practical and inspiring, even for those with limited experience.

If you’re eager to step outside typical sightseeing and try your hand at authentic cuisine, this class provides a full, satisfying experience that leaves you with new skills—and a few tasty leftovers to enjoy later. The small-group setting, expert guidance, and inclusion of wine or beer make it a well-rounded, memorable day.

FAQ

What is included in the price of the class?
The price covers a 5-hour cookery class, professional instruction, a teaching assistant, all ingredients and equipment, apron hire, digital recipes, and unlimited soft drinks, wine, or beer. You’ll also get a light lunch as part of the session.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, and the instructors can accommodate allergies such as nuts, shellfish, gluten, and eggs—just inform them in advance.

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The class is designed for all skill levels, and the instructors focus on teaching fundamental techniques and flavor balancing, making it accessible even if you’ve never cooked Vietnamese food before.

How long does the class last?
The session runs for about 5 hours, giving ample time to learn, cook, and enjoy your creations.

Do I need to bring anything?
Other than a container for leftovers, no. Everything else—ingredients, equipment, and drinks—is provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the class for a full refund, providing some flexibility in your travel plans.

This class is a smart choice for anyone visiting London who wants to turn a good meal into a memorable learning experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, you’ll walk away with new skills, tasty dishes, and stories to tell about your culinary journey in Southeast Asia—right from London.