Cooking with Jolie in Hoi An

If you’re craving a taste of everyday life in Vietnam, this cooking class in Hoi An offers a perfect blend of local culture, fresh ingredients, and home-style hospitality. For around $44 per person, you’ll spend about five hours immersed in a hands-on experience that starts with a trip to the market and ends with you savoring your own creations. Led by Jolie and her family, the experience combines market visits, cooking, and conviviality, making it more than just a class — it’s a glimpse into the Vietnamese way of life.

Two standout features catch our eye: first, the personalized attention in a small-group setting (limited to 10 people), which ensures everyone gets hands-on guidance. Second, the focus on fresh, local ingredients made with organic food principles—you’ll appreciate the effort to source quality produce and herbs, which truly elevates the flavor of your dishes.

Of course, one thing to consider is that this tour starts in the afternoon at 2 p.m. and includes a market visit, so if you’re the type who prefers morning excursions or is tight on time, it might be worth planning accordingly.

This class is ideal for food lovers who want to learn authentic Vietnamese recipes, travelers who enjoy local market visits, and those interested in family-run experiences that go beyond typical tourist fare. Whether you’re a novice or have some cooking experience, Jolie’s friendly guidance makes it accessible and fun.

This experience made our article of 15 Top Cooking Classes In Hoi An (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• Authentic Setting: Cook in a family home that offers a genuine glimpse into Vietnamese daily life.
• Market Visit: Experience local life firsthand by shopping at a vibrant market for fresh ingredients.
• Hands-on Learning: Make four traditional Vietnamese dishes with guidance from a professional chef.
• Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian ingredients are included, accommodating different dietary needs.
• Inclusive Experience: Water, tea, and coffee are provided, making it a relaxed, social atmosphere.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly vibe.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting in the Market
The journey begins with a lively walk through the market, where Jolie or her team take you to select herbs, vegetables, and fruits. This part of the tour is especially valued by guests, as one reviewer noted, “we looked at the market like a local person,” gaining a better understanding of the ingredients and their significance in Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll get a chance to see the local produce, observe market vendors, and hear about traditional ingredients—an essential primer for the dishes ahead.

Cooking in a Family Home
The heart of this tour is the kitchen in Jolie’s family home. Instead of a sterile cooking school, you’re welcomed into a warm, homey environment, where the family lives with travelers from all over the world. The focus is on creating original recipes that you can replicate at home, made from local, fresh ingredients. Guests rave about the atmosphere—friendly, relaxed, and fun. “This was a fabulous experience,” said Jess_G, highlighting the warmth of the guides and the lively environment.

Making Four Traditional Dishes
Under the watchful eye of Jolie or a skilled assistant, you will prepare four Vietnamese dishes. While specific recipes aren’t listed, reviews suggest that dishes are flavorful, well-balanced, and representative of local cuisine. One guest loved that they could prepare vegetarian options alongside traditional meat dishes—“we had a 2 king with meat and without,” shared Katerina_K. The focus on techniques means that even beginners can learn new skills, and food lovers will enjoy fine-tuning their cooking.

Enjoying Your Creations
Once your dishes are ready, you sit down to enjoy lunch with water, tea, and coffee included. Guests frequently mention how delicious their food turned out, with many commenting on the freshness and flavor. One review described the dishes as “really delicious,” and that the experience was “so much fun” — making the meal not just a reward but an integral part of the journey.

Additional Touches
What makes this experience stand out is how much local culture and personal care are woven into the tour. Guests appreciate the friendly guides, who are often locals like Rosie or Hanna, and the opportunity to flip pancakes or make tomato flowers—small but memorable touches that add personality to the class.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Market Visit & Coffee Break
The tour kicks off with a market walk, where you’ll meet vendors and see local produce up close. Guests recommend skipping breakfast before this, as the tour includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. The market visit is interactive: you get to choose your own ingredients, ask questions about local produce, and learn about Vietnamese food culture.

Cooking in Jolie’s Home Kitchen
Next, everyone moves into the family’s kitchen. Here, the focus is on participatory cooking—you’ll be actively involved in preparing each dish. The small group size (max 10) allows for personalized instruction, so even if you’re shy or new to cooking, you’ll get plenty of attention and tips.

Preparation & Cooking
Guests have described the process as fun and educational—some even mention competitions like flower decoration from tomato skins or flipping pancakes. The class emphasizes technique and presentation, helping you acquire skills you can take home.

Feasting on Your Dishes
After cooking, you sit down to enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Many reviews highlight how delicious and fresh the food is, often exceeding expectations for a cooking class. As one guest put it, “the food was really tasty,” with drinks included to keep you refreshed.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Authentic Family Environment
Unlike larger, commercial cooking schools, Jolie’s family warmly opens their home, offering a personalized, authentic experience. Guests often mention feeling like part of the family, which adds a layer of culture.

High-Quality, Organic Ingredients
The tour’s emphasis on sourcing organic, local produce means your dishes will taste more vibrant—a subtle but important detail for food lovers.

Comprehensive Experience
The market visit, cooking, and tasting make this a well-rounded experience. It’s not just about cooking but about appreciating the ingredients and the people behind the food.

Practical Details & Considerations

Price & Value
At $44, this is quite reasonable considering the hands-on nature, the market visit, and the home setting. Many guests agree it offers excellent value for money—especially when compared to more commercialized classes.

Duration & Timing
The class lasts about five hours, starting at 2 p.m. It includes plenty of interactive moments and free time to enjoy your food afterward. If you’re on a tight schedule, this might mean planning around the start time.

Group Size & Atmosphere
Limited to 10 participants, the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed. Guests consistently mention the friendly guides and the fun, lively environment.

Accessibility & Vegetarian Options
Vegetarians are well accommodated, with vegetarian ingredients available. The tour is suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Weather & Cancellation Policies
Since the experience is outdoor-influenced (market visit), good weather enhances the visit. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance, and alternative dates or refunds are offered in case of bad weather.

The Sum Up

Cooking with Jolie in Hoi An offers a genuine taste of Vietnamese life through a thoughtfully curated experience. You’ll enjoy a market walk, learn authentic recipes, and cook in a warm family setting—making it more than just a cooking class, but a cultural exchange. The personal attention and focus on fresh, local ingredients mean you’ll leave with skills, memories, and hopefully, a new appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.

This tour suits travelers who value authenticity, enjoy hands-on activities, and want to connect with local people. It’s perfect for foodies of all levels, families, or anyone eager to deepen their culinary knowledge in a fun, relaxed environment.

If you’re after a meaningful, local experience that combines education, culture, and delicious food, this class is a top choice in Hoi An.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any cooking experience?
No, this class is suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike. The guides emphasize learning and having fun.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the market visit, four dishes, your lunch, and drinks like water, tea, and coffee.

Can vegetarians participate?
Yes, vegetarian ingredients are available, and the class can accommodate vegetarian diets.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothes are fine, but consider bringing an apron if you’d like to protect your clothes while cooking.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 10 participants—small enough for personalized attention but lively enough to share the experience.

Is transportation provided?
No, this tour does not include pick-up or drop-off. The meeting point is at 14 Lu Trng L, Tân An, Hoi An.

In sum, whether you’re eager to learn Vietnamese recipes, meet local families, or simply enjoy a delicious meal you cooked yourself, Jolie’s class offers a well-rounded, authentic experience. It’s a chance to see Hoi An through the lens of its food—and to take home some tasty skills along the way.