Hanoi Cooking Class Learning 5 Dishes including Banh Xeo

A Flavorful Introduction to Hanoi’s Culinary Scene

If you’re visiting Hanoi and eager to get a taste of authentic Vietnamese cooking, this small-group cooking class offers an excellent introduction. For $50 per person, you’ll spend about three and a half hours exploring Hanoi’s biggest produce market with a local guide, then rolling up your sleeves to prepare five classic dishes, including the famous Banh Xeo pancake. The class is available in both morning and afternoon sessions, fitting a variety of schedules, and includes a chance to enjoy your culinary creations with drinks like Vietnamese rice liquor and coffee.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the intimate, hands-on approach—you’re not just watching a chef do the work; you’re involved. The instructor, Vy, gets high marks for her warmth and clear explanations, making everything accessible whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner. Plus, the vegetarian options show thoughtful attention to dietary needs, which broadens the appeal for many travelers.

One thing to consider is that this tour is designed for small groups—typically no more than 15 people—which means it can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times. Booking a few days in advance is recommended to secure your spot.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy interactive learning and want to take home practical skills, not just a souvenir. Food lovers, curious cooks, and those craving an authentic taste of Hanoi’s vibrant street-food culture will find this class particularly rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic Market Visit: Explore Hanoi’s biggest produce market with a knowledgeable guide, gaining insight into local ingredients.
• Hands-On Cooking: Prepare five dishes, including Banh Xeo, with vegetarian options available.
• Cultural Experience: Enjoy the dishes you make with drinks like rice liquor and coffee.
• Practical Recipes: Receive a booklet of recipes and a certificate to remember your culinary adventure.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Max of 15 travelers ensures personalized attention and a friendly environment.
• Flexible Timing: Choose between morning or afternoon classes to suit your schedule.

A Close Look at the Cooking Class Experience

The Market Tour: First Impressions

The journey begins at 8 P. Gia Ng, Hanoi, where your local guide greets you for a stroll through the city’s biggest produce market. Walking among stalls overflowing with fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices, you gain a vivid sense of what makes Vietnamese cuisine so vibrant and flavorful. This part of the experience isn’t just sightseeing; it’s an educational peek into local ingredients that form the backbone of Hanoi’s beloved dishes.

Reviews highlight this portion as a fun and informative start. Kaz_C shared, “Our teacher May was great, and we enjoyed lots of fun cooking Vietnamese food.” The market visit serves as both a practical shopping trip and a cultural primer, setting the stage for what’s to come.

The Cooking Class: Dive into Deliciousness

After gathering ingredients, the group moves to the cooking station where the real fun begins. The menu includes five dishes: the signature Banh Xeo (sizzling pancake with beef and prawn), Bun Suon Chua (pork rib noodle soup), Pho Cuon (beef spring roll), Nom Ga Hoa Chuoi (chicken and banana blossom salad), and Kem Chuoi or Cafe Trung (banana ice cream or egg coffee). Vegetarian versions are available, ensuring everyone can participate.

The classes are designed to be interactive and approachable. Vy, the instructor praised in reviews, explains each step clearly, making complex techniques accessible. You’ll learn how to get the crispy texture of Banh Xeo, the proper way to handle rice noodles, and how to balance flavors like a local chef.

Eating Your Creations: A Taste of Hanoi

Once the cooking is done, you sit down to enjoy a family-style meal. The dishes are delicious, fresh, and surprisingly easy to replicate at home. The experience is made even more authentic with Vietnamese rice vodka and coffee, which add a satisfying cultural touch.

One traveler, Jenny_S, described her evening as “super lecker,” noting Vy’s warm hospitality and clear explanations made the night truly enjoyable. The inclusion of drinks helps create a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for conversation and sharing culinary stories.

Practical Details and Extras

Participants receive a booklet of recipes to take home, ensuring you’ve got the instructions for recreating these Vietnamese favorites back home. A certificate of participation adds a nice finishing touch to your culinary credentials.

The tour, operated by Apron Up Cooking Class, is limited to 15 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere intimate. The price includes light refreshments, coffee, tea, snacks, and alcohol, but note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included—plan to meet at the designated starting point.

What Reviewers Love Most

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to learn authentic cooking techniques. Kaz_C noted, “Our teacher May was great, and we had lots of fun,” emphasizing the importance of a friendly and informative guide. Jenny_S highlighted Vy’s warmth and detailed explanations, making the class both fun and educational.

Considerations for Travelers

While the class offers great value and hands-on learning, it’s important to book several days in advance—especially during busy seasons—since it’s quite popular. Also, for those with mobility concerns, note that the experience involves walking through a busy market and standing during cooking.

Why This Tour Works for Different Travelers

This class is ideal for foodies eager to learn real Vietnamese recipes in a supportive environment. It’s a fantastic activity for those who want a culture beyond just sightseeing. Families, couples, or solo travelers can all enjoy this experience, especially because of the small-group setting and the opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with the instructor.

If you’re looking for an activity that combines local culture, fresh ingredients, and hands-on cooking, this is a superb pick. It’s especially well-suited for those who value learning practical skills and enjoy sharing a meal they’ve prepared together.

Final Thoughts: A Delicious Doorway into Hanoi

This cooking class offers an authentic, engaging way to discover Hanoi’s culinary traditions firsthand. The combination of market shopping, skillful instruction, and communal eating makes for an experience that’s both educational and genuinely fun. For travelers who want to bring a piece of Vietnam home—not just souvenirs but new cooking skills—this class delivers.

The price reflects excellent value, considering the guided market tour, the cooking instruction, the recipes, and the food and drinks included. It’s a chance to peek behind the curtain of Hanoi’s street-food scene and learn how to make some of its most iconic dishes yourself.

If you’re curious about Vietnamese cuisine or want a memorable, interactive activity in Hanoi, this class ticks all the boxes. It’s a relaxed, friendly, and flavorful way to deepen your understanding of Vietnamese culture—one dish at a time.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided visit to Hanoi’s biggest produce market, a hands-on cooking class with five dishes (vegetarian options available), light refreshments, coffee, tea, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. You also get a recipe booklet and a certificate.

Is vegetarian food available?
Yes, vegetarian versions of all dishes are available, including the soup, salad, and Banh Xeo pancake. The guide accommodates dietary needs thoughtfully.

What is the meeting point?
The tour begins at 8 P. Gia Ng, Hanoi, and ends back at the same location after the class.

How long does the experience last?
The entire experience takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, including the market tour, cooking, and eating.

Are there any age restrictions?
You must be at least 18 years old to consume alcohol during the class, but the activity itself is suitable for most ages if dietary restrictions are met.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the activity are not refunded.

Is hotel pickup provided?
No, transportation to and from the meeting point is not included, so plan your route accordingly.

Final Word

This Hanoi cooking class stands out as a genuine, engaging way to understand the city’s food culture. With expert guides, a well-curated menu, and a warm, friendly atmosphere, it offers real value for those eager to learn and taste authentic Vietnamese dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious traveler, you’ll leave with new skills, great memories, and hopefully, a slightly fuller belly.