Cooking Classes in Hanoi

Vietnamese cuisine is beloved the world over, but creating these humble dishes isn’t as easy as it may seem. Cooking classes in Hanoi are the perfect opportunity to learn about the delicate balances in Vietnamese food and how to create these delectable dishes yourself.

A cooking class is perfect for individuals or groups and you will learn a greater appreciation for local customs and culture as you visit a market to gather all your exotic ingredients.

Here's all you need to know about cooking classes, one of the most captivating culinary experiences in Hanoi.

What are the best cooking class tours in Hanoi?

There are many experiences to choose from if you want to get your hands dirty with a cooking class in Hanoi.

Cooking Class in a local villa with a market visit

Enjoy a full market-to-table experience in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Visit a traditional market and select your own fresh ingredients before heading off to a private villa for a full cooking class.

Learn to make the best Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls, bun cha and egg coffee and savor your handiwork after the class as you enjoy a glass of wine with your new friends. There are also options with unlimited drinks, a vegan menu or a private session.

Egg Coffee Cooking Class

Coffeeholics agree that Vietnam has some of the most sensational coffee in the world. This special cooking class in Hanoi will teach you how to make one of the country’s most treasured coffees; egg coffee.

You will learn how to make the delicate egg custard that tops a steaming cup of Vietnamese drip, just the way they like it in the north.

Farm tour and cooking class

Take part in a full farm-to-table tour to learn the value of the food that you enjoy. Head to a farm in rural Hanoi and visit a local farmer who will teach you how to sow and reap various ingredients for your lunch.

You will learn how to cook a delectable lunch in a local Vietnamese kitchen and visit an organic pig farm after lunch to see organic practices in small-scale farming.

Which places are visited?

A cooking class in Hanoi is a fascinating way to learn about the local way of life. Basic cooking classes will take you to a local market to see all the exotic ingredients on sale and you will shop for your own ingredients too.

Cooking in rural Hanoi will also give you a fresh perspective on the cultivation processes in Vietnam. You will visit a local farm and cooking in the home of the farmer to get an immersive perspective on traditional cuisine.

Even an egg coffee cooking class offers you a chance to experience a slice of Vietnamese life. Your class will be in one of the popular coffee houses of Hanoi, where locals gather from dawn till dusk to share stories and meet with friends while sipping on a cup of egg coffee.

How much do cooking class tours in Hanoi cost?

The most affordable cooking class in Hanoi is the egg coffee lesson, which costs US$12 per person. Cooking classes in a small group with a market visit cost around US$40 per person. Farm tours and cooking classes cost US$60 per person.

Cooking classes and tour combos range in price depending on the length of your tour. A day trip will cost around US$75 per person, while an overnight stay will cost upwards of US$120 per person.

What is included?

Basic cooking classes in Hanoi with a market visit include all the food you will cook and hotel pick-up and drop-off in the Old Quarter. Some also include some wine, tea and mineral water.

Farm tours and cooking classes are private tours and you will enjoy comfortable air-conditioned transport, a guided tour of a local farm with hands-on activities and a cooking lesson before enjoying the food you prepared.

Where does it start?

Most cooking class tours in Hanoi start in the Old Quarter. Many of them offer hotel pick-up and drop-off from hotels in the Old Quarter, making transportation hassle-free. Once you confirm your booking, you will receive detailed instructions regarding the meeting location or pick-up details.

How long does it last?

Basic cooking classes with a market trip last around 4.5 hours, while a coffee-making class is only an hour long.

When is the best time for a cooking class tour in Hanoi?

It is always a good time to take a cooking class in Hanoi. This is a great activity for a rainy day, as you get to make the most of your time indoors while you wait for the rain to pass.

A cooking class in Hanoi could be a great activity for the end of your visit, ending your trip on a high note. But you can also do a cooking class right at the start of your Hanoi visit to learn about local markets and become more educated on the food culture in the city.

Are there any combos available with cooking class tours in Hanoi?

Ninh Binh day trip with cooking class

Take a day trip to Ninh Binh to visit one of the most beautiful places in the country. Your day will be filled with adventurous activities like a bamboo boat ride through the caves of Ninh Binh and a bike ride through the charming villages.

One of the many highlights of the trip is a cooking class where you will learn to make a traditional salad and spring rolls.

Ha Long Bay/Lan Ha Bay cruise and cooking class

Combine a fabulous boat cruise in Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay with a cooking class for a comprehensive experience. You can take a day trip from Hanoi or indulge in an overnight or multi-night stay on a boat in the bay.

You will enjoy unbelievable views, kayaking, snorkeling and a cooking class where you will learn how to make summer rolls, the perfect Vietnamese snack for hot sunny days.

Is it safe?

Cooking classes in Hanoi are perfectly safe and suitable for everyone. However, if you suffer from food allergies (especially dairy, seafood or nuts), you may wish to avoid them. Should you have any doubts, consult the tour provider before booking.

Are children allowed?

Children are allowed to join cooking classes in Hanoi, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

Travel tips

• Notify your tour operator upon booking of any dietary restrictions or allergies. Especially if you need vegan options.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, especially if your tour includes a trip to the local market or additional outdoor activities.
• Make sure to come hungry to your cooking class. You will enjoy the fruits of your labor after your class and there will be plenty to eat.