VIETNAM COOKING COURSES
Vietnam is finally get more of the recognition it deserves in the world for its cuisine, with fresh ingredients and imaginative flavors, and one of the highlights of any trip to Vietnam is the food. Even if you do not expect to do much Vietnamese cooking, a cooking class is a fun and interesting way to learn about the local ingredients and how to make some of the popular dishes.
In general, most cooking classes are half-day classes starting with in the morning with a trip to the local market followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch where you can eat the dishes that were prepared.
Most of the classes tend to be aimed at casual tourists, rather than serious chefs, and many tend to be cooking demonstrations, rather than classes with individual cooking stations. Please inquire before you book. Also, please keep in mind that some of the smaller, ad-hoc programs may be more flexible to change the menu or request more interaction, especially if you arrange your own private lesson for your group.
HANOI
Sofitel Metropole 15 Ngo Quyen Street, (+84)4/8266919
The Sofitel Metrople has the high end of the market in Hanoi cornered with half-day classes with a trip to the market and cooking demonstration followed by an elegant lunch in the Vietnamese restaurant.
Highway 4 54 Mai Hac De Str. or 5 Hang Tre. Tel: (+84) 4 976.2647 www.highway4.com.
Highway 4 does not have daily classes, but can arrange classes for small groups and is very flexible in changing the menu to meet the group's needs. Highly recommended are Highway 4's famous catfish spring rolls, as well as a sample of the local fruit-flavored riou (rice wine) with your meal.
Hidden Hanoi No. 56 Ngo 1, Duong Au Co, Nghi Tam Village. Tel: 091 225 4045 http://www.hiddenhanoi.com.vn
Morning cooking classes with a different menu each day of the week for small groups in a relaxed and peaceful garden setting led by the very friendly Ms. An.
Cooking class Of Old Hanoi 106 Ma May.Tel: 04 – 8245251.
Old Hanoi restaurant is now offering an authentic Vietnamese cooking course. In class, you will be equipped with your very own cooking station, without sharing with others and necessary cooking utensils, you also prepare and cook all dishes by yourself under the instruction of the chef from the beginning to the end.
HOIAN
Red Bridge Restaurant & Cooking School at Hai Scout Cafe at 98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Tel: (84-510) 933.222 www.visithoian.com
Morning classes which include a visit to the market, a leisurely boat cruise on the river to the Red Bridge Cooking School, a tour of the school's herb and vegetable garden, and a cooking demonstration and lunch.
Ms. Vy's Gourmet Cooking Class Book at the Cargo Club, 107-109 Nguyen Thai Hoc, (84-510) 910 489 www.hoianhospitality.com
Ms. Vy's classes, along with Red Bridge, is one of the most popular in Hoi An. And if the food at the Cargo Club and the Mermaid restaurant are an indication, Ms. Vy deserves her popularity.
NHA TRANG
Vietnam Cookery Center http://www.expat-services.com
With the popularity of its school in HCMC, the Vietnam Cookery Center has opened another school in Nha Trang, changing only the menu to include many local varieties.
HOCHIMINH CITY
Vietnam Cookery Center 177 Dien Bien Phu , District 1, Tel: (84-8) 823-5872 http://www.expat-services.com
Classes held daily for a morning or afternoon class, with a visit to the market extra. They can also arrange classes on the Bonsai Boat in Saigon, thematic dinner courses, and chef and extended courses.
Rex Sai Gon 141 Nguyen Hue Str. Tel. (84-8) 38 292 185.
Classes held daily from 11:00-14:00 at Cung Dinh Restaurant.
Omni Saigon 253 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Tel: (848) 844-9222
The Omni Saigon does not have classes every day, but can arrange specially for groups, with individual work stations.
Bi Saigon 185/26 - 185/16 Pham Ngu Lao St., Dist.1, Tel: (848) 836 0670 http://www.bisaigon.com
The Bi Saigon Hotel & Restaurant does not have daily classes, but can arrange classes for small groups based on your needs.