What makes a great Vietnamese cooking class?

Not every Vietnamese cooking class is equal. A great Vietnamese cooking class is more than just a culinary experience; it's a cultural journey that tantalizes taste buds, enriches the mind, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the art of Vietnamese cuisine. Therefore, choosing a good one will be difficult. In this article, we will show you some key elements that a Vietnamese cooking class must have to maximize your experience.
Saigon Farm Tour & Cooking Class Half-day - AN Tours Vietnam

Table of Contents

1. Why should travelers do a Vietnamese cooking class during their Vietnam trip?

Travelers should do a Vietnamese cooking class during their Vietnam trip because a Vietnamese cooking class will enhance the travel experience by providing an authentic, immersive, and educational adventure that connects travelers with the heart and soul of Vietnam—its food and culture. Moreover, travelers can acquire these during or after a cooking class:

  1. Cultural Immersion: A Vietnamese cooking class offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture. It’s a chance to connect with the traditions, flavors, and culinary heritage of Vietnam, which are an integral part of the country’s identity.

  2. Authentic Experience: Learning to cook Vietnamese dishes in Vietnam provides access to the freshest ingredients and authentic recipes. It’s an experience that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere, as it allows travelers to taste the real flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

  3. Deeper Understanding: Through cooking, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of various ingredients, dishes, and cooking techniques. They learn about the history and stories behind the food, enhancing their overall appreciation of Vietnamese culture.

  4. Hands-On Learning: Cooking classes are hands-on experiences where travelers actively participate in preparing and cooking the dishes. This interactive approach helps them develop practical skills that they can use to recreate Vietnamese dishes at home.

  5. Culinary Souvenirs: Attending a cooking class provides travelers with a valuable souvenir—the knowledge and skills to recreate Vietnamese dishes. This means they can savor the tastes of Vietnam long after their trip has ended.

  6. Fun and Enjoyment: Cooking classes are fun and enjoyable. They offer a break from traditional sightseeing and can be a memorable highlight of a trip, especially for those who have a passion for food and cooking.

  7. Support Local Communities: By participating in a cooking class, travelers often contribute to the local economy and support small businesses. Many classes are run by local chefs or families, providing them with an income and preserving culinary traditions.

Vietnamese Cooking Class - AN Tours Vietnam
Vietnamese cooking class provides great insights for your trip

2. Key elements that make a great Vietnamese cooking class

If you are interested in a Vietnamese cooking class and getting lost among so many options, here are the key factors for you to easily narrow down your choice:

Authentic place to cook

Different Vietnamese cooking classes take you to different places for the cooking experience. Besides some of the poorly set up touristy places that do not provide a good cooking atmosphere, here are some best places to cook that a great Vietnamese cooking class must have:

Local Home: A local home is an ideal setting for a Vietnamese cooking class due to its authenticity, cultural immersion, and access to local ingredients. In this intimate environment, participants can learn traditional family recipes, experience Vietnamese hospitality, and gain cultural insights. The homely atmosphere fosters a comfortable and personalized learning experience, and the class can culminate in a communal meal, providing an authentic taste of Vietnamese dining. This setting not only enhances cooking skills but also deepens appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine and culture.

Local Farm: A local farm offers an ideal setting for Vietnamese cooking classes due to its abundant fresh ingredients, fostering an authentic culinary experience. Participants can connect with the origins of their food, engage in hands-on learning, and adapt recipes to the season’s bounty. This approach promotes sustainability, and environmental awareness, and supports local farmers while immersing learners in Vietnamese culture. The picturesque farm setting enhances the overall experience, creating a unique and enriching opportunity for culinary enthusiasts.

Local guiding chefs

A good Vietnamese cooking class should feature a local chef because they bring authenticity, deep cultural insight, and expertise in sourcing and handling local ingredients. They can teach traditional techniques, adapt the class to regional variations, communicate effectively, and share personal stories, creating a rich and engaging learning experience. Their presence inspires passion and ensures that students leave with a true appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.

If you are doing a Vietnamese cooking class in your country, the nationality of the guiding chef does not matter. But if you are a traveler on a trip to Vietnam, just choose a cooking class with a local guide for the most authentic experience.

Vietnamese food options

A great Vietnamese cooking class should include a variety of authentic food options. There should be at least some popular Vietnamese food and local lesser-known food. While popular dishes offer a solid foundation, including lesser-known options introduces students to the rich diversity and cultural nuances of Vietnamese cuisine. This approach encourages exploration, embraces local authenticity, accommodates personal preferences, and inspires students to delve deeper into the world of Vietnamese cooking, fostering a more well-rounded and rewarding culinary experience.

Local market visit

Visiting a local market is essential in a great Vietnamese cooking class for travelers because it connects them with the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. It offers firsthand experience with fresh ingredients, teaches travelers about ingredient selection and quality, and provides insight into the vibrant food culture and traditions of Vietnam. This hands-on market experience enhances the authenticity and depth of the culinary experience, making it an integral part of the overall journey for travelers exploring Vietnamese cuisine.

Vegan/ vegetarian customizable option

In the world today, vegetarianism is extremely popular and there are a lot of long-term vegans. If you are a vegetarian and traveling to Vietnam with a desire for food, then you must think that cooking class is not a suitable thing to do, as most of them feature meat-related dishes. That’s why the ability to customize for vegans is one of the factors that make a great cooking class.

3. Some Vietnamese cooking class option that are highly recommended

Here are some Vietnamese cooking classes that are highly recommended as they are:

  • Taking place in an authentic place (local home or local farm)
  • With local guiding chefs
  • Having both popular and lesser-known Vietnamese food options
  • Operated with a local market visit
  • Available for vegan/ food allergies
Service: Tours, transfers, activities, visa, hotels,…

Locations available: HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Da Lat,…

CONTACTS:
📧 info@antoursvietnam.com
☎️ +84 37 4463 732 (Henry) (Whatsapp/ Zalo available)
☎️ +84 70 6666 520 (Vincent) (Whatsapp/ Zalo available)
Elite Of The Seas - Cruise

ELITE OF THE SEAS AMENITIES & SERVICES

Enjoy the luxury experience.

Fine Dining Room

With the chic atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating in an authentic concept, the fine dining restaurant is designed in aneverlasting elegant style, features luxury amenities and open kitchen.

We offer western food, famous Vietnamese traditional food served in BBQ, buffet and a la carte. Guests could enjoy light breakfast, lunch, BBQ dinner while cruising through the wonderful landscapes of the world heritage site.

Panoramic Bar

The bar is set up in both outdoor – pool view and indoor – inside the restaurant, which provides maximum convenience for customers. With a wide selection of international wines, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, the bar is a perfect place where you could enjoy the romantic, sweet and relaxing moments in the fresh air and the natural scenery.

Mini Golf Course

Located at the front of the second deck. The mini-golf course is one of the finest and relaxing area, guest could use our golf club onboard to practice or play some holes with your partners.

The Outdoor Pool

In the same deck with the fine dining room, the open-air pool is designed in infinity pool style, covered by teak flooring. The perfect relaxing place to chill, to take your own unique photos and enjoy in the panoramic view of the bay.

Spa, Sauna & Massage

Elite Spa, sauna and massage offers a journey of reawakening. The combination of local spa rituals with indigenous ingredients. Guest will enjoy a truly relaxing moment in multiple choice of facials and signature massages…

Wine & Cigars Cellar

Located in the basement, the wine and cigars cellar is fully stocked of wines and famous cigars. With the great decoration, spacious seating, this area provides a perfect place for a wine tasting or private meetings. 

Fitness Room

Located on the first deck, the fitness room is available with treadmills, stationary bikes and some dumbbells. Guests could recharge their energy while enjoying the bay natural view.
For post-workout treatment, guests could enjoy the sauna or massage therapies, please make your spa reservation in advance with our Cruise Manager.

Sundeck & Corridor

As a luxury cruise, Elite Of The Seas has one of the best looking sundeck & corridor.

Other Cruise Acitivities

Kayaking
Do kayaking by yourself in calm water through floating houses, explore the beauty of limestone caves so close by yours eyes, hands and individual feeling. 

Local rowing Boat
Get ready for visiting floating village where rowing boats rowed by local people. You will have chance to experience history, culture and the daily life of local peoples while rowing through floating village. You will make a short hiking trip around village, along landscape and enjoy water sport.

Swimming
How amazing to swim in the calm, clean water with less touristy or visit nature beach of the Lan Ha bay by walking along beach,. Relaxing after activities, immersing in the water to get stronger

Squid Fishing
When the night falls, it must be fun when standing on the boat and try your luck with sly squids. Try to be patient, squid fishing can be successful from your skills.

Tai chi Class
Tai chi is one of the best ways to release stress and fatigue. Our Tai chi master will guide you with a basic lesson which has been simplified so that everyone can easy to follow. Let’s come on the sundeck in the early morning and start your new day in fresh air to full charge your energy for the day.

Cooking Demonstration
Learn how you can make one of Vietnam traditional dishes – Spring roll. Our chief will carefully introduce what is the ingredient needed, how to make it and you may do at home for your family or friends. With guides from our chef, we hope you can make Vietnam traditional food in perfect way.

Elite Of The Seas - Cruise

ELITE OF THE SEAS 3D2N ITINERARY

Please note that itinerary time is calculated approximately. Actual time may depend on weather, traffic & other factors.

DAY 01
DAY 02
DAY 03
✅ INCLUDED

– Full equipped luxury en-suite cabin with multi A/C, marble bathroom, and finest bathroom amenities
– All meals on board
– Tender/speedboat transfer
– Welcome drink
– Live Music
– 24-hour room service with no extra charges
– 24-hour food ordered with no extra charges
– Refilled bottled fresh water with no limit
– Cookery demonstration
– Entrance and sightseeing fees
– Tai chi, games, gym, swimming pool and library
–  Beach activities such as kayaking, bamboo boating, caving, squid fishing
– Internet wifi, Satellite – HD LED TV
– Fishing and golf equipment
– English speaking guide
– On board insurance and service charges

❌ EXCLUDED

– Beverages
– Luxury Transfer service (if requested)
– Tips and other personal expenses
– All other services not clearly mentioned above.

Elite Of The Seas - Cruise 1

ELITE OF THE SEAS 2D1N ITINERARY

Please note that itinerary time is calculated approximately. Actual time may depend on weather, traffic & other factors.

DAY 01
DAY 02
✅ INCLUDED

– Full equipped luxury en-suite cabin with multi A/C, marble bathroom, and finest bathroom amenities
– All meals on board
– Tender/speedboat transfer
– Welcome drink
– Live Music
– 24-hour room service with no extra charges
– 24-hour food ordered with no extra charges
– Refilled bottled fresh water with no limit
– Cookery demonstration
– Entrance and sightseeing fees
– Tai chi, games, gym, swimming pool and library
–  Beach activities such as kayaking, bamboo boating, caving, squid fishing
– Internet wifi, Satellite – HD LED TV
– Fishing and golf equipment
– English speaking guide
– On board insurance and service charges

❌ EXCLUDED

– Beverages
– Luxury Transfer service (if requested)
– Tips and other personal expenses
– All other services not clearly mentioned above.