Hanoi Cookery Class

Vietnamese cuisine is a delicious fusion of flavors and freshness, and this half day tour begins with a visit to Chau Long Market, housing hundreds of stalls. Interact with vendors selling everything from garlic to tapioca flour, take in all the colors, sights and smells and you’ll quickly see why Hanoi’s markets are world famous. Part of the pleasure is discovering local herbs, vegetables and salad greens that are rarely available in Western countries. Your guide will explain their various uses.

Next, we settle in at Hanoi Cooking Centre, a restored building on the edge of Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter, owned by an experienced chef and cookbook author. Over a welcome tea, your instructor will explain the basics of Vietnamese cuisine, which is known for its emphasis on fresh herbs, spices and vegetables. At your work station, try to follow the instructor’s lead! After the class, move to the center’s second-floor dining room to sample your creations along with a beer or wine. You will also receive a selection of recipe cards to help you recreate Vietnamese dishes at home.