Authentic Saigon Cooking Class Tour 3.5 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City

Active

(1 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Saigon Cooking Class Tour offers a delightful immersion into the vibrant culinary culture of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Led by expert local chefs, this hands-on experience takes participants on a journey through the bustling markets of Saigon:

- Meeting Chef at the West gate (gate no.5) of Ben Thanh Market. Along with Chef to visit the market, participants will have the opportunity to understand more about local food, Vietnamese ingredients and its substitutions.
- Back to cooking class, in a humble spacious place, participants put on an apron, sit down and enjoy a traditional welcome drink.
- Then, everybody takes action to make their day. They learn each step of cooking, from preparing ingredients, making sauce, marinating, cooking, …. All of the basic cooking methods will be covered in this class.
Once everything is done, it’s time to relax, enjoy the fruits of their labor in a convivial ambiance with new friends taking part in the cooking session

Available options

MENU 5 – FRIDAY - VEGETARIAN

1. Salad rolls : 1. Salad rolls – Rouleau de printemps 2. Sizzling pancake: 2. Sizzling pancake – Crêpe vietnamienne 3. Spicy noodle soup: 3. Spicy noodle soup in Central region – Soupe de vermicelli épicée du centre

MENU 6– SAR & SUNDAY -Advanced

1. Spring rolls : 1. Spring rolls / Pâté impérial 2. Grilled ball pork meat: 2. Grilled ball pork meat served with fine vermicelle / Boulette de porc hâché 3. Chicken noodle : 3. Chicken noodle / Soupe de poulet au vermicelle 4. Steamed rolled cake : 4. Steamed rolled cake / Gâteau enroulé cuit à la vapeur

MENU 4 – THURSDAY - VEGETARIAN

1. Sizzling pancake: 1. Sizzling pancake – Crêpe vietnamienne 2. Dumpling with leek: 2. Dumpling with leek and crouton sauce - Ravioli à la sauce de ciboulette et de crouton 3. Wonton soup: 3. Wonton soup – Soupe de wonton

MENU 2 – TUESDAY - Advanced

1. Chicken wings in fish sauce: 1. Chicken wings in fish sauce / Aile de poulet frite à la sauce de poisson 2. Spring rolls / Pâté impéria: 2. Spring rolls / Pâté impérial 3. Chicken Noodle : 3. Chicken Noodle / Soupe de vermicelle au poulet 4. Vegetable salad with pork: 4. Vegetable salad with pork and shrimps / Salade de legumes aux crevettes

MENU 5 – FRIDAY - INITIATION

1. Mango salad with pork : 1. Mango salad with pork & shrimps / Salade de mangue au porc & aux crevettes Braised chicken with ginger: Braised chicken with ginger / Poulet braise au gingembre 3. Skewed ball pork meat: 3. Skewed ball pork meat with fresh rice noodle / Boulette de porc hâché servi au vermicelle frais 4. Steamed rice in pandan leaf: 4. Steamed rice in pandan leaf flavor / Riz moulé au parfum de la feuille de pandan

Menu 6–Sar & Sunday-VEGETARIAN

1. Spring rolls : 1. Spring rolls – Pâté impérial 2. Steamed rolled cake : 2. Steamed rolled cake – Galette farcie enroulée 3. Stewed vegetable noodle : 3. Stewed vegetable noodle soup – Soupe de legumes mijotés au vermicelle

Private Cooking Class

Private Cooking Class: Private Cooking Class on your own. You can choose whatever in the list of options you want. Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

MENU 4 – THURSDAY - Advanced

1. Salad rolls: 1. Salad rolls / Rouleau de printemps 2. Vietnamese chicken curry: 2. Vietnamese chicken curry / Poulet au curry 3. Lotus stem salad with pork : 3. Lotus stem salad with pork and shrimps / Salade de lotus au porc et aux crevettes 4. Grilled pork rib and rice: 4. Grilled pork rib and broken rice / Côte de porc grille avec du riz brisé

MENU 1 – MONDAY - INITIATION

1. Vietnamese spring rolls: 1. Vietnamese spring rolls / Pate imperial 2. Morning glory salad: 2. Morning glory salad with pork & shrimps / Salade de liseron d’eau au porc & aux crevettes 3. Caramel pork in clay pot: 3. Caramel pork in clay pot / Porc au caramel 4. Steamed rice in pandan leaf: 4. Steamed rice in pandan leaf flavor / Riz moulé au parfum de la feuille de pandan

MENU 1 – MONDAY - Advanced

1. 1. Beef salad: 1. Beef salad with young banana and star fruit /
Salade de boeuf aux bananes vertes et aux caramboles
 2. Chicken Noodle : 2. Chicken Noodle / Soupe de vermicelle au poulet 3. Vietnamese sizzling pancake: 3. Vietnamese sizzling pancake / Crêpe vietnamienne 4. Steamed rolled cake : 4. Steamed rolled cake / Gâteau enroulé cuit à la vapeur

MENU 3–WEDNESDAY - INITIATION

1. Dumpling filled : 1. Dumpling filled with mung bean and spring onion sauce / Perle fourrée aux haricots mungo et à la sauce de ciboulette 2. Vegetable salad with pork: 2. Vegetable salad with pork and shrimps/ Salade de légumes au porc et aux crevettes 3. Grilled pork rib: 3. Grilled pork rib/ Cotelette grillee 4. Steamed rice in pandan leaf: 4. Steamed rice in pandan leaf flavor / Riz moulé au parfum de la feuille de pandan

MENU 3 – WEDNESDAY - Advanced

1. Beef noodle in Hue style / : 1. Beef noodle in Hue style / Soupe de boeuf au style de Hue 2. Vietnamese sizzling pancake: 2. Vietnamese sizzling pancake / Crêpe vietnamienne 3. Stuffed dumpling : 3. Stuffed dumpling with spring onion sauce / Ravioli au riz gluant 4. Grilled chicken: 4. Grilled chicken with five spice / Poulet grille aux cinq épices

MENU 4 – THURSDAY - INITIATION

1. Beef salad with star fruit : 1. Beef salad with star fruit and young banana / Salade de boeuf aux caramboles et aux bananes vertes 2. Grilled pork with noodle: 2. Grilled pork with fresh noodle / Porc grille à la citronnelle servi au vermicelle frais 3. Caramel fish in clay pot: 3. Caramel fish in clay pot / Poisson au caramel 4. Steamed rice in pandan leaf: 4. Steamed rice in pandan leaf flavor / Riz moulé au parfum de la feuille de pandan

MENU 2 - TUESDAY - VEGETARIAN

1. Salad rolls with turnip: 1. Salad rolls with turnip and vegetable – Rouleau au jicama et legume 2. Sizzling pancake : 2. Sizzling pancake – Crêpe vietnamienne 3. Spicy noodle soup : 3. Spicy noodle soup in Central region – Soupe de vermicelli épicée du centre

MENU 3 – WEDNESDAY-VEGETARIAN

1. Salad rolls : 1. Salad rolls – Rouleau de printemps 2. Mushroom salad : 2. Mushroom salad / Salade de champignons Roi Pleurote 3. Noodle soup with five spice: 3. Noodle soup with five spices (Pho) – Soupe de vermicelli aux cinq épices (PHO)

MENU 5 – FRIDAY - Advanced

1. Beef noodle: 1. Beef noodle / Soupe de vermicelle au boeuf 2. Fresh mustard leaf rolls: 2. Fresh mustard leaf rolls with shrimps / Rouleau à la feuille de moutarde 3. Grilled fish in banana leaf: 3. Grilled fish in banana leaf / Poisson grillé à la feuille de banane 4. Braised chicken with ginger: 4. Braised chicken with ginger / Poulet braisé au gingembre

MENU 2 – TUESDAY - INITIATION

1. Lotus stem salad with pork: 1. Lotus stem salad with pork & shrimps / Salade de liseron d’eau au porc & aux crevettes Grilled beef with lemongrass: Grilled beef with lemongrass served with fresh noodle / Boeuf grille à la citronnelle servi au vermicelle frais 3. Imperial fried rice: 3. Imperial fried rice / Riz impérial frit

MENU 1 - MONDAY - VEGETARIAN

1. Fried wonton with plum : 1. Fried wonton with plum sauce – Wonton frit à la sauce de prune 2. Dumpling with leek: 2. Dumpling with leek and crouton sauce – Ravioli à la sauce de ciboulette et de crouton 3. Noodle soup with tomato: 3. Noodle soup with tomato, fried tofu and soya milk
Soupe de vermicelli au lait de soja, au tofu et aux tomates

MENU 6 – SAR & SUN-INITIATION

1. Salad rolls : 1. Salad rolls / Rouleau du printemps 2. Chicken noodle soup / Soup Vietnamese sizzling pancake: Vietnamese sizzling pancake / Crêpe frite vietnamienne

What's included

Bottled water

English-speaking guide

Certificate and guide book for cooking after course

Lunch in cooking class

What's not included

Personal expenses or Tipping/Gratuities...

No market for tours start at 2:30 PM or 5:50 PM

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Meeting point

Chef will meet all travelers at West Gate number 5 of Ben Thanh Market at 8:30 AM. Please provide us your phone number to me more convenient for contact.

About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Known for its rich history, bustling markets, and French colonial architecture, it offers a dynamic travel experience with its lively street food culture, historical landmarks, and energetic nightlife.

Top Attractions

War Remnants Museum

This museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War and its impact on the country. It houses a collection of war machinery, photographs, and artifacts.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Cu Chi Tunnels

A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.

Historical Half-day tour Moderate (tour prices vary)

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

A beautiful example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral is a prominent landmark in the city. It is a peaceful place to visit and offers a glimpse into the city's religious heritage.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Ben Thanh Market

One of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a wide variety of goods, including food, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience local culture and shop for bargains.

Market 1-2 hours Budget to Moderate

Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

Offers panoramic views of the city from the 49th floor. The Skydeck provides a unique perspective on Ho Chi Minh City's skyline and landmarks.

Observation Deck 1 hour Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as meat, herbs, and bean sprouts.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Com Tam

Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various accompaniments like pickled vegetables and fish sauce.

Lunch Vegetarian options available

Goi Cuon

Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli, served with a peanut or fish sauce dipping sauce.

Appetizer Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Golfing at Long Thanh Golf Resort Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels Boat tours in the Mekong Delta Beach relaxation in Vung Tau Nature walks in Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest Spa and wellness treatments Visiting historical sites like the War Remnants Museum Exploring local markets and temples

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be quite hot.

25-35°C 77-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Bargain for better prices at markets

Getting there

By air

Tan Son Nhat International Airport • 7 km from city center

By train

Saigon Railway Station

By bus

Mien Dong Bus Station, Mien Tay Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are an affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic. Routes are numerous and well-marked.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

District 1 District 3 District 5 (Chinatown) District 7 Phu Nhuan District

Day trips

Mekong Delta

130 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, canals, and islands known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages. It offers a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

Cu Chi Tunnels

60 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Half day

A network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about their history, and see various war relics.

Vung Tau

120 km from Ho Chi Minh City • Full day

A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a popular destination for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Festivals

Tet Holiday (Vietnamese New Year) • January or February (varies each year) Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival • December (varies each year) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for convenient and affordable transportation
Bargain for better prices at markets and street vendors, but do so politely and with a smile
Try street food and local eateries for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat