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Cooking classes in Saigon offer a delicious immersion into the nuances of Vietnamese cooking.
Vietnamese food, loved around the world for its fresh ingredients, textures, and flavors, is one of our favorite cuisines.
On our culinary travels around Vietnam, we took several cooking classes to learn about the cuisine and its unique ingredients.
In Saigon, or officially Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find many cooking workshops and experiences not to miss.
To guide your Saigon culinary travels, here’s our top selection of the best cooking classes in Saigon to deepen your knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine.
Best Saigon Cooking Class Comparison Table
| Saigon Cooking Classes | Price ($USD) | Group Size | Start Time | Duration (hours) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chef Cooking Class, Market Visit, Cyclo Pick Up | $42 | Max 12 | 8:00 am | 4h | Overall |
| Farm to Table Saigon Cooking Class | $56.95 | Max 15 | 7:30 am, or 3:00 pm | 6h | Organic farm experience |
| Afternoon Delight to Cook Vietnamese Food | $50 | Max 15 | 2:30 pm | 3h | Classic Vietnamese dishes |
| Healthy Cooking Class Farm to Table | $56.95 | Max 15 | 7:30 am | 5h | Comprehensive experience |
| Immersive Cooking Class with Wet Market Visit | $55 | Max 15 | 9:00 am and 2:00 pm | 4h | Menu variety |
| Advanced Cooking Class in Saigon | $48.21 | Private | 8:30 am, 2:30 pm, or 5:30 pm | 3h | Personalized cooking experience |
| Half-day Cooking Class and Market Visit | $42 | Max 30 | 8:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 5:30 pm | 3h | Regional Vietnamese cooking |
Top Cooking Classes in Saigon
1. Chef Cooking Class, Market Visit, Cyclo Pick Up – Best Overall
Cost: $42 per person
Time and Length: Approximately 4 hours. Classes start at 8:00 am
Group Style: Group class, maximum 12 people
This cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City, taught by local chefs, offers much more than just a cooking workshop.
In this 4-hours cooking class with Chef Vu, you’ll learn about Vietnamese cooking from the market to the table.
The experience begins with a short cyclo trip to get a feel for the local daily rhythm.
You’ll then head to the iconic Ben Thanh Market for your cooking fresh ingredients, herbs and supplies.
Back in the kitchen, you’ll begin making four traditional dishes. This is a hands-on cooking class, and you’ll make traditional recipes like clay pot pork belly, papaya salad, morning glory, and more.
Vietnam’s famous egg coffee will be your delicious dessert, and you’ll leave with recipes for everything you cook.
What You’ll Love About This Chef Vu Cooking Class with Market and Cyclo Trip
- A guided visit to the local market to shop for ingredients.
- Cyclo rickshaw rides around the city.
- Learning traditional recipes, including knife skills and Vietnamese decorating tips.
2. Farm To Table Cooking Class In Saigon – Best For Organic Farm Experience
Cost: $56.95 per person
Time and Length: Approximately 6 hours. Classes start at 7:30 am or 3:00 pm
Group Style: Group class, maximum 15 people
This farm to table cooking class in Saigon is a one-of-a-kind experience. It takes place in a Vietnamese agriculture village, where you pick the home grown organic ingredients and transform them to delectable dishes.
With back-and-forth transportation from Saigon included, you’ll spend about 6-hours learning about classic Vietnamese dishes and the key ingredients.
Under the guidance of your passionate and friendly chefs, you’ll learn to make four traditional Vietnamese dishes that are traditionally eaten at home.
Using the fresh herbs, mushrooms, and vegetables you picked up in the garden, you will prepare a starter, main meal, and dessert.
The menu varies by season, and you’ll learn to make dishes like Vietnamese spring rolls, papaya salad, Vietnamese pho soup, and more.
As you cook, you’ll learn about the herbs and vegetables that make Vietnamese cuisine one of the best in the world.
This farm-to-table cooking class in Ho Chi Minh is best for those who want a deeper understanding of Vietnamese ingredients and herbs.
What You’ll Love About This Farm-to-Table Cooking Class
- Learning about Vietnamese herbs and vegetables on an organic farm visit.
- Step by step cooking instructions with ability to customize the menu for one’s preferences.
- Going beyond Saigon to the rural parts of the country.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Another delicious way to explore traditional Vietnamese food is on a food tour with a local guide. See our detailed guide to the best food tours to take in Saigon for authentic culinary experiences.
3. Afternoon Delight to Cook Vietnamese Food – Best for Classic Dishes
Cost: $50 per person
Time and Length: Approximately 3 hours. Classes start around 2:30 pm
Group Style: Group class, maximum 15 people
Spend three enriching hours learning and cooking Vietnamese food in a restaurant under the guidance of an experienced chef.
This 3-hour afternoon delight Vietnam cooking class dives into the steps and culinary techniques used in local recipes.
Together with your expert chef, you will learn the culinary traditions and steps to prepare at least three tasty dishes and one dessert.
The menu changes regularly and you’ll learn to make starters like crispy fried spring rolls or main dishes like the Vietnamese pancake.
In this Ho Chi Minh City cooking class, you’ll discover new textures and learn about local herbs and spices in a fun, convivial atmosphere.
Here’s a piece of advice: either skip or have a light breakfast so that you can truly enjoy the cooking and eating at the end.
What You’ll Love About This Afternoon Delight Cooking Class
- Learning to cook in a professional restaurant.
- Finally understanding how to cook Vietnamese herbs.
- The laid back and relaxed cooking environment.
4. Healthy Cooking Class Farm to Table – Best Comprehensive Experience
Cost: $56.95 per person
Time and Length: Approximately 5 hours. Classes start at 7:30 am
Group Style: Group class, maximum 15 people
Stepping in the shoes of a Vietnamese farmer at an organic farm gives a real taste of Vietnamese cuisine and culture.
This 5-hour farm-to-table healthy cooking class offers a comprehensive experience with various local farm activities.
You will begin your Vietnamese cooking class with a visit to the organic farm. In addition to picking up the spices and vegetables, you’ll have the chance to see the farm’s livestock.
Under the expert guidance of a local chef, you’ll learn step by step to make your own delicious Vietnamese food using organically grown vegetables.
You’ll be making four traditional dishes, including starters like prawn wraps and main dishes like papaya salad with barbecue seafood.
This Vietnamese cooking class would not be complete without a delicious authentic dessert.
Your sweet tooth will be indulged with a fantastic banana spring roll with coconut cream that you’ll make.
What You’ll Love About This Healthy Cooking Class Farm To Table
- Visiting an organic farm and seeing cows, ducks, chickens, and water buffalos.
- A chef-led farm-to-table cooking class experience.
- Cooking in an open-air kitchen setting.
READ MORE: If your travels take you to Hanoi, consider taking a food tour. See our detailed guide to the 7 Best Hanoi Food Tour for Street Food
5. Immersive Cooking Class with Wet Market Visit – Best for Menu Variety
Cost: $55 per person
Time and Length: Approximately 4 hours. Classes start at 9:00 am or 2:00 pm
Group Style: Group class, maximum 15 people
Dive into the flavors of Vietnam in this cooking class created by a team of chefs and food lovers.
This 4-hour immersive cooking class starts with a visit to the historic and important Ben Thanh Market.
On your guided tour of the vibrant market, you’ll dive into the rich ingredients that define Vietnamese cuisine.
Back in the kitchen, you’ll start your culinary journey as you make four different courses, all guided by your expert chef instructor.
Depending on when you book your class, the menu will vary. You may make spring rolls for starters and braised caramelized fish and pork belly for a main dish.
Vietnamese che puddings or caramel creme are some of the delightful desserts you’ll end with.
What You’ll Love About This Immersive Cooking Class
- An in-depth tour of an iconic local market.
- Personalized guidance at your private cooking station.
- Your own Vietnamese cookbook with more than 25 traditional recipes.
6. Advanced Cooking Class in Saigon – Best Private Cooking Experience
Cost: $48.21 per person
Time and Length: Approximately 3 hours. Classes start at 8:30 am, 2:30 pm, or 5:30 pm
Group Style: Private classÂ
If you are comfortable in the kitchen and ready to take your cooking skills to new levels, consider taking this Ho Chi Minh cooking class.
This 3-hour advanced cooking class will help you master a few signature Vietnamese dishes.
With your passionate chef in tow, you will start your delicious adventure with a visit to Ben Thanh Market. You’ll learn about the local ingredients as you shop for your class.
Back at the cooking school, you’ll begin the preparation of your 4-course Vietnamese meal.
As this is a private class, the menu can be tailored to your needs. However, you can expect to make authentic dishes like grilled chicken or pork, Vietnamese dumplings, different kinds of spring rolls, and more.
One of the most fun activities in this advanced cooking class is learning to create your own dessert.
You will master the art of fruit carving, a popular technique in Vietnam and across Asia.
The best part of the experience is eating what you cooked. At the end of your class, you’ll savor your delicious Vietnamese meal in an intimate setting.
What You’ll Love About This Advanced Cooking Class
- Ability to upgrade your cooking level, including learning new knife skills.
- Personalized cooking guidance from a local Vietnamese chef.
- Enjoying a market tour and learning more about Vietnamese herbs and ingredients.
7. Half-day Cooking Class and Market Visit – Best for Regional Cooking
Cost: $42 per person
Time and Length: Approximately 3 hours. Classes start at 8:30 am, 2:30 pm, or 5:30 pm
Group Style: Group class, maximum 30 people
Vietnam is divided into three main regions and each part of the country has a unique or regional cuisine.
In this half-day cooking class in Saigon, you’ll learn to make emblematic dishes from the northern, central, and southern Vietnamese regions.
Before the actual class, you’ll take a tour of the Ben Thanh Market to better understand the ingredients.
Then, you’ll start cooking traditional Vietnamese food with instructive guidance from your experienced chef each step of the way.
Your 3-course lunch or dinner includes delicacies such as beef salad with young banana and star fruit, braised chicken with ginger, or chicken noodle soup.
This Vietnamese cooking class is ideal for those looking to explore the unique dishes from across the country.
What You’ll Love About This Half-day Cooking Class And Market Visit
- Discovering the recipes for a wide variety of Vietnamese regional cuisines.
- Guided market visit and hands-on-cooking class.
- Learning to carve fruits and vegetables the Vietnamese way.
What to Consider When Choosing Cooking Classes in Saigon
These Ho Chi Minh City cooking classes all offer authentic Vietnamese cooking experiences. Though the experiences differ. Some include local market visits, cyclo rides, and other experiences.
As you choose your cooking class in Saigon, here are a few things to consider.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Make your culinary travels worry-free! With the right travel insurance, you’ll enjoy a delicious experience. From medical emergencies, flight cancelations, car rental protection, or tour cancelations, a good travel insurance has got you covered. Check out our travel insurance review for food lovers to get started.
What Kind of Ho Chi Minh Cooking Class Experience Do You Want?
We’ve loved our cooking classes in Saigon and had fun, particularly learning new knife skills.
You’ll have a great time diving into Vietnamese herbs and learning traditional cooking techniques.
As you make your choices, consider your personal preferences and expectations.
Do you want to visit a Vietnamese farm as part of the cooking experience? Some of these tours take you outside the city to the countryside.
How much time do you have in your schedule? These classes are 3 to 6 hours long.
Do you want a private cooking class? Or are you comfortable cooking in a small group with other food lovers.
Based on your preferences, simply choose the best cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City for you.
What Is Your Budget for Your Saigon Cooking Classes?
These Saigon cooking classes offer different experiences and price points.
The best cooking classes in Saigon range between $42 USD to $56.95 USD.
All Saigon cooking classes have a free cancellation policy that allows you to opt out up to 24 hours in advance.
Have you ever taken a cooking class in Vietnam? Let us know in the comments below which one of these Saigon cooking classes you’d like to take.
Savor the Adventure!
More Local Food Experiences and Recipes
Guide to the Best Food in Saigon: 15 Local Foods Not to Miss
10 Facts About Vietnamese Food Culture That Will Surprise You
10 of the Best Authentic Food in Hanoi You Must Eat
10 Best Vietnamese Cookbooks You Want To Have in Your Kitchen
Best Danang Food Tour To Take For An Authentic Experience
Easy Bun Rieu Recipe: How To Make Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
Before Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary held senior-level strategy positions in advertising.Â
Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
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Merci beaucoup!!We are so glad you you like our site. Where in France are you based?
I think cooking classes are the best way to get to know a local culture the quickest. There’s something about food that shows the culture and history of a place. When I get to Vietnam, I’ll look into this place in Saigon.
That’s wonderful to hear Leah and we totally agree. Food is a way to a culture and cooking it helps you appreciate it even more. Definitively do check out the class when you get to Saigon.
It looks like a feast and a fun way to spend a day. How wonderful that you got to try all those herbs and learn what they are. It’s the salad that really spoke to me. Yummy! I am definitely adding this to my list of things to do when we get to Saigon. Love the story about the building, and lucky for the cooking school.
This cooking class sounds incredible! Thank you for sharing your culinary adventures with us. I would absolutely LOVE to participate in a Vietnamese cooking class, and I am adding it to my bucket list. =) While traveling in Thailand and Indonesia, I took Balinese, Javanese, and Thai cooking courses, and they were life changing! I adore your blog, your quest to discover and share local cuisine. Cheers!
Thank you so much Aarika for your feedback on our blog and article about the cooking class in Saigon. We really appreciate it. Cooking classes are a wonderful way to learn more about a local culture. I hope you make it to Vietnam soon and take the class for yourself. Thanks again. Cheers!!
This looks great. I would really like to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine and the ingredients they use.
You are right Stephanie, one of the best parts of taking the cooking class was getting to learn more about Vietnamese herbs and ingredients. Highly recommend the Vietnam Cookery Center if you travels take you to Saigon. Thanks for stopping by.
We love Vietnamese cuisine and my daughter loves to cook. This would be a great activity for families too!
That’s wonderful to read Amanda. Please do let us know what you end making as a family!! Cheers.
I’ve never really tried any Vietnamese food myself. I would like to though and this experience sounds fantastic!
Lianne | Makes, Bakes and Decor
Vietnamese cuisine is truly amazing and delicious. Do check out a Vietnamese restaurant in your area to give it a try. It is absolutely worth th experience. Let is know what and where you try the cuisine locally. Cheers.
This sounds like a lot of fun! How exciting to experience new recipes and cooking methods in Vietnam! Thanks for sharing- enjoyed the post.
So glad you enjoyed the post, Rhonda. Do let us know if you end up making one of the dishes. Thanks for stopping by.
Great post! I took a cooking class in Bali that was very similar (located at the family’s temple, lots of hands-on instruction, plenty of delicious food). Now when I travel abroad, I always try to take a cooking class or two in each country I visit.
That’s awesome to read that you enjoy taking cooking classes on your travels. Where was the last cooking class you took? Loads of fun and a great way to go deeper on the culture. Appreciate your comments.
I LOVE cooking and baking and a cooking class like this I would be so excited!! I wish I could do this!
As one that loves cooking, this class would be up right your alley. You get to learn new ingredients and techniques and a recipe book with instructions on how to make them at home. Do check out the The Vietnam Cookery Center if your travels take you to Vietnam. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m really looking forward to doing a cooking class one day in my travels. This one looks like an excellent choice.
Indeed, if you are ever in Saigon, we highly recommend taking this cooking class. A wonderful experience and much fun!! Thanks so much.
This looks like so much fun and tasty! My husband would love this