There are many cooking classes in Hanoi to choose from. Look at our favourite and a couple of other suggestions to help you make up your mind.
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Small Group Cooking Class and Market Tour
We visited the Rose Kitchen cooking school and it was absolutely fantastic. After being picked up from our hotel, we toured a local market and bought our ingredients. At the cooking school, we were taught new skills by a professional chef and worked as a small group to make a delicious 3-course meal of traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Cooking Classes in Hanoi
We all love a good cooking class, although we do usually discover that cooking well is actually quite easy and we might just be incredibly lazy when cooking at home…
There’s nothing like a fresh, home-cooked meal but sometimes we get bored of the same meals every day, so taking a cooking class abroad is a great way to get some inspiration!
These cooking classes in Hanoi are sure to tick every box and you’ll get to explore and try all of your favourite Vietnamese cuisines as you learn.
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Most schools offer free pick-up from your hotel so we’d recommend staying in Old Town as this is the easiest for them to get to, plus it is just the best place to stay in Hanoi! Look at our recommendations for budget and spoiling yourself hotel options here.
The Best Cooking Class In Hanoi
Rose Kitchen
You only have to look at the ratings on Viator or GetYourGuide to see that Rose Kitchen is the best of all the cooking classes in Hanoi and this is richly deserved.
It was a no-brainer for us to book with them and this is where we shot our video above so remember to check that out if you haven’t already!
Cooking Class Times
- Morning – 9 am – 1:30 pm
- Afternoon – 3 pm – 7:30 pm
Unique Selling Points
- Hotel pick up and drop off included
- All beer included
- All food included
- Recipe book included
Read More: The Best Cooking Class In Siem Reap – CAMBODIA
You start by visiting a local market. Nearly all of the cooking classes in Hanoi (and across the world) feature a market visit but, in our experience, this can be a little hit and miss.
Our Top Pick
Sometimes you leave thinking that it was a bit of a gimmick and it didn’t really add anything to the experience. However, at Rose Kitchen, the market tour was surprisingly pretty good.
You spend about 20 minutes there and the guide really does give you quite a lot of information about the local area, market and community.
You then make your way over to the location of the cooking class which is an absolutely gorgeous gem of a property, where they welcome you with a cool refreshment.
The whole experience starts immediately with the group having to guess the ingredients in the drink. It’s these little touches throughout the class that makes Rose Garden one of the best cooking classes in Hanoi.
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Pro-Tip
In the afternoon class, you do not start eating until around 7 – 7:15 pm so don’t skip lunch thinking that you will be eating soon.
There is a set menu that is decided before everyone gets to the location but everyone is asked before time if they have any allergies or dietary requirements so rest assured that you will be catered for.
The whole group is then given different tasks, be it chopping or mincing, and they get you really working as a group, rather than individually. This is quite different to cooking classes that you may have done before where you each individually make your own dishes from start to finish.
Honestly, I usually prefer preparing my own food completely but I have discovered that this may be because no chef has ever done the group scenario properly.
Simon (our chef/guide) brought this whole group of strangers together effortlessly and flawlessly. His banter, charm and competitive approach to different people in the group was extremely well measured and personally thought out.
I was left knowing that this particular class would have been significantly worse if we were each given our own dishes to prepare and not brought together as a team like we were.
In the end, we all sat around the table with a veritable buffet of food (seriously there was enough for everyone to gorge themselves entirely). There was beer and internally produced spirit for anyone who wanted one and each and every bite was a delight.
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Final Thoughts On Rose Kitchen
I haven’t been to every single one of the cooking classes in Hanoi so I can’t sit here and say that Rose Kitchen is the best. However, I have been in many cooking classes across the world and I can safely say that this is one of the best I’ve been part of.
I recommend it completely and you can have a look at the reviews and book your cooking class here.
Vegan Cooking Class – Here
Check out Rose Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram!
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Other Cooking Classes In Hanoi
Rose Kitchen Vegan Cooking Class
Do you want the exact same incredible experience at the exact same venue that I have spoken in length about above but you are a vegan? Then look no further and book the exact cooking class we went to except everything is vegan.
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Apron Up Cooking Class
Apron Up Cooking Class is another one of the best cooking classes in Hanoi. It follows a similar itinerary to the other cooking classes in Hanoi, starting with a market visit and ending with a group of people helping each other prepare and cook all of the food.
Apron Up Cooking Class also has hundreds of incredible reviews, maybe even rivalling that of Rose Kitchen above. However, they do not include pick up or drop off so Rose Kitchen pips them just on convenience.
However, if Rose Kitchen is not available then check out Apron Up here!
Blue Butterfly Cooking Class
This is another of the most highly rated cooking classes in Hanoi. Again, you will take a walk through a local Vietnamese market and make your way to the venue to start your class. Alcoholic beverages are included like the others but unlike Apron Up, you do have pick-up from the hotel.
However, it does not include drop off back to your hotel and Blue Butterfly is a bit more expensive than Rose Garden so this is the reason why it cannot share the top spot.
Take a look at the reviews and images for Blue Butterfly here
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Hoang’s Cooking Class
Am I going to get sick of saying this is one of the best cooking classes in Hanoi? Maybe… but it’s true again! Hoang’s cooking class has very consistent high reviews and follows the same tried and tested itinerary of all of the best cooking classes in Hanoi above.
No transportation is included, you only get 2 drinks and the price is a little above the decent prices. If you’re not a big drinker and you are staying in Old Town then this is a great option.
Take a look at prices and reviews here.
Roll With Locals
The last on this list of the best cooking classes in Hanoi. Roll with locals is a little more expensive than some of the others on this list however it does come with something a little different; a cyclo tour of the streets on your way to the market walk.
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I think this is an interesting thing to include in the class and it might be the perfect selling point for you. I would prefer to have free beer and drop off at the class but if you’re not a drinker and you were planning on jumping on one of the local bike guides then this might be a great way to combine both activities.
Take a look at Roll With Locals here.
What To Expect On Cooking Classes In Hanoi
If you have had a read through all of the above then I’m sure you already know exactly what I am going to say. However, this is the generally accepted itinerary for all of the cooking classes in Hanoi.
- Market Visit – 30 mins.
- Cooking Class – 3.5 hours.
Other activities might be included like a cyclo tour through the streets or transport to and from your hotel.
During the class, you will help the group (if you are not in a private class) prepare the food for the eventual cooking.
Depending on the class, you will then get to cook your food, either on a bbq or a stove. A lot of the work for serving and preparation will be done by background staff but this is usually welcomed as it includes things like washing up etc.
When the food is served and ready to eat, you will then be given alcoholic beverages (if included) to enjoy your meal with.
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Packing List Essentials
Other Things To Do In Hanoi
Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip
I absolutely love the Old Town and hustle and bustle of Hanoi, however, even for me, it can get a bit much after a few days. This is where this experience comes in! You will be taken out of the city and take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
If this sounds like your kind of thing then check out the price and reviews here.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
When you come to Hanoi you simply have to check out the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (a bit of a mouthful). It is an ancient form of storytelling that is well worth enjoying. You can pre-book your tickets here or save some money and get them at the venue on the day.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is probably the most famous thing to do in Hanoi and you should definitely visit it when you are here. You will have to jump on a boat if you want to experience Halong bay at its fullest and there are a couple of ways to do this. You can get a single day tour or a multi-day tour on a luxury boat.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Halong Bay Day Tour
I highly recommend at least checking out both options as it will be the highlight of your trip. Check out our article reviewing our experience of a luxury Halong Bay trip. If you’re looking for a hotel instead, read our post about the best accommodation in Ha Long Bay.
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Hanoi Old Town
This is where most of the cooking classes in Hanoi are actually located so you should definitely make the most of your time in Old Town by exploring it.
Hanoi Old Town is actually my favourite place in all of Vietnam. You can walk around all the tight winding streets and find hidden gems everywhere you go and be part of this almost living organic place. It’s a maze of streets that you’ll never understand but that’s the beauty of it.
One second you’ll be in a hip bar overlooking the road sipping $4 cocktails and then 10 seconds down the road, you’ll be on plastic chairs on the street drinking a cool 25-cent beer.
It is also the location of the famous Hanoi night market. Check out our full guide to the market here.
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Where To Stay In Hanoi
This is an easy one. Stay in the Old Town. This is where all of the cooking classes in Hanoi (and the majority of all the other attractions) are so it’s not just the best place to stay but it’s also the most convenient. Here are a few of our top picks.
Budget – Old Quarter View Hostel
If you’re looking for a hostel then the Old Quarter View Hostel is the best in all of Hanoi in my opinion. It has all of the facilities you would expect, clean bathrooms, good clean rooms and comfortable bunks. It only has mixed dorms so if you are looking for single-gender rooms then look here.
Hotel – Hanoi Hotel Royal
There are many worthy hotels in Hanoi that deserve your attention but I cannot put them all in here! The Hanoi Hotel Royal is a very highly rated and affordable option that really ticks every box. The victorian decor is one of the nicest things about the place and really adds a bit of class.
It is also in a great location to jump on one of these cooking classes in Hanoi.
Boutique – Oriana Boutique Hotel & Spa
We all love a boutique hotel with its personal touches and gorgeous furnishings. But when you couple that with an insane customer rating and a sap then you have something special.
Take a look at Oriana Boutique Hotel & Spa as me describing it will not do it justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Cooking Classes In Hanoi?
I think the best is Rose Garden Cooking Class. It is one of the most affordable, has transport included as well as all alcoholic beverages and the chefs are amazing.
Are The Cooking Classes In Hanoi Worth It?
I personally loved our cooking class experience and I think it is always a good activitiy wherever you are. If you are in Hanoi then I highly recommend jumping on one of the cooking classes in this article.
How Long Are Cooking Classes In Hanoi?
They are usually 3-4 hours long.
Should I Take Kids On A Cooking Class In Hanoi?
Most of the cooking classes would not really be suitable for any child under 10 in my experience. You can certainly do (check the classes rules) but I don’t recommend it.
Is The Alcohol Free On Cooking Classes In Hanoi?
Depends on the class but quite a few of the cooking classes in Hanoi have free flow beer throughout.
So that’s our top list of cooking classes in Hanoi. If I haven’t convinced you to book yourself on one yet then I never will! Let us know in the comments if you think we have hit the nail on the head with Rose Garden or if you think you know a better class!