Let's Get Cooking!

Vietnamese cuisine relies on rice and fresh vegetables and herbs, making it amongst the healthiest in the world.

The average Vietnamese meal consists of a bowl of rice combined with a serving of meat, a side dish of vegetables and herbs, and fish sauce and soy sauce for dipping. This is usually accompanied by a small bowl of soup.

However if you particularly fond of soups, Vietnam also has a number of exquisite soup meals for you to try. The most famous is Pho, a beef noodle soup with a rich clear broth.

My favorite though is Bun Bo Hue, a mildly spicy beef soup that originates from the old imperial capital of Hue. Both though should be tried at some time during one's holiday.

If you are actually interested in learning how to cook some Vietnamese dishes though, there are a number of cooking classes that you can attend while in Saigon.

Even if you are only staying in Saigon for a couple of days not to worry, some of the classes listed below are organized for people who will only be in Saigon for a day or so.

Vietnamese Cooking Classes

Vietnamese Cooking Classes

Caravelle Hotel Cooking Classes -

The Caravelle Hotel offers one-day cooking classes that are conducted by their executive sous chef Bao Tuan.

Starting at 8am the class travels to Ben Thanh market by cyclo to collect fresh produce before returning to the hotel. Bao Tuan then takes the class through the entire preparation and presentation of an entire menu.

Each class has a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 15. Each class costs about $40 USD plus tax and you must reserve your place in the class at least seven days in advance.

Caravelle Hotel
19 Lam Son Square, Dist 1
Tel: (08) 823 4999
Email: hotel@caravellehotel.vnn.vn
Website: www.caravellehotel.com

L'Oliver Cooking Classes -

L'Oliver is a French restaurant located in Sofitel Plaza on Le Duan, and on the last Wednesday of every month they hold cooking classes.

The classes are run by executive chef Sakal Phoeung, who explains the delights of Provencal cuisine.

The classes end with a three-course lunch with wine and debriefing. The classes have a minimum of two people and cost $40 USD per person. You need to book a week in advance.

Sofitel Plaza
17 Le Duan, Dist 1
Tel: (08) 824 1666

Vietnam Cookery Centre -

Here you can learn to cook some of the most popular Vietnamese dishes. Popular with foreigners, the Vietnam Cookery Centre offers a whole range of courses ranging from a half-day course to an eight-day course.

A half-day course will cost you $33 USD per person, while the full eight-day course costs $160 USD per person. Each person gets their own cooking and work area, and with chef guidance they will have you cooking like a pro in no time.

362/8 Ung Van Khiem, Binh Thanh
Tel: (08) 512 1491
Email: vietnamcookery@expat-services.com
Website: www.expat-services.com