Let's Get Cooking
Vietnamese cuisine must be on one of the healthiest cuisnes in the world.
Relying on rice, fresh vegetables and herbs, the average Vietnamese meal consists of a bowl of rice combined with a serving of meat, a side dish of vegetables and herbs, and a small bowl of soup.
If you are 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.
If you like something a bit spicier then you will probabaly prefer 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 interested in learning how to cook some of these Vietnamese dishes though, there are a number of cooking classes around Saigon 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
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
Connections Cooking Classes -
Connections is a website that aims to introduce visitor's to Vietnamese culture and living by arranging for local student volunteers to act as guides.
By acting as go betweens, Connections tries to give visitors to Saigon a more authentic and less touristy experience.
As part of this Connections also offer cooking classes.
Starting at 8am your student guide will take you to the market before taking you to your chief's house, where you will cook and then consume a selection of Vietnamese dishes.
Email - info@connectionsvietnam.com
Website - www.connectionsvietnam.com
Cooking Classes at Hoa Tuc Restaurant -
Located in an old opium refinery five minutes walk from the Oprah House, Hoa Tuc Restaurant serves contemporary cuisine in a stylish laid-back environemnt.
For all the cooking enthusiasts out there, Hoa Tuc Restaurant also offers Vietnamese cooking classes twice a day from Monday to Saturday.
Three house long, you will learn to make a three course meal during the class consisting of a roll and its sauce, a salad and a hot dish.
Classes range in size from two to three people, and cost US$45.
You need to book 24 hours in advance.
Hoa Tuc Retaurant
74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Dist 1
Tel: 3 825 84 85
Fax: 3 825 16 77
Email - contact@saigoncookingclass.com
Website - www.saigoncookingclass.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