Review Author: Jessica Bajao

Review Date: 02 apr 2026

Review Body: Had such a fun and memorable cooking class with Dining with Locals here in Hanoi! Our chef, Jessie, was an absolute gem—super knowledgeable, engaging, and effortlessly funny, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and welcoming from start to finish. We kicked things off with a mini market tour where Jessie walked us through how to choose the freshest and best ingredients. Honestly, I learned so many practical tips I wouldn’t have picked up on my own. Then back in the kitchen, he guided us step by step in making some Vietnamese classics: pho, green papaya salad, fresh spring rolls, and even authentic Vietnamese coffee. What really stood out was how considerate he was—he made sure our vegetarian classmates were fully included by preparing thoughtful alternative options for them, which we really appreciated Everything was hands-on, easy to follow, and incredibly rewarding (plus, the food turned out amazing!). If you’re in Hanoi and looking for an experience that’s both fun and genuinely enriching, I’d highly recommend this. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Riley

Review Date: 09 mrt 2024

Review Body: Our group had a fantastic interactive experience with Lyon - it was a well-paced, enjoyable, and intriguing evening. We decided to book this for a party of 12 as a refreshing change from the usual restaurant dinner, and it exceeded our expectations. The location was intimate and cozy, and we felt warmly welcomed upon arrival. Once we began the dinner preparation, we found the pace to be just right. We had a delightful time creating starters and the main course together while listening to Lyon explaining the stories behind each dish. There was always something to do, and everyone had the chance to contribute without feeling rushed. Lyon and Ethan, our hosts, were outstanding - they made the experience both educational and fun, guiding us through the cooking process with humor and expertise. Despite our involvement in the preparation, the food turned out to be incredibly tasty!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kyra and Family

Review Date: 05 feb 2025

Review Body: This was a delightful afternoon and evening experience for our family of four. Ethan is an exceptional teacher. He was a delight to speak to about any and everything connected to Vietnam, food, and more. As he was fluent in English we were so grateful to be able to speak at such length and learn so much--a real bonus for us who know no Vietnamese. The food we created was delicious, and Ethan made the experience interactive from start to finish. Above and beyond was the way he engaged our two children, age 10 and 13. They felt so comfortable with him and were provided with tasks that fit their skill level and taught them new cooking techniques.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Camille

Review Date: 05 mei 2026

Review Body: It was a great experience! We had Jesse bring us around and he was so full of knowledge that he was happy to share with us. He was also very knowledgeable about the food that he was teaching us about. Because it was a small group, we were able to choose what food we wanted to make for the class, but were also told this wasn’t common and for the bigger groups, there’ll be a set menu. The market can be quite warm, so just be in shorts and tshirt for it. The cooking area has a fan and is airy, so you won’t feel too stuffy. Overall, I would highly recommend this experience!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Laura

Review Date: 28 mei 2024

Review Body: If you're looking for more than just a simple meal at a restaurant, this tour is the way to go. The market tour was a fantastic introduction to Vietnamese laypeople's lives, the cooking class was held in a beautiful setting, and the quality of the food we prepared was exceptional. The free wines were also great. We tried out apricot and silkworm wines, which we had never seen before and it was great and made the night even more special.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Katy Wade

Review Date: 23 okt 2024

Review Body: I liked that the cooking class started with a market tour and explain action of some ingredients. The class was in a nice setting and the food was tasty served with samples of rice wine if you want. Make sure you eat before it starts because it’s a few hours before you actually eat any food and you’ll get hungry preparing everything. great communication from the seek Sophie team from the start. preparing everything.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ali Mccoll

Review Date: 15 jan 2026

Review Body: We loved this cooking class. Highly recommend it not only for cooking but learning more anout Vietnamese life. Our chef took us to the market and talked to us about all the ingredients. She was so knowledgeable, cheerful and professional. We learnt how to make 4 dishes and sat down together at the end pf the class to enjoy them. They were delicious. We will definitely be trying them out at home.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jaymie Wade

Review Date: 20 aug 2025

Review Body: Very very fun afternoon spent with Jesse as our guide! Started with a tour around a local market and then a short car ride to the cooking studio. Once there we were shown how to cook a range of traditional Vietnamese dishes! Honestly such a worthwhile experience and very happy with all the knowledge we gained from Jesse! The egg coffee demonstration was amazing with an eggscelent end result

Review rating: 5

Review Author: George H.

Review Date: 20 apr 2024

Review Body: Both of our hosts, Lyon and Ethan, were exceptionally professional and accommodating. The food they prepared was out of this world. Other guests were thoroughly impressed with the unique concept of Dine with locals, the delicious food, the stories and the connection made through your meals. Once again thank you for making our vacation in Hanoi an incredibly enjoyable trip.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Johnny Vineyard

Review Date: 27 mei 2026

Review Body: Sourcing fresh ingredients at the local street market followed by cooking in a beautiful, high-ambience home was a brilliant experience. The scratch-made Pho and spring rolls were top-tier, and the papaya salad was incredibly refreshing in the heat. Huge shoutout to Chef Mango, who was deeply knowledgeable, fun, and kept a big group perfectly on track. A great day out!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lisandra

Review Date: 28 mei 2024

Review Body: We visited a local wet market and learned how to pick the ingredients guided by our host. Back at the kitchen, we got to learn how to make Vietnamese dishes and it was a lot of fun. The best part was probably the free beverages. We were parched after all of the activities and something to drink with our meals was really appreciated. Great experience!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Maya

Review Date: 12 mrt 2024

Review Body: This experience exceeded our expectations in every way! Lyon and Ethan were not only skilled hosts but also fantastic chefs, guiding us through the cooking process with ease and humor. The highlight, of course, was the delicious meal we created together. It was a truly memorable experience and we learned a lot about Vietnam as a country.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Gareth

Review Date: 28 mei 2024

Review Body: I was blown away by the depth of knowledge shared during the Dine With Locals cooking class. We gained insights into the unique flavors and techniques that frankly speaking we never really thought about. The explanations about the cultural significance of ingredients added so much value to the experience. Highly recommend!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Anna

Review Date: 28 mei 2024

Review Body: The personalized attention was outstanding. Everything from our car ride to the market tour to our meal was carefully planned and communicated. The fresh and local ingredients made the meals tasted so good. Can't remember the last time I had something that fresh. Highly recommended for Vietnamese food lovers!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jun

Review Date: 05 jul 2025

Review Body: Our cheerful host, Cherry, brought us on a really enjoyable experience exploring the wet market and patiently guiding us on the various methods used in, as well as some of the history behind Vietnamese cuisine! The cooking studio was bright and spacious, and we cooked up a feast!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Megan

Review Date: 02 apr 2026

Review Body: The whole process was smooth and friendly from start to finish. Chef Jessie was wonderful. He would answer any questions. I enjoyed visiting the market and deciding on the meal. But making the meals and sharing with a group of people from all over the world was the best.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Alyssa

Review Date: 15 nov 2025

Review Body: Perfect balance of complex flavors and fun! Absolutely delicious food and wonderful time with cooking with our Head Chef Mango. I learned so much about Vietnamese food culture and history. Her cheerful personality made me feel like part of her family. Highly recommend!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Nur

Review Date: 29 dec 2025

Review Body: The experience was amazing. For me, someone who does not know how to cook it was very easy to follow and understand. And the recipes used for the food and the egg coffee (wasnt too sweet) was EXCELLENT! I loved every bit of it. Highly recommended to try this.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Chelsea S.

Review Date: 13 mei 2026

Review Body: Amazing cooking class in Hanoi ! We visited the local market before learning how to make delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes with Jesse, including papaya salad, pho, and fresh summer rolls. Super fun, authentic experience and great food !

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lauren

Review Date: 30 jul 2026

Review Body: The food was delicious, the instructions of what and how to do everything was super clear and Hazel gave us great insight into why they cook things the way they do. All in all a great and delicious experience, come hungry.

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Market tour, culture exchange, cooking class, and traditional Vietnamese meal sharing.

Itinerary Description: Meeting Point: 1 O Quan Chuong Street, just right in the middle of the Old Quarter. Our chef will contact you and confirm again once he/she meets you. Morning (09:00 – 13:00)/ Afternoon (15:00 – 19:00) MARKET TOUR: 40 Minutes Your activity will start with a guided tour of Dong Xuan bustling morning market. Engage with friendly local vendors, and sample seasonal fruits, and aromatic spices as your guide shares insights into the region's traditional dishes. CULINARY CULTURE EXCHANGE & COOKING: 1 Hours 30 Minutes After exploring the market, visit a local home for an interactive cooking session where you will get to learn about the cultural significance of Vietnamese cuisine and the stories behind the dishes served. Engage in conversation with your hosts, exchanging stories and gaining a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese culture and family traditions. Experience Hanoi's genuine warmth and hospitality as your hosts welcome you into their homes and share their culinary traditions. While there will be opportunities to participate in some aspects of preparing the meal, like chopping vegetables or preparing ingredients, the emphasis is on cultural exchange and enjoying the experience. This is a fantastic option for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese life and food culture without a heavy focus on hands-on cooking. SAVOUR THE FRUIT OF YOUR CULINARY LABOUR: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Once your culinary creations are complete, gather around the table to enjoy a delightful meal with your fellow travellers and gracious local hosts. Exchange stories, cultural insights, and laughter as you relish the flavours of your dishes alongside traditional accompaniments. DROP-OFF: 20 Minutes