Our review of a Saigon cooking class in Ho Chi Minh (with kids), Vietnam. The journey to Mr Tan’s farm and Vietnamese cooking school near Ho Chi Minh City begins with a fascinating trip through the moped-filled streets of Saigon. Being picked up from our hotel we head off into the city – a vibrant, fast-paced destination where traffic flows in every direction imaginable and the only thing to do is go with it. If you’re looking for a Saigon cooking class in Ho chi Minh on a trip to Vietnam with kids, read on for all the details.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
Getting there
We drive through the city, across intersections which seem to have cross traffic flowing at all times. And we weave and dodge across narrow roads and out over bridges across bustling rivers. The idea of a peaceful farm seems a million miles away.
But only an hour out of the city the traffic dies away and the skyscrapers are replaced with wooden and tin constructions in among concrete and brick homes.
Down a short dirt track we pull up at a small farm boarded by a series of buildings. And spot the large open air kitchen where we’ll be preparing our dishes.
Mr Tan – Saigon cooking class Ho Chi Minh (with kids), Vietnam
Our morning session with Mr Tan, a famous face on Vietnamese TV cooking shows, begins with a tour of the farm’s crop fields. We’ll be spending an hour here. Learning first-hand how rice grows and when is the best time to pick it, and collecting all the vegetables and fruits we’ll be needing for the four recipes we will be preparing.
As we pass through the fields Mr Tan stops us and quizzes us in his fun and friendly way. About the plants we come across (none of our group could guess the peanut plant).
In one makeshift barn we discover bags hanging from the ceiling. Each of which is producing the most beautiful oyster mushrooms, which Mr Tan tells us is part of his family’s farming heritage.
With baskets brimming with fresh veggies and herbs all picked from the farm fields along with a large ripe papaya freshly plucked from the tree we head into the covered outdoor Vietnamese cooking class kitchen.
We’re joined by Mr Tan’s team. A fellow traveller and a chef in training who wants to open a Pho restaurant in Japan.
Making sauces – learning authentic Vietnamese recipes
Together we all follow Mr Tan as he guides us through his step by step programme. We quickly produce tasty sauces for our dishes, including vegetarian and vegan Vietnamese options.
Cooking up different dishes – Saigon cooking class Ho Chi Minh (with kids), Vietnam
Soon we got the knack of sauces. And we moved on to making our own delicious hot Banh Mi (tasty warm filled baguettes). As well as stir fries with mock meats and sticky veggie-beef dishes.
We finished with the most delicious sweet pancakes filled with bananas, sesame and peanuts – a perfect example of traditional Vietnamese desserts..
With children – is this cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City good for kids?
I was really impressed with our eldest son at nine years old who had his own cook station. He was assisted by Mr Tan’s helpers who guided him with his knife skills and prepping his veggies.
It was great to see him keeping up with the adults and really enjoying the food he had prepared all by himself.
The dishes we made were all incredibly tasty. After our morning session I was pleased with how much I remembered from the recipes. Even long after I can still recall the ingredients and measurements.
It must be down to Mr Tan’s method of instruction. Guiding us simply and calmly through the preparation.
I was also pleased to find I was able to find the ingredients once back at home. So we can whip up a Vietnamese meal inspired by our cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City..
Our thoughts on this Saigon cooking class Ho Chi Minh (with kids), Vietnam
We loved this day of cooking and exploration of Vietnamese food. It was one of the highlights of our trip and my son still talks about it.
If you’re travelling to this area of Vietnam we whole-heartedly recommend family-friendly Saigon cooking class and farm experience near Ho Chi Minh City.
Whether you’re visiting Vietnam with kids or simply want an authentic cultural activity, this Vietnamese cooking class is a fantastic way to learn, cook, and eat like a local.
Find out more here.
Tips for booking a Vietnamese cooking class in Saigon
If you’re planning to book a cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your experience:
- Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as popular classes can fill up quickly
- Check whether transport is included from your hotel
- Look for classes that offer hands-on cooking rather than demonstrations only
- Ask if dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be catered for
- Choose a class that includes a market visit or farm tour for a more authentic experience
Reading reviews can also help you find the best cooking classes in Saigon for families.
FAQ – Saigon cooking class Ho Chi Minh City (with kids)
Is a cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City suitable for children?
Yes, many cooking classes in Saigon are family-friendly and suitable for children. This particular class was excellent for kids, with support from staff and hands-on activities to keep them engaged.
How long does a Saigon cooking class last?
Most cooking classes in Ho Chi Minh City last between 3–6 hours, depending on whether a market visit or farm tour is included. Our experience was a half-day session.
Do I need cooking experience to join a Vietnamese cooking class?
Not at all. These classes are designed for beginners as well as more experienced cooks, with step-by-step guidance throughout.
What dishes will I learn to cook?
This depends on the class, but common dishes include pho, spring rolls, banh mi, and Vietnamese pancakes. Many classes also include desserts.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, most cooking classes in Saigon offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives, and our class included several plant-based options.
Is it worth doing a cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City?
Absolutely. A Vietnamese cooking class is one of the best ways to experience local culture, learn new skills, and enjoy authentic food during your trip.
Read more of our posts from Vietnam –
Find our Ultimate guide to Vietnam with kids and also our feature on the Best things to do in Hoi An with kids.
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