There are several restaurants in Hoi An that offer cooking classes, but most of them were only demonstrations or only offered a fixed menu of dishes that didn't really appeal to us. Since we enjoyed Neville's foodie tour so much, we asked for his recommendation for a good cooking class. He recommended Ms. Van from Green Bamboo, and we were lucky enough to make a last minute booking despite it being high season here!
At Green Bamboo, each student picks 1 dish that they would like to learn (from a list of about 40+ items). Like any typical cooking class, we started our day at the market where we bought fresh ingredients for our dish. Van took the time to explain what all the ingredients were and how they are used. She also gave us samples of local fruits and sweets, including some amazing candied coconut strips (Mut Dua).
After the market, we proceeded to Van's house where each student was responsible for preparing and cooking 2 appetizers (Bun Xeo - Vietnamese pancakes, and Salad Rolls), and then our chosen main dish. Van walked around instructing and assisting each of us on what to do.
Here's what we made:
- Green Papaya Salad & Fried Breaded Eggplant (Guy)
- Vegetable Coconut Curry (Dom)
- Fish in Clay Pot (Jen)
Although we didn't cook all 8 of the main courses ourselves, we still got a pretty good idea of how to make the dishes that the other 5 students chose:
- Pho Bo
- Cau Lau
- Pork in Claypot
- BBQ Pork Skewers with Peanut Sauce
- Tofu Vegetable Stirfry
The class lasted almost 7 hours (and, for us, included a new experience of beheading and shelling live shrimp - ick!!).
Unfortunately, since we all snacked on appetizers while preparing our dishes, everyone was so full that we could barely eat the main courses!! But overall it was a great experience! We thoroughly enjoyed the class, food, atmosphere, and amazing home-made peanut liquor that Van treated us to for dessert!!
Here's the website for anyone interested: http://www.greenbamboo-hoian.com/.