Traveling Spoon was an ideal way to break free of the typical tourist experience and see a piece of the country (Vietnam) from a local's perspective.

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Cooking Experience

Market Tour

I spent about three weeks traveling through SE Asia and can easily say that my Traveling Spoon experience was the best part of my trip. Our host family in Hanoi was extremely hospitable and friendly. They taught us how to cook three dishes (main course, side vegetable salad, and dessert) and fed us until we were stuffed. I would have eaten more, but I could not physically do it. The fish we made was the best thing I ate on the entire trip. Our interactions with the Traveling Spoon staff were also top notch. I would use this service again in a second!

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Cooking Experience

Market Tour

Friendly people with good grasp of English. Chi cooked a variety of local dishes that were very tasty and accommodating to our food restrictions (allergies). She, her husband, and her friend happily spoke to us about living in Saigon, the local customs, and the cuisine.

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Cooking Experience

Market Tour

I did not cook with Maia. However I spent some time with her during the housewarming she invited me too (the reason she couldn't accept my request). So this review is about Maia herself. Maia is extremely friendly and hospitable: she threw her house open to a group of strangers with no material incentive. She is both curious and knowledgeable about food and It's preparation. I loved spending time talking to her about Hanoi and Vietnam's culture (both food and general), and got a great deal out of the encounter even without cooking.

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Cooking Experience

Market Tour

Learn to cook two dishes in your 2-hour hands-on cooking class with Son. Firstly, learn to make a Vietnamese fish sauce dipping (nuoc mam cham) – you will use a recipe passed down from Son’s mother, her secret recipe, that ensures the dipping sauce remains unfermented for a long time. Then learn to make Vietnamese noodle spring rolls and a sweet tangy sauce (bún chả giò) – this again, is a special recipe that originates from Son’s hometown. Or then you can learn to cook Vietnamese rice porridge with chicken salad (chao goi ga) – the beloved chicken duo that claims the center at Son’s dinner table! After cooking, join Son at the table and share the meal you helped prepare.

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Cooking Experience

Market Tour

I loved cooking and chatting with Diep and hanging out with her parents as well. Diep is a lovely person, very easy to talk with. And she did a nice job including me in the preparation of our meal and explaining all the ingredients and preparations. We had so much delicious food! Diep's parents speak less English but were also super kind. Overall a fabulous way to enjoy Danang food and culture.

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Cooking Experience

Market Tour

I highly recommend this Hoi An cooking class with Linh. It was undoubtedly the best Vietnamese food we ate in the whole of Vietnam, on our two week trip there. I had the biggest smile on my face when I had this experience with my best friend and I have the biggest smile on my face now while writing this review, reliving the wonderful day. It's the perfect experience for anyone who is curious about Vietnamese food, culture and cuisine. You will not just leave with your stomachs full but would have learned so much about the people, culture, ingredients and how truly special it is to be invited into a local's home and have them share their heritage with you! Linh picked us up at our hotel, she then shared with us a menu where we could choose any four dishes that we would like to learn to cook. After selecting our dishes we arrived at Hoi An Central market where we were given the beautiful Vietnamese conical hat and basket to begin our shopping adventure. This is a farmers market, where you will mostly find locals buying fresh, seasonal produce. Depending on the dishes we chose, Linh guided us with the ingredients we needed to buy, all while explaining to us where it comes from, its significance in Vietnamese cooking and how to choose the freshest ingredients. We bought fresh herbs, vegetables, meat and spices and even tried some local fruits and shared a Vietnamese coffee before heading to Linh's home. The journey to her home was wonderful, we go to see another side of Hoi An, all while hearing fun stories about Linh and her family. Upon arrival we were greeted by Linh's sister and husband, who offered us a refreshment before we went to her beautiful, professional level kitchen for our Hoi An cooking class. In 2 hours, we prepared four dishes from scratch - a private, hands-on experience, which is suitable for all - beginners, professionals, families, couples and even children. I did the cooking class with my best friend and it was the most unique experience we have had together, we often reminisce about it, it was truly the highlight of our trip! Now coming to the best part, sharing the dishes we helped prepare, undoubtedly the best cao lau and banh xeo in Vietnam. And the grilled lemongrass fish in banana leaves was the most flavorful fish dish I've ever eaten! I cannot wait to re-create it, Linh even shared a recipe book with us, so it will not be difficult. This is an unmissable experience in Hoi An, a must do on every traveler's list. The best Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An to learn local, traditional dishes from an expert! Thank you so much Linh, this Vietnamese cooking class is truly unforgettable and so memorable!

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Cooking Experience

Market Tour

Our party of 4 was warmly greeted upon our prompt arrival at Lua’s lovely apartment. She had everything perfectly prepared to lead us through a hands on meal preparation and skillfully directed us through the process explaining how and why each part was done. The 5 of us then shared a delightful meal while learning about Lau and her experiences growing up and working in Vietnam. We all were enthralled with her and the experience.Jack, Anne, Carol & Jon - Denver, Colorado & Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Cooking Experience

Market Tour

Food Tour

Join My for an unforgettable hands-on cooking class in Hoi An, where you'll learn to make three authentic Vietnamese dishes from scratch. Choose your dishes in advance from an extensive menu, and discover local ingredients, cooking techniques, and the culinary traditions of Vietnam. In the warm ambiance of her cooking studio, My will guide you through each step of preparing an authentic Vietnamese meal, sharing stories and anecdotes along the way. With a focus on simple, easy-to-find ingredients, traditional recipes passed down from her grandmother and mother, and high-quality spices, you’ll gain the skills to recreate these authentic dishes at home. This 2-hour cooking class offers a truly immersive experience in Vietnamese food and culture. Perfect for food lovers and travelers eager to learn traditional Vietnamese cooking in Hoi An and explore the culture through food.

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Cooking Experience

Do Tam is wonderful beyond words! We started with a smile and a walk to a street market near her home. First thing, she bought us each a glass of sugar cane juice. We live in Hawaii, and are no strangers to sugar cane, but this was so different and delicious. The market was vibrant and very local. Scooters whizzed around us, and Tam introduced us to local fruits, vegetables and wares offered in the market along with pointing out temples and pagodas. She was very patient with our questions and endless photo taking. Afterwards, we went to her cute, well organized apartment and met her four “naughty dogs”. We talked easily as she explained her cooking style and got us started on cleaning the prawns. We talked, cooked and ate our way through the afternoon. I highly recommend booking a class with her, you will walk away with a new friend in Vietnam. This was our first Traveling Spoon experience, and will not be the last!

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Cooking Experience

Market Tour