Vegetarian lessons start with the market. In Hoi An, this 3-hour class with Chef Thanh pairs a hands-on menu with an optional local grocery stop, and you’ll follow step-by-step instructions to cook 4 dishes. I like how the market ingredients connect directly to what you end up cooking, but I’d make sure your vegetarian (or vegan) preferences are clearly stated when you book.

The pacing is friendly for a short trip: optional hotel pickup, a simple start with a welcome drink, then cooking, eating, and back again. It’s also taught in English, which makes a big difference when you’re trying to copy techniques, not just taste food. One consideration: this isn’t designed for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Key points at a glance

• Chef Thanh teaches step-by-step so you can cook, not just watch
• Optional market trip helps you choose fresh ingredients for vegetarian Vietnamese dishes
• Four dishes in one class gives you variety without making the session too long
• Meal included (lunch or dinner depending on your slot) so you eat what you make
• English-speaking format makes questions easy and useful
• Pickup/drop-off in Hoi An is optional, which simplifies logistics

Vegetarian cooking that starts in the real market

Hoi An’s vegetarian food scene makes more sense after you see where ingredients come from. This class is built around the idea that good vegetarian cooking in Vietnam isn’t about substitution—it’s about using the right produce, herbs, and flavor builders so dishes still taste like Vietnam.

I especially like the direct line between shopping and cooking. You don’t just arrive hungry and hope for the best. You learn what to look for when you’re choosing ingredients, then you use them soon after. That makes the lesson feel practical, not theoretical.

The other thing I like: the chef isn’t only there to teach recipes. Chef Thanh (the English-speaking Master Chef) is known for explaining clearly from scratch. And if you want the class to lean more vegan, you can ask for adjustments—great for people who want their dining style to match their values and comfort level.

One possible drawback to keep in mind: a vegetarian menu can get miscommunicated. When that happens, you want the kitchen to improvise quickly and still feed you well. The fix is simple—confirm your dietary needs during booking.

Meeting point and the 3-hour rhythm in Hoi An

This experience runs about 3 hours, so it’s a solid half-morning or half-afternoon plan. If you’re staying in the Hoi An area, you can choose optional pickup and drop-off, which helps if you don’t want to navigate local streets before cooking.

If you’re meeting directly, the meeting point is at 46 Huynh Thi Luu street, Hoi An. You should also have a WhatsApp contact for easy coordination. That matters because timing in Hoi An can be flexible—especially when the class includes an optional market stop.

The typical flow looks like this:

1) Pickup (optional) and travel to the market (optional)

2) Cooking class setup with a welcome drink

3) Cooking with the chef’s step-by-step guidance

4) You eat what you cooked

5) Return to your hotel (optional)

This structure is easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. You’re not committing to a full afternoon, and you don’t end up with that awkward “what now?” gap afterward.

Market trip: choosing fresh ingredients for vegetarian Vietnamese dishes

The optional market stop is one of the smartest parts of the experience. It’s not a sightseeing detour. It’s where you learn how locals shop—quickly, practically, and based on what looks fresh and ready to use.

You’ll practice choosing ingredients meant for vegetarian dishes. That might sound obvious, but there’s a difference between buying produce for a salad and buying produce to cook into Vietnamese flavors. You learn what qualities matter for vegetables, herbs, and other key components used in the dishes you’ll make later.

I also like that the market stop (when you take it) helps you understand the logic behind the meal. Vegetarian Vietnamese cooking often relies on layering flavors: herbs for freshness, vegetables for texture, and ingredient choices that support that balance. Seeing the ingredients in the market makes that logic stick.

A quick practical note: markets mean walking and standing for short stretches. Wear comfortable shoes and keep your clothes light and flexible. And since pets and large bags aren’t allowed, keep your load small.

The cooking class: how Chef Thanh teaches 4 dishes

Back in the kitchen, you get a welcome drink and time to settle in. Then you join the cooking class where Chef Thanh teaches you 4 local vegetarian dishes. The big value here is the format: step-by-step instruction, plus time for questions.

This class works well if you’re a beginner. You’re not expected to know Vietnamese cooking terms or already have a knife-and-stove routine. You follow the chef’s approach, and you get guidance while you cook, not after you mess up.

What you learn usually falls into three categories:

• Technique: how to handle ingredients and build flavor step by step
• Timing: when each component goes in, so everything stays in balance
• Taste control: how the dish should smell and taste as you go

Chef Thanh is also a strong communicator in English, which keeps the class from feeling like a cooking show. You can ask questions and adjust what you’re doing in real time.

One more detail worth knowing: the class can be adapted for vegetarian or even vegan preferences. That flexibility is great if you have strong dietary rules. Just be clear when you book so the kitchen can plan the right ingredient set from the start.

Lunch or dinner you made: getting value from the meal

You don’t just cook and leave. You eat. That’s a big reason this type of class feels worth it.

Depending on your time slot, your included meal is either vegetarian lunch (morning slot) or vegetarian dinner (afternoon slot). It’s a simple but smart setup: you get the learning in the morning or late afternoon, and you leave fed.

I also find that tasting what you cooked makes the instructions “click.” When you know what went into the dish, you’re better able to recreate flavors later. It’s not just about satisfaction—it’s about understanding.

A practical consideration: drinks aren’t included. If you like a specific drink with meals, plan ahead. Also, the class is vegetarian-focused, and you should let the operator know about any food allergies before you go.

Price and value: does $27 make sense?

$27 per person for a 3-hour experience sounds like a fair deal when you compare what’s included.

Here’s what your money covers:

• optional pickup/drop-off in Hoi An area
• optional market trip
• English-speaking Master Chef instruction
• welcome drink
• all ingredients for the class
• vegetarian lunch or dinner
• cooking the equivalent of four dishes

In places like Hoi An, you can find “food tours” that mainly walk you through stalls and let you sample. This one is different. You’re doing the work and learning techniques, which is why it can feel more useful than a typical tasting route.

Is it perfect value for everyone? If you hate cooking or are purely interested in eating your way through town, you might find it a bit hands-on. But if you want skills you can repeat at home, this is the kind of class that earns its price.

What to bring, and what to expect in your space

This is a practical activity with simple rules.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes
• comfortable clothes

Not allowed:

• pets
• luggage or large bags

That last part matters more than you’d think. Kitchens and market areas aren’t built for big suitcases. Keep your bag small and easy.

You should also plan for the fact that this class involves some standing and movement. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments based on the activity setup.

Finally, if you’re picky about dietary details—vegetarian vs vegan, or any allergies—communicate early. That’s the easiest way to avoid disappointment if the menu needs adjustment.

Who should book this Hoi An vegetarian cooking class?

I’d put this on your list if you want:

• an English-friendly cooking class in Hoi An
• a chance to learn Vietnamese vegetarian cooking from scratch
• a market-linked experience, so ingredients feel less random
• a short activity that ends with a meal you made

It’s also a good option for food lovers who like structure. The class is timed, guided, and focused on four dishes—so you won’t feel lost.

You might skip it if:

• you want a mostly sightseeing experience with minimal cooking
• you need accessibility accommodations for mobility needs
• you can’t handle basic kitchen logistics (standing/walking, no large bags)

Parents should note that children under 3 are free of charge, but they won’t join the cooking and won’t share services with parents. So plan accordingly if you’re traveling with very young kids.

Should you book this Hoi An Vegetarian Cooking Class?

If you like the idea of learning techniques and then eating a meal you cooked yourself, I think this is a smart pick. The combination of optional market shopping, step-by-step teaching by Chef Thanh, and a full vegetarian meal makes the $27 feel earned rather than inflated.

My main recommendation is simple: when you book, clearly state your vegetarian needs (and vegan if relevant) and flag any allergies. If you do that, you’ll get the experience you came for—four dishes, taught in English, in about three relaxed hours.

FAQ

How long is the cooking class?

The experience runs for about 3 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $27 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off in the Hoi An area are optional and included as part of the activity.

Do you visit a market before cooking?

A local market trip is optional and included in the experience if you choose that option.

How many dishes do you cook?

You’ll be taught how to cook 4 local vegetarian dishes.

What meals are included?

You get a welcome drink and a vegetarian lunch for the morning slot or a vegetarian dinner for the afternoon slot. Drinks beyond that are not included.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Pets are not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not allowed.