Hiens Kitchen-Vietnamese Homestyle Cooking Class and Market Tour

Hien’s Kitchen offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant culinary culture of Vietnam. Hosted by a local expert, this hands-on cooking class and market tour promises a delightful experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Participants will venture into a bustling market, select the freshest ingredients, and then learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes, such as pork rolled in piper lolots and caramel pork with quail eggs. The class culminates in a satisfying meal, where the fruits of one’s labor are savored alongside a tasting of beloved street food. For those seeking an unforgettable gastronomic journey, Hien’s Kitchen is a tempting invitation.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Vietnamese cooking class hosted by Hien in Hanoi, featuring hands-on preparation of pork dishes, market tour, and street food tasting.
• Diverse menu includes pork rolled in piper lolots, caramel pork with quail eggs, and fried pork with five-spice powder, along with other meat and seafood options.
• Private class experience with knowledgeable host, Hien, including transportation, lunch or dinner, and exploration of local ingredients and flavors.
• Cooking class and market tour accessible to a range of guests, with accommodation for dietary restrictions and special needs.
• Booking options include flexible cancellation policy and payment plan, providing an immersive and convenient Vietnamese culinary experience.

Class Overview and Menu

The cooking class is hosted by Cook with Hien in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The sample menu features a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including pork rolled in piper lolots, caramel pork with quail eggs, and fried pork with five-spice powder.

Guests can also expect tofu stuffed with meat and mushroom, sweet and sour pork ribs, and stir-fried shrimp with vegetables.

The class includes beer, water, coffee, tea, and seasonal fruits.

The experience offers a private cooking session with Hien, a street food tasting, and a market tour.

Inclusions and Experience

Alongside the delectable menu, the cooking class with Hien offers a well-rounded experience. Guests can expect:

• A private cooking class led by the knowledgeable host, Hien
• A lunch or dinner featuring the dishes prepared during the class
• A street food tasting to sample local flavors
• A market tour to explore the vibrant local produce and ingredients
• Convenient transportation from your hotel to Hien’s house and back

The class promises an immersive glimpse into Vietnam’s rich culinary traditions, complemented by Hien’s warm hospitality and expertise.

With dietary accommodations available, this experience caters to a range of preferences and needs.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Participants meet at 73/12 Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, the designated meeting point.

From there, the group will be transported to the host’s house where the cooking class and market tour take place.

At the conclusion of the experience, guests are returned to the original meeting point.

The transportation costs around 2USD-5USD per person and is arranged via Grab, a popular ride-hailing service in Vietnam.

This pickup and drop-off system ensures a convenient and seamless experience for all participants.

Accessibility and Dietary Needs

The cooking class and market tour offered by Cook with Hien are accessible to a wide range of guests.

The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome. It’s conveniently located near public transportation, making it easily accessible.

While infants must sit on laps, dietary accommodations are available for food allergies, gluten-free, and other dietary needs.

However, the hosts don’t offer vegan or vegetarian cooking classes at this time.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Dietary accommodations available

Booking Details

Guests receive confirmation upon booking the cooking class and market tour with Cook with Hien. The experience is a private tour, exclusively for the group. Prices start from $42.00 per person.

Guests have the option to reserve now and pay later. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the class.

The cooking class and market tour provide an immersive Vietnamese culinary experience, from browsing the local market to learning traditional recipes in Hien’s home kitchen.

With a range of menu options and dietary accommodations, the class caters to diverse preferences, ensuring a personalized and memorable cooking adventure in Hanoi.

Pork Rolled in Piper Lolots

Cha la lot, or pork rolled in piper lolots, is a beloved Vietnamese dish that guests will have the opportunity to prepare during the cooking class.

This traditional dish features seasoned ground pork wrapped in lolot leaves, which impart a unique, earthy flavor.

During the class, you will learn the technique of carefully rolling the pork and leaves to create the perfect bite-sized parcels. The dish is then pan-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Guests can expect to learn:

• The proper selection and preparation of lolot leaves
• Seasoning and mixing the pork filling
• Efficient rolling and wrapping techniques
• Cooking methods for achieving the desired texture
• Plating and presentation for a visually appealing dish

Caramel Pork and Quail Eggs

Caramel pork and quail eggs, known as Thit kho trung, is a classic Vietnamese dish that combines savory, sweet, and umami flavors.

Caramelized pork belly is simmered in a sauce made with fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar, resulting in a rich, sticky glaze.

Soft-boiled quail eggs add a luxurious element, providing a creamy contrast to the tender pork.

This dish is often served over steamed rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to soak into each bite.

Its balance of flavors and textures makes it a beloved comfort food in Vietnamese cuisine.

Fried Pork With Five-Spice Powder

Crispy and aromatic, the fried pork with five-spice powder, or Thit ran ngu vi huong, is a beloved Vietnamese dish that tantalizes the senses.

This savory delight features:

• Juicy pork shoulder, seasoned with a blend of fragrant spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and Szechuan peppercorns
• A light and airy batter that creates a satisfying crunch when fried to perfection
• Aromatic garlic, shallots, and chili peppers that add depth and complexity to the dish
• A sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions and cilantro for a pop of color and freshness
• The option to serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a fulfilling and well-balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Cooking Class?

The class is private, so there is no specific maximum group size stated. However, it’s likely designed to accommodate smaller, intimate groups to provide a personalized cooking experience with the host, Hien.

Are Vegetable-Based Dishes Included in the Menu?

The menu does not appear to include any vegetable-based dishes. According to the information provided, the class focuses on various meat and protein-based Vietnamese dishes, with no mention of vegetarian or vegan options being offered.

Is the Host Fluent in English?

The host, Hien, is fluent in English and can comfortably communicate with guests throughout the cooking class. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants who do not speak Vietnamese.

Can Children Participate in the Cooking Class?

Children can participate in the cooking class. The class is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Dietary accommodations are available for various dietary needs.

Is There an Option to Take the Class in the Evening?

The class is offered both during the day and evening. Guests can choose the timing that best fits their schedule, with the evening option allowing for a more relaxed dining experience after the cooking lesson.

Recap

Hien’s Kitchen offers a unique opportunity to take in Vietnamese culinary traditions. The hands-on cooking class and vibrant market tour provide a captivating cultural experience, allowing participants to learn authentic recipes and savor delectable dishes like pork rolled in piper lolots and caramel pork with quail eggs. It’s a must-try for foodies seeking a genuine taste of Vietnamese home-style cooking.