Chef Vu Cooking Class Plus Market Trip in Saigon Center (Pick up by Cyclo)

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of truly tasting Saigon’s vibrant cuisine while getting a behind-the-scenes look at local markets, the Chef Vu Cooking Class Plus Market Trip in Saigon center might be just what you need. This experience combines a lively market stroll, hands-on cooking, and a charming cyclo ride—all in a compact four-hour window.

What really shines here is the personal touch and expert guidance. Chef Vu is praised for making the lessons fun, straightforward, and packed with tips that you can actually use back home. The small group size means plenty of individual attention, which makes the experience feel more like cooking with friends than a typical tour.

However, one thing to consider is the timing—starting early at 8 AM, the tour is perfect for early risers but might feel a bit rushed if you’re a slow mover or late sleeper.

This tour suits adventurous foodies, culture seekers, or anyone wanting a genuine taste of Saigon’s culinary scene with expert guidance and a local vibe.

Key Points

• Authentic local market experience: Learn to shop like a Saigonese at Ben Thanh Market while practicing bargaining skills.
• Hands-on cooking: Prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes, from spring rolls to stewed fish in a clay pot, with detailed guidance from Chef Vu.
• Expert guidance: Chef Vu and his team offer friendly, clear instructions that make even complex dishes approachable.
• Cultural insights: The cyclo ride adds a fun, scenic element and a glimpse into everyday life in Saigon.
• Delicious finale: Enjoy the dishes you’ve cooked served as your lunch, along with traditional egg coffee for dessert.
• Great value: At $46, including market tour, cooking, lunch, cyclo ride, recipes, and a certificate, this experience offers excellent bang for your buck.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

The day kicks off bright and early at 8:00 AM with a 30-minute cyclo ride from your hotel—if you’re staying within District 1 or 3. This transport adds a charming, old-world feel to the morning, giving you a taste of traditional Saigon as you head toward the meeting point.

At 8:30 AM, you’ll meet your guide for a short briefing and a training session on basic kitchen techniques and safety. This sets the foundation for the hands-on experience that follows. Then at 8:45 AM, you venture to Ben Thanh Market with your guide, who’ll teach you how to properly pay in Dong, negotiate with vendors, and identify the freshest ingredients—a critical skill for authentic Vietnamese cooking.

The market tour is more than shopping; it’s an educational journey into local produce, herbs, and meats, often commented on by reviewers as lively and informative. As one guest pointed out, the guide was very knowledgeable about vegetables, fruits, and meats, making the experience both fun and educational.

By 9:15 AM, the real fun begins. You’ll start preparing the dishes, learning important kitchen skills like knife techniques, dish decoration, and marinating—skills that some reviewers found surprisingly straightforward thanks to Chef Vu’s clear instructions. The menu options are varied, including traditional dishes like spring rolls, stewed fish in clay pots, grilled pork with steamed noodles, and a variety of soups, including bok choy, pumpkin, and seafood sour soup.

Throughout this process, Chef Vu and his team provide helpful tips that transform beginner cooks into confident chefs. Multiple reviews mentioned how approachable and inspiring Chef Vu was, making complex dishes seem simple. One guest noted learning excellent knife skills and food decoration techniques, which added a professional touch to their homemade meals.

Come 11:30 AM, it’s time to sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The meal is served family-style, and everything is freshly prepared, emphasizing the importance of flavor balance and presentation. The highlight for many is the egg coffee for dessert—a uniquely Vietnamese beverage that’s both rich and smooth, and often praised as a delightful way to end the meal.

By noon, the class wraps up with a look at the recipes and a certificate of participation. The small group size, often just a handful of participants, ensures personal attention and an intimate atmosphere—something many reviewers appreciated highly.

The Dishes: A Flavorsome Selection

The menu features a variety of starters, including mango salad, papaya salad, and fresh spring rolls—perfect light bites with fresh herbs and vibrant flavors. The main dishes focus on hearty, comforting fare like stewed fish, lemongrass chicken, pork belly, and grilled pork with steamed rice noodles.

Soup choices are diverse, from bok choy with minced meat to pumpkin and seafood sour soup, offering a taste of Vietnam’s diverse palate. The must-have dish, according to Chef Vu, is the pancake—crispy, savory, and satisfying.

Adding to the value, a free bonus dish—stir-fried morning glory with garlic—rounds out your culinary experience and showcases a common Vietnamese vegetable often overlooked by travelers.

The dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, and the recipes provided give you a practical guide to recreate these flavors at home, as one reviewer noted, “Chef Vu emailed all the recipes after the class,” making it easy to replicate your success later.

The Experience & Value

For $46, this tour provides a comprehensive culinary adventure. It includes market tour, all ingredients, guidance from Chef Vu, lunch, a cyclo ride, recipes, and a certificate—all factors that elevate this beyond just a cooking class. Many guests praised the value for money, with one reviewer calling it “worth every penny,” especially given the personalized attention and quality of instruction.

The small group size (limited to 12-15 people) ensures you get plenty of interaction, making it a highly engaging and personal experience. The inclusion of the cyclo ride adds a fun, scenic element that many found charming and authentic—a rare bonus that spices up the morning and offers a chance to see Saigon from a different perspective.

The lunch is not just a meal but a celebration of your efforts, with many reviewers mentioning how delicious the food was, often saying it was the best they’d had on their trip. The egg coffee dessert, a standout favorite, offers a sweet, creamy finish.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• The tour starts early at 8 AM, so plan your day accordingly—great for morning people or early risers.
• If you’re staying outside District 1 or 3, consider transportation options to arrive on time, as the cyclo pickup is only offered within these districts.
• The tour is suitable for children, but they must be accompanied by an adult; children share a child rate when with two paying adults.
• Expect a small group—usually no more than 12 travelers—which enhances the personal experience but requires booking in advance (on average 27 days ahead).
• Alcoholic drinks are not included but are available for purchase, so bring some extra cash if you want wine or local beers with your meal.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This?

This experience is ideal for foodies, home cooks eager to learn authentic Vietnamese recipes, and travelers who enjoy a mix of culture, scenery, and good food. It’s perfect if you want a hands-on, memorable activity that leaves you with new skills and a full belly.

If you’re after a smooth, well-organized tour with friendly guides, Chef Vu’s class ticks all those boxes. It’s also a fantastic way to start your Saigon adventure—combining city sights, market life, and culinary mastery into one enjoyable half-day.

However, if you prefer self-guided exploration or aren’t comfortable with early mornings, you might want to consider other options. But for those craving an engaging, educational, and delicious experience, this class delivers on all fronts.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pick-up service by cyclo within District 1 and 3, plus a 30-minute cyclo ride as part of the experience.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You can choose from various menus, including spring rolls, stewed fish, grilled pork, and different soups. The specific menu depends on your selection.

How much time does the tour take?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, starting at 8:00 AM and ending around noon.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The provided menu options suggest some flexibility, but it’s best to clarify with the provider beforehand.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult and can share the child rate, but note that tour timings are early.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers market visit, ingredients, cooking instruction, lunch, cyclo ride, recipes, and a certificate.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Booking is usually made on average 27 days in advance, but availability depends on demand. Planning ahead is recommended.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for cooking—aprons are provided—and weather-appropriate attire for the market and cyclo ride.

Is alcohol available?
Not included but can be purchased separately at the venue.

What do reviewers say about the guides?
Guests consistently praise Chef Vu and his team for their friendly, knowledgeable approach and clear instructions, making the whole experience enjoyable and easy to follow.

Overall, the Chef Vu Cooking Class plus Market Trip is a standout way to connect with Saigon’s vibrant food scene. It’s educational, fun, and packed with authentic flavors—all delivered with a warm, personal touch. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this experience promises delightful memories and practical skills that will inspire your own Vietnamese culinary adventures.