Birmingham – Learn To Cook Vietnamese

Travelers seeking a genuine taste of Vietnam without leaving the UK will find this 7-day Vietnamese cooking course in Birmingham an engaging, practical, and delicious experience. Run by My Exotic Kitchen, this class promises to teach you the secrets behind some of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes, all in a small-group setting that emphasizes hands-on learning.

What we love about this experience is its focus on authenticity: all ingredients are included, and you get to prepare each dish from scratch, guided by an instructor in a friendly environment. Plus, the inclusion of welcome drinks and unlimited refreshments keeps you energized during the class.

One possible consideration is that the course isn’t suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with nut or crustacean allergies, so it’s best suited for those who can enjoy seafood and traditional ingredients. This class is perfect for food lovers, home cooks eager to explore Asian flavors, and travelers wanting a practical, memorable activity in Birmingham.

Key Points

• Authentic Cooking Skills: Learn to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes like Pho Bo and Summer Rolls from scratch.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Ingredients, equipment, and welcome drinks are provided, offering great value.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 participants ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert Guidance: Step-by-step instructions from an English-speaking instructor enhance the learning process.
• Dietary Note: Not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with specific allergies.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with options to pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the 7-Day Vietnamese Cooking Class in Birmingham

This course is designed for anyone with basic cooking skills—whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a complete beginner curious about Vietnamese cuisine. Over seven days, you get a comprehensive introduction to regional flavors, techniques, and ingredients, all with the aim of building your confidence in the kitchen.

The Itinerary: What’s On the Menu?

Each day focuses on different aspects of Vietnamese cooking, but the core dishes covered include Vietnamese Summer Rolls and Pho Bo. These are two of Vietnam’s most popular dishes, and mastering them makes this class an excellent value for anyone wanting to recreate authentic flavors at home.

Vietnamese Summer Rolls involve wrapping prawns, vermicelli noodles, carrots, beansprouts, and herbs in rice paper, served with a homemade sweet ginger chili dipping sauce. This dish is a fresh, light appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for summer lunches or healthy snacks. During the class, you’ll learn how to prepare the fillings, handle rice paper without tearing, and create the perfect dipping sauce.

Pho Bo is the star of Vietnamese street food, famous for its aromatic broth and tender beef slices. The instructor shares tips on how to make a proper broth—an essential element for a authentic Pho. You’ll also learn about balancing flavors, understanding Asian spices, and making your own spice pastes. One reviewer mentioned, “I loved the way the instructor explained how to make a broth that wasn’t too oily or heavy, just perfectly balanced.”

The Learning Environment: What’s Included?

Participants are provided with all ingredients and cooking equipment, which means you can focus purely on learning and enjoying the process. The class features limit of 8 participants, ensuring a relaxed, intimate setting where questions are encouraged, and no one feels rushed.

All refreshments are limitless—a thoughtful inclusion that keeps spirits high, especially during the longer cooking sessions. At the end, you get to enjoy your own two-course meal with fellow students or take your dishes home. Many reviews highlight how satisfying it is to sit down with your own freshly cooked dishes, sharing stories and tasting different versions of the same dish.

The Skills You’ll Take Home

Beyond recipes, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how to combine and balance spices, an invaluable skill that can be transferred to other cuisines. The instructor also teaches about using Asian spices to create flavorful spice pastes, which are central to many Vietnamese dishes.

The class is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians due to the ingredients used, including prawns and beef. However, for those who enjoy seafood and meat, this class offers a hands-on opportunity to master dishes that are both healthy and flavorful without relying on heavy oils or additives.

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Assessing the Value

At $148.17 per person for a week-long, all-inclusive class, this experience offers a lot. When you consider that all ingredients, equipment, and recipe cards are included, plus the chance to learn authentic techniques, the price is quite reasonable. You’re not only gaining new culinary skills but also a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine, which is known for being less oily, less spicy, and gluten-free—traits highly valued by health-conscious eaters.

Reviewers appreciate that the class is focused on quality over quantity, which means you don’t just get a quick overview but a thorough, practical understanding of each dish. Many mention that the instruction is clear, with step-by-step guidance making it accessible for all skill levels.

Why This Experience Stands Out

The course’s authenticity is one of its biggest selling points. Unlike some cooking classes that focus on simplified versions or fusion dishes, this class emphasizes traditional techniques and ingredients**, which makes your home cooking more genuine.

The small group size and expert guidance from the instructor ensure you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed, even if you’re new to Asian cooking. Many reviews mention the instructor’s friendly manner and patience, making it an inviting environment to learn and experiment.

Another aspect worth noting is the flexibility of booking — with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later—it’s a very low-pressure way to plan your Birmingham stay.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This class is ideal for foodies eager to learn authentic Vietnamese recipes, home cooks wanting to expand their skills, or travelers looking for a practical, hands-on activity. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate healthy, fresh cuisine and enjoy interactive learning.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 14 or guests with specific dietary restrictions concerning nuts, crustaceans, or vegan diets.

Final Thoughts

In a city like Birmingham, where culinary diversity thrives, this Vietnamese cooking class offers a delicious and educational way to spend a day or even a week. You leave not only with new recipes but also with a better understanding of the techniques that make Vietnamese dishes so special. The focus on authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and clear instruction makes this experience a worthwhile investment for anyone keen to add Vietnamese dishes to their repertoire.

If you’re curious about Vietnamese cuisine or simply want a practical activity to deepen your culinary skills, this class delivers both. It’s a chance to enjoy some of the most celebrated dishes from Vietnam—like Pho and Summer Rolls—crafted with care and shared in a friendly, small-group environment.

This experience balances value, authenticity, and fun—a true highlight for anyone visiting Birmingham who loves food or wants to learn something new.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the course is suitable for anyone with basic cooking skills. It’s designed to be accessible, with step-by-step guidance from the instructor.

How long is the class?
The class lasts for 7 days, with starting times you can check when booking.

Are ingredients included?
Yes, all ingredients needed for the dishes are provided, along with cooking equipment.

Can I take my cooked dishes home?
Absolutely. You can enjoy your meal at the end of the class or take it home to share with family and friends.

Is alcohol or drinks included?
Yes, a welcome drink is provided at the start, and refreshments are unlimited during the class.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You will learn to make Vietnamese Summer Rolls and Pho Bo, along with possibly other regional dishes.

Is the class suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, the class is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians due to the use of seafood and beef.

How many people are in each class?
Small groups are limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personal experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended, as you’ll be actively participating in cooking.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In sum, the Birmingham – Learn To Cook Vietnamese class offers a rich, hands-on introduction to some of Southeast Asia’s most beloved dishes. Whether you’re in Birmingham for a short visit or a local resident, it’s an enjoyable, practical, and tasty way to deepen your culinary skills and experience authentic Vietnamese flavors firsthand.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby