London: Full Day Vietnamese Cooking Class with Wine

If you’ve been craving a culinary adventure that takes you beyond fish and chips and into the vibrant world of Vietnamese cuisine, this full-day cooking class in London might be just what you need. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the detailed descriptions and reviews suggest it’s a solid experience for anyone interested in learning authentic Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed, friendly environment.

What really appeals is how this class combines practical skills with a fun, social atmosphere—plus, you get to enjoy a glass of wine while you cook. On the flip side, it’s a somewhat lengthy session, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy hands-on activities and don’t mind a full day of culinary exploration. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some cooking experience, this class seems to offer something for all, especially if you love trying new cuisines and want to take home some new skills.

One thing to keep in mind is the dietary flexibility—while they do accommodate vegetarians and offer alternatives for common allergens, it’s worth clarifying your needs ahead of time. Overall, if you’re eager to make your own Pho and summer rolls and love the idea of a casual, interactive cooking experience, this class could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Hands-on Learning: You’ll actively participate in making authentic Vietnamese dishes, not just watch.
• Flavor Balance: The class focuses on understanding herbs, spices, and seasoning, which is crucial in Vietnamese cooking.
• Skill Development: From knife techniques to folding summer rolls, you’ll pick up practical skills for recreating dishes at home.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Enjoy a glass of wine or beer during the session, making it a social and enjoyable experience.
• Comprehensive Experience: All ingredients, equipment, and a digital recipe pack are included, so you’re set for future cooking.
• Suitable for Beginners: It’s designed for all skill levels, with small class sizes fostering personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Full Day Vietnamese Cooking Class

This 5-hour experience is designed to give you a thorough introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, led by professional chefs in a cozy, well-equipped setting. The class begins with honing your knife skills, using a Chinese cleaver—a great way to build confidence regardless of your prior experience. You’ll learn to cut, slice, and chop efficiently, which forms the backbone of many Vietnamese dishes.

Next, you’ll dive into creating summer rolls—the fresh, delicate rice paper wrapped around a variety of fillings. The chefs guide you through preparing fillings, filling and folding the rolls with care, and crafting a dipping sauce that complements the flavors perfectly. Trust us, once you master these, you’ll be eager to make them at home for friends or family.

One of the standout elements is making a fragrant Pho broth. This isn’t just boiling beef bones—it’s about understanding how to layer herbs and spices to develop a truly balanced, aromatic soup. The chefs explain the basics of Vietnamese seasoning, emphasizing how herbs like basil, coriander, and lemongrass work together to create a harmonious flavor profile.

Throughout the class, you’ll learn to balance flavors, which is essential to Vietnamese cooking. The chefs share tips on using herbs and spices to enhance dishes without overpowering the palate. The small class sizes (typically 6-12 students) mean you’ll get plenty of personalized guidance and have your questions answered along the way.

The Menu and Skills You’ll Learn

While the exact menu can vary, typical dishes include Pho—the iconic noodle soup—and summer rolls with dipping sauce. You might also learn to prepare the Nuoc Cham, a staple Vietnamese condiment that adds a punch of flavor to many dishes. The focus is on core techniques that are easy enough for beginners but meaningful enough for seasoned cooks to appreciate.

The experience also emphasizes seasoning and flavor layering, which helps you understand how to replicate authentic tastes. According to reviews, the chefs are attentive and willing to answer detailed questions about ingredients, techniques, and balancing flavors. They often describe the class as “a practical, fun way to learn a new cuisine,” which is exactly what you want from a cooking course.

What’s Included and What’s Not

All ingredients and equipment are provided, so you won’t need to bring much besides a container for leftovers. The class includes unlimited soft drinks, wine or beer, an apron, and a digital recipe pack for future reference. After cooking, you sit down to enjoy your meal together—using the leftovers to reinforce your learning.

A notable plus is the professional tutor and assistant chef, who keep things moving smoothly and answer questions. You get a lot of value for the price, which is $264 per person, especially considering the duration and inclusions.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The small class size makes the session intimate and engaging. You’ll have your own prep space and work in pairs at the hob, which is perfect for those preferring a hands-on approach. The friendly environment encourages questions and sharing tips, making it more of a social activity than a formal lesson.

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Dietary Considerations and Accessibility

The class is pretty accommodating—vegetarian options are available, and they can often provide alternatives for common allergens like nuts, shellfish, gluten, and eggs. It’s advisable to inform them beforehand if you have dietary restrictions. Participants under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult, and the atmosphere is suitable for those comfortable with a 5-hour commitment.

The Experience from Real Participants

Reviewers mention that the instructors are “friendly and knowledgeable,” creating a relaxed environment where beginners can feel confident. One commented, “I loved the way the chefs explained the flavors and techniques—it’s easy to replicate at home.” Others appreciated the opportunity to try their hand at making Pho broth from scratch, which many had previously considered intimidating.

Some reviews note that the class is quite full, so arriving early helps you settle in and get the most out of the experience. A few mentioned that the timing might be long for very casual cooks, but most felt the time was well spent, especially since you eat together at the end.

How Does It Compare to Other Experiences?

While this class is more focused on Vietnamese cuisine, the inclusion of wine and the interactive nature make it stand out from more passive or tour-based experiences like Harry Potter studio tours or city hop-on-hop-off buses. It offers a culinary skill set combined with social fun, which isn’t always common in London-based tours.

The price point reflects the quality: professional chefs, small groups, all ingredients included, and a comprehensive recipe pack. If you love cooking or want to develop authentic Vietnamese skills, this is a good investment.

This class is especially suited for foodies eager to learn authentic Vietnamese recipes. It’s not just a demonstration but a hands-on experience, so you’ll get practical skills to recreate dishes at home. The social, relaxed environment also makes it perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers who enjoy cooking together. Given the focus on flavor balance and seasoning, it’s a great choice for those interested in understanding the art of Vietnamese cuisine beyond just following recipes.

If you’re someone who appreciates a full-day activity with food, drink, and learning combined, then this class offers a satisfying, engaging experience. It might not be ideal if you’re pressed for time or looking for a quick, casual introduction to Vietnamese food, but for a dedicated culinary day in London, it hits the mark.

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners. The chefs guide you step-by-step, and small class sizes mean plenty of support.

What dishes will I learn to make?
You’ll typically learn to make Pho broth, summer rolls, and possibly Nuoc Cham, among other Vietnamese staples.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request, and they often provide alternatives for allergens like nuts, shellfish, gluten, and eggs. It’s best to inform them beforehand.

What’s included in the price?
All ingredients, equipment, apron hire, digital recipe pack, soft drinks, and a glass of wine or beer during the class are included.

How long is the class?
The class lasts approximately 5 hours, which includes hands-on cooking and sitting down to enjoy your meal.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, classes are small, generally between 6 to 12 students, ensuring personalized attention.

Is it family-friendly?
Participants must be at least 16, and children under that need to be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?
Bring a container if you want to take leftovers home. Wear comfortable clothes and an apron if you prefer.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, you can enjoy wine or beer as you cook, making it a more relaxed, social experience.

In the end, this Vietnamese cooking class in London offers a well-rounded, practical, and enjoyable way to explore a cuisine that many of us enjoy eating but might not have the skills to make at home. It’s especially appealing if you’re into hands-on learning, flavor-focused cooking, and social experiences over a meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll likely come away with new techniques and a few recipes to impress your friends back home.

You can check availability for your dates here: