Cooking Vietnamese

After work this morning, the other teachers and I signed up for a Saigon cooking class. One of our first dinners here in HoChi was at Hoa Tuc (which is a block away from our school building) and they happen to offer cooking courses right above their restaurant.

As stated on their pamphlet:

"We offer to learn traditional and contemporary food which tastes and looks delicious but is simple to prepare and recreate at home. You will use Vietnamese kitchenware to realize and enjoy a tasty 3 courses Vietnamese meal. Of course, no MSG are used." 

I have never taken a cooking course before, abroad or at home so this was a very new & exciting experience for me. I have heard from lots of travelers, including a few teachers on this trip that cooking classes are a great way to experience the country's cuisine & culture. 

Our cooking class started off slowly at around 2 pm. We were greeted warmly by our chef pictured below. 

She gave us a brief introduction to some of the different roots, vegetables, and herbs that we would be using.

Then it was on to our 1st course: Mustard leaves roll with crunchy vegetables & shrimps

It was fairly simple to make and the best part was making the fish sauce with kumquat juice! After each course, we were given 10-15 minutes to enjoy our creations. I inhaled mine in a matter of minutes. Haha. 

2nd course: Fried sticky rice fritters stuffed with pork & carrot

Tasted a lot like rice cakes but it was deep fried in peanut oil. Was pretty delicious. They also recommended making this dish into a dessert by stuffing it with coconut flakes and dark chocolate. Must try back at home!

3rd course: Fresh rice noodle with BBQ pork & vegetables

We got to marinate our pork from scratch & fan it on the charcoal! Felt very authentic. I've actually had this dish numerous times here but this one was the best yet! Soooo fresh. 

Overall, I had a really awesome time at the Saigon cooking class and would do it again in a heartbeat. It was definitely a great way to learn more about the Vietnamese culture and bring something valuable back home AKA the yummy recipes and experience! Can't wait to experiment and try it at home. Dinner parties.... anyone? ;)

Oh and the whole course cost $35. A little bit on the pricer side according to Vietnamese standards but it was a unique experience and definitely worth every penny, I'd say.