Hoi an: Vegan Cooking Class with Lantern-Making

Traveling to Hoi An offers countless opportunities to explore Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and craft. One of the most engaging ways to do this is through a Vegan Cooking Class combined with lantern-making, which promises a blend of culinary skills, cultural insights, and a touch of local artistry. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews highlight its unique appeal and thoughtful design.

What draws us to this experience is the chance to learn authentic Vietnamese vegan dishes, support a meaningful cause, and engage in a creative lantern-making activity. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and the fact that it’s run by Sua café, a local provider, adds to its genuine charm.

One potential consideration is that the afternoon class does not include a market tour, so if you’re hoping for an in-depth market experience, you might need to plan a separate visit. Nonetheless, this tour is ideal for those eager to combine cooking, culture, and responsible tourism in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere—perfect for food lovers, craft enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.

Good To Know

• Authentic Vietnamese vegan dishes prepared in a hands-on setting.
• Visit a local traditional market to pick fresh ingredients and learn about local produce.
• Includes a lantern-making activity, adding a creative and decorative touch to your experience.
• Supports the local disabled community, offering a meaningful way to give back.
• Small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures personalized guidance.
• Flexible booking options allow cancelation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience Step-by-Step

The Setting and Overall Atmosphere

This four-hour class takes place in central Vietnam, with a focus on engaging, practical learning rather than just demonstration. The experience begins in the early afternoon, starting at 3:00 p.m., offering a relaxed pace that fits well into an enjoyable day of sightseeing.

Participants are welcomed into a warm, friendly environment, where the focus is on collaborative cooking and cultural exchange. The instructor, who speaks both English and Vietnamese, guides guests through each step — making it accessible for international travelers and local visitors alike.

Market Visit: A Snippet of Vietnamese Life

While the afternoon class does not include an official market tour, guests are encouraged to visit a traditional Vietnamese market as part of the experience. Here, you’ll learn how locals select fresh ingredients, observe the vibrant surroundings, and gain insight into daily life in Hoi An. This component is especially valuable for food lovers wanting to understand the origins of their dishes.

One reviewer highlighted how the market visit allowed them to appreciate the freshness of ingredients and the artistry involved in Vietnamese cuisine. The guide’s attentiveness and detailed explanations made it a memorable part of their day.

Cooking Vietnamese Vegan Classics

The heart of the tour is the hands-on cooking session. You’ll learn to make three key dishes:

• Papaya Salad: Fresh, tangy, and refreshingly light, this salad showcases the balance of flavors typical in Vietnamese cuisine.
• Spring Rolls: Handmade using fresh ingredients, these are a staple in Vietnamese dining and a fun dish to master.
• Mi Quang: A signature noodle dish from Quang Nam Province, rich in flavor with a unique blend of herbs and broth.

Reviewers describe the instructor as attentive and engaging, with many noting how much they learned about traditional techniques. One guest mentioned, “The instructor was very attentive and hands-on,” which made the experience both educational and enjoyable.

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The Lantern-Making Experience

Adding a creative flair to the session, participants get to craft their own bamboo lanterns, a craft deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. This activity not only leaves you with a beautiful souvenir but also gives insight into Vietnamese artistry. Several reviews emphasize how this activity adds a fun and relaxing dimension to the class, making it more than just about cooking.

Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor

Once the dishes are prepared, you’ll gather to enjoy a delicious vegan meal together. This communal eating approach fosters a warm, convivial atmosphere, perfect for sharing stories and savoring your culinary efforts.

Supporting a Good Cause

A notable aspect of this tour is its commitment to supporting the local disabled community. By participating, you contribute to job opportunities and social inclusion efforts, making your experience more meaningful.

Practical Details and Value

Timing and Group Size

Starting at 3:00 p.m., this afternoon class fits well into any afternoon itinerary. The small group size, limited to 10 guests, ensures personalized attention, more practice, and a relaxed environment. It’s a perfect setting for those who prefer an intimate, interactive experience rather than a large, impersonal class.

Pricing and Flexibility

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is convenient amid uncertain travel schedules.

Cost-Effectiveness

While the exact price isn’t specified here, the inclusion of market visits, multiple dishes, a lantern craft, and a meal suggests very good value. Plus, guests receive a USD 5 discount if attending the afternoon session. Considering the quality of the experience, personalized instruction, and cultural insights, this tour offers a well-rounded package at a reasonable price point.

What to Bring and Wear

Expect to get hands-on in the kitchen, so wear comfortable clothing suitable for food prep. An apron might be provided, but it’s wise to check. Bring a sense of curiosity and a camera to capture your lantern masterpiece.

What We Love About This Tour

Authentic Cooking: Learning to make traditional Vietnamese dishes vegan-style is both fun and educational. The dishes are accessible, flavorful, and reveal the complexity of Vietnamese cuisine.

Cultural Engagement: Visiting the local market and making lanterns give you more than just a recipe — they offer glimpses into everyday life and craftsmanship in Hoi An.

Supportive and Responsible Tourism: By contributing to local employment for disabled community members, you’re making a positive impact with your participation.

Small Group Atmosphere: This ensures plenty of interaction, personalized tips, and a relaxed vibe, making the experience feel special rather than rushed or commercial.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for food lovers eager to learn Vietnamese vegan recipes, craft enthusiasts interested in lantern-making, and travelers looking for a meaningful, community-supported activity. It suits those who enjoy hands-on experiences and want to combine culinary discovery with cultural insights. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, the small group format ensures you’ll meet like-minded travelers and make new friends.

Final Thoughts

The Hoi An Vegan Cooking Class with Lantern-Making offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Vietnamese culture. It’s a chance to master vegan versions of beloved dishes, understand local markets, and create a memorable bamboo lantern. The fact that it supports a worthy cause adds a layer of purpose to your participation.

While it doesn’t include a market tour as part of the afternoon session, the guided market visit and hands-on cooking make up for it, providing both practical skills and cultural context. The friendly environment, expert guidance, and engaging activities make this a worthwhile addition to any Hoi An itinerary.

This experience is best suited for curious travelers who want to learn, create, and give back while enjoying the flavors and crafts of Vietnam. Whether you’re a foodie, a craft lover, or simply seeking a meaningful cultural activity, this tour delivers authentic, engaging, and responsible travel.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegans?
Yes, it focuses on vegan Vietnamese dishes, making it perfect if you’re vegan or interested in plant-based cuisine.

Does the tour include a market visit?
The afternoon class does not include a market tour, but guests are encouraged to visit a traditional Vietnamese market as part of the experience.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You will learn to make papaya salad, fresh spring rolls, and Mi Quang — classic Vietnamese dishes prepared with vegan ingredients.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately four hours, starting at 3:00 p.m.

Is the group small?
Yes, limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized guidance and a relaxed atmosphere.

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

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes suitable for cooking, and bring a camera to capture your lantern.

Is there a cost for the lantern-making?
No extra fee is mentioned; lantern-making is included as part of the experience.

Can I join if I have dietary restrictions other than vegan?
The tour is designed around vegan dishes, so it’s best suited for vegan or vegetarian travelers.

Who benefits from this experience?
Travelers interested in food, culture, crafts, and responsible tourism will find this experience particularly rewarding.

To sum it up, this class offers a delightful blend of culinary skill-building, cultural exploration, and community support. It’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Hoi An, especially if you’re passionate about food or crafts, or simply want to add a meaningful experience to your trip.

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