A home kitchen beats a classroom every time, especially here. At MY Kitchen, Ms. My Nguyen turns a few simple ingredients into real Vietnamese comfort food, using fresh, high-quality produce and no MSG in the dishes.

What I like most is the small group (up to 7) and the hands-on setup at a cozy home close to the city center. One possible drawback: there’s no pick-up service, so you’ll want to plan how you’ll get there (and back) yourself.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group, hands-on cooking: limited to 7 participants, with real cooking time—not a passive demo.
• Pick your own 3 dishes: you choose from a long list, so you can focus on what you actually want to learn.
• No MSG, fresh ingredients: the class emphasizes high quality ingredients and healthier cooking.
• English-speaking host: Ms. My Nguyen teaches in English and adjusts if you have needs.
• Vegetarian and vegan options: you can request diet-friendly adaptations.
• Close to central Hoi An: the meeting spot is about 3 km from the center, and it’s easy to find.

MY Kitchen in Cam Ha: a short trip from central Hoi An

This class takes place at MY Kitchen, Ms. My Nguyen’s home in Cam Ha Commune at A9-11 Trang Keo 8 Street. The big practical win is location. It’s close to where you’ll already spend time in Hoi An, around 3 kilometers from the city center, and it’s easy to locate.

That matters because cooking classes can feel like a hassle when the logistics are heavy. Here, you’re not fighting traffic for a long ride, and you can time it between other sightseeing plans. You can even walk from the city center to nearby attractions and services, depending on your pace.

Also, the class is set up for real people, not a factory. The kitchen is cozy, and the setting feels like you’re visiting someone who actually cooks every day—not touring a staged restaurant kitchen.

Price and time: how $35 works when you cook, not just watch

At $35 per person, the math is surprisingly good for what you get. The class lasts 3 hours, and it includes all ingredients, a meal, and drinking water. You’re also paying for English instruction and a small-group environment where you’re not elbowing through a crowd.

The real value is that you learn techniques you can repeat at home. In other words, you’re not just buying dinner. You’re buying skills: how Vietnamese flavors get built dish by dish—plus how the textures work when you mix sauces, prep herbs, and cook proteins and noodles.

One more value note: this isn’t a “market tour first” class by default. A market visit is optional and costs extra, so your main time stays focused on cooking. If you want the cooking lesson more than the shopping, that keeps your schedule clean.

Choose 3 dishes from a long list: where the class gets personal

You don’t get a fixed menu. You get options, and you get to choose 3 dishes. The class is built around that choice, and it’s a smart way to learn faster. If you’re curious about something specific, you can ask. If you have dietary restrictions, you can tell Ms. My and plan accordingly.

Here’s the menu set you can pick from (you’ll choose three):

• Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork/chicken, noodles, fresh veggies)
• Bánh xèo (sizzling pancake with pork/prawn/chicken)
• Gỏi cuốn (fresh summer rolls with pork/prawn/chicken)
• Chả giò (fried spring rolls with pork/chicken)
• Phở gà (chicken noodle soup)
• Mì xào bò (stir-fried noodles with beef)
• Bánh cuốn (rice crepe rolls with pork and mushroom)
• Gỏi (salad with mango/papaya/pomelo and pork/prawn)
• Gỏi gà xé phay (salad with shredded chicken and cabbage)
• Cơm tấm (grilled pork and broken rice)
• Cá kho (braised fish)
• Thịt kho trứng (caramelized pork and eggs)
• Gà xào sả ớt (chicken with lemon grass and chilli)

What I like about this list is the balance. You can build a meal that covers different Vietnamese food styles:

• Soups and noodles (like phở gà or bún thịt nướng) for comfort and sauce learning.
• Crispy versus fresh (like bánh xèo or chả giò versus gỏi cuốn) to understand how different textures shape the flavors.
• Sweet-salty braises and caramel flavors (like cá kho or thịt kho trứng) that show how Vietnamese cooking handles depth.

And because the class is flexible, you’re not stuck learning something you didn’t care about.

A quick tip for choosing your 3

If you want the fastest path to home-cooking confidence, pick dishes that teach different “building blocks.” For example:

• one dish with a stir-fry or noodle sauce
• one dish that’s fresh and assembled (like gỏi cuốn)
• one dish that’s cooked thoroughly (like bánh xèo or a braise)

That mix usually gives you the best return for your 3-hour investment.

What happens inside: cooking from scratch at My Kitchen

The class is hands-on, and the goal is simple: you cook 3 dishes from scratch in Ms. My’s home kitchen. That means you’re doing the work, not just watching someone else plate food.

The teaching style is built for small-group learning. With a maximum of 7 participants, you’re more likely to get clear guidance when you need it—especially if you’re learning Vietnamese cooking for the first time. The instruction language is English, so you can focus on technique instead of translating everything in your head.

Ms. My also emphasizes healthier cooking habits. The ingredients are described as high quality, and the class specifically mentions no MSG, which is a big deal if you’re trying to keep flavors bold without relying on additives.

Vegan and vegetarian requests are part of the plan

This is not a class that forces you to eat around the edges. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. If you’re choosing dishes, tell Ms. My your preferences early so she can suggest combinations that still fit the menu style.

If you have allergies, the class invites you to share that too. Just don’t wait until the last minute—your best chance of a smooth class is sharing needs before you arrive.

The meal: you eat what you make, in a relaxed home setting

You’re not just cooking; you’re also eating. The class includes a meal, and it’s served as a homemade moment with good company. That’s one of the class’s strengths: you’re cooking in a home environment, so the vibe tends to feel casual and friendly rather than formal.

Drinking water is included, and alcohol is not part of the experience. If you’re used to pairing food with wine or cocktails on vacation, you’ll need to plan for that. The focus here stays on the food—and the cooking lesson.

Why this format helps you learn faster

A lot of cooking classes have a separate “watch session” and a separate “eat session.” This one stays tightly connected. Because you cooked the food yourself, you’ll actually notice differences while eating:

• how the sauce tastes after cooking
• how fresh herbs change a dish
• how crisp textures hold up
• what happens when something is grilled, braised, or fried

That feedback loop is what turns a fun afternoon into useful skills.

Market visit, pick-up, and other extras: what’s included and what’s not

Here’s the practical boundary so you can plan your day:

• Included: ingredients, your meal, drinking water, and the class itself.
• Not included: pick-up service.
• Not included by default: a market visit (though you can request one with an extra fee).
• Not included: alcohol drinks.

So if you’re coming from the center or from another tour, you’ll need to factor in your own transport and return trip. The good news is the home is close to town and easy to find, so it’s usually not a big headache—just something to think about before you book.

If you want a deeper look at ingredients, a market visit can add context. But it’s optional. If your main goal is cooking, you’ll likely prefer using the full time in the kitchen.

Wheelchair and age fit: practical limits to know early

This class is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is great if mobility is a concern. The group size is also kept small, which can make it easier to move around the space compared with large commercial kitchens.

There’s also an age note: the class is not suitable for people over 95 years. That’s worth taking seriously if you’re planning for a relative.

If you’re unsure, it’s smart to message Ms. My Kitchen with questions about your specific needs before arrival. The class is set up for flexibility around diets and requests, so clarity in advance helps.

Who should book this Vietnamese cooking class (and who might not)

This class fits best if you want:

• a hands-on cooking lesson where you cook 3 dishes
• a small group setting instead of a crowded studio
• fresh, MSG-free ingredients and straightforward teaching in English
• the option to choose dishes from a big menu
• a home-style meal rather than a formal restaurant experience

You might consider skipping it if you:

• want a class that includes a built-in market visit every time (you’d need the add-on)
• rely on pick-up service and don’t want to manage your own transport
• are looking for alcoholic drinks as part of the experience (alcohol is not allowed)

Should you book MY Kitchen in Hoi An?

If you like practical travel that turns into a real skill, I’d book it. $35 for 3 hours with all ingredients and your meal in a small group is solid value, and the dish choice makes it feel personal. The no-MSG focus and the ability to request vegan/vegetarian options add real comfort if you have dietary needs.

Book it especially if you want to leave Hoi An with more than photos—if you want to understand how Vietnamese cooking builds flavor through grilling, fresh herb balance, noodle sauces, and braised sweetness-salt depth.

If your priority is a packaged tourist schedule with a driver and a market stop included automatically, you may find it better elsewhere. But if you’re happy to meet at A9-11 Trang Keo 8 Street and you want an authentic home-cooking experience, this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

How long is the cooking class?

The class lasts 3 hours.

How much does it cost, and what’s included?

It costs $35 per person and includes all ingredients, a meal, and drinking water.

How many people are in the group?

It’s a small group limited to 7 participants.

Can I choose which dishes I cook?

Yes. You choose 3 dishes from the menu, and the menu can be flexible. You can also ask to learn specific dishes.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Is the instructor fluent in English?

Yes. The instructor speaks English.

Is a market visit included?

A market visit is not included by default. You can request one for an extra fee.

Is pick-up provided, and is alcohol allowed?

No pick-up service is included. Also, alcohol and drugs are not allowed.