A cooking class in Hoi An, Vietnam

Before going to Hoi An we did a little research ….we wanted to find a good cooking class as we had heard this was one of the best places to learn about Vietnamese food..  There are quite a number of cooking schools there and it was difficult to make a choice.  However we decided we did not want to be in a large 12-16 group and Gioan Cookery offered, essentially, private courses for a group, even if only 2 persons!.  We had to choose 4 dishes and would be going to the market to pick up some needed items.  This was a fantastic way to spend our first morning in Hoi An….
It was just a short pleasant walk from our hotel to the school and we were able to appreciate the Japanese Bridge in daylight…...

...then a short meander along the river bank…...

…..before arriving at their doorway….

…..stepping inside…...

 ...we could see that we were expected…..

We first of all went to the market……..

and had lots of interesting 'new to us' vegetables and fruits named……..

This is turmeric…….we thought it was ginger!

…lots and lots of different noodles…..

….a banana flower……used in salads...

….smoking is obviously allowed!

….and salt is used a lot…...

……this is actually an orange……which looks like a lime…...

..rambutan…..rather like a lychee…..

…..dragon fruit…...

…..these looked like tomatoes but were water apples…….delicious!!

..and there was obviously some fish…….

…and this bag of crabs looked somewhat abandoned by a bicycle!

Our teacher, Vina, chose some quail eggs to add to our pancake…..

 After our return from the market we assembled all the ingredients for our four dishes….

and then chopped and cooked…..

to end up with our four cooked dishes….
Vietnamese country pancake….

Calamari salad….

Pork (or chicken) with ginger….

 Eggplant in a clay pot...

It was a fantastic lunch! We will definitely be putting the Calamari dish and the Aubergine in a clay pot on our list of dishes to make frequently!
We can definitely recommend the school …and it was a fun morning!