Your adventure starts in a cozy local home, where your host will share the
origins and evolution of bánh mì. From its French roots to its modern
Vietnamese identity, you’ll discover how flavors, techniques, and traditions
blended over time to create this iconic sandwich. The crisp bread, the bright
pickled vegetables, the fragrant herbs, and the harmony of
sweet–salty–sour–spicy sauces all play a role—and you’ll learn how each
element is made. With your host’s guidance, you’ll knead and shape dough,
prepare classic fillings such as lemongrass pork, chicken, or tofu, and pickle
vegetables the traditional way.

Then, to complete the experience, you’ll explore Hanoi’s famous coffee culture
by making your own signature cup—whether that’s creamy egg coffee, refreshing
coconut coffee, or smooth salted coffee. After cooking, relax and enjoy the
meal you created, sharing stories and flavors with fellow travelers. Every
bánh mì you assemble reflects the character of Hanoi: vibrant, balanced, and
full of personality.

Join the workshop with an appetite and leave with new skills, meaningful
memories, and a deeper connection to Vietnamese cuisine!

1. Bánh Mì Hands-On Cooking Class: 2 Hours

In a cozy local home kitchen, your host chef will guide you step by step
through the entire bánh mì process. Start by kneading and shaping dough to
understand the foundation of a good Vietnamese baguette. Then move on to
preparing traditional fillings: lemongrass-marinated pork, tender chicken, or
tofu for vegetarian guests. Learn to pickle carrots and daikon for the
signature crunch, and create classic sauces that balance tangy, savory, and
umami notes. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have built your own perfect
bánh mì, a creation that’s truly yours.

While cooking, take a journey through the history of bánh mì and its unique
place in Vietnam’s culinary landscape. Learn how the French baguette was
adapted by Hanoians into a lighter, crispier loaf and how local creativity
transformed it into a portable, flavor-packed meal. Your host will share
insights into regional variations, from Hanoi’s savory fillings to Saigon’s
slightly sweeter style, before you roll up your sleeves and begin cooking.

2. Vietnamese Coffee Workshop: 1 Hour

No bánh mì is complete without its natural companion—coffee. Vietnam is the
world’s second-largest coffee producer, and Hanoi has made a name for its
unique brewing styles. In this session, learn how locals prepare iconic drinks
such as egg coffee (a creamy, dessert-like brew), coconut coffee (sweet and
refreshing), or salted coffee (smooth with a hint of caramel). Your host will
share the cultural background behind these drinks, including how egg coffee
was invented during a milk shortage in the 1940s. You’ll prepare your chosen
coffee step by step, using traditional techniques, and gain the skills to
recreate this Hanoian ritual at home.

3. Enjoy Your Creations: 1 Hour

Gather with your fellow travelers and hosts to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Bite into your handmade bánh mì, sip on your freshly brewed coffee, and soak
up the atmosphere of a true Hanoi kitchen. As you eat, exchange stories,
cultural insights, and laughter with your hosts. This is not only a meal—it’s
an intimate window into the life and hospitality of Hanoi families.