For an authentic taste of Vietnam’s delicious fresh cuisine, venture to the picturesque village of Tra Que located on the edge of the ancient city of Hoi An. Named after the popular sweet-scented herb that infuses everyday Vietnamese cooking, it is here that a renowned local chef will introduce you to the story behind this area of gastronomic excellence.
Feel a sense of tranquillity as you explore the organic gardens that produce the finest quality produce, a patchwork of plots containing an abundance of colourful vegetables, herbs and spices. Meet with local farmers to learn about their daily lifestyle and taste the herbs that provide the classic flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. Help the locals as they work on their vegetable gardens, preparing the land and fertilising it with seaweed. Get your hands dirty during this wholesome activity, sowing and picking the vegetables that you’ll enjoy later.
"Relatively undiscovered by tourists, you’ll have the opportunity to find fresh ingredients and bargain with the vendors whilst soaking up the charm of authentic Vietnamese market culture."
One of the best ways to experience the serenity of the lush landscape is by cycling through the neighbourhood. Local children delight in calling ‘hello!’ as you cycle by, water buffalo graze nearby and Nón Lá hats bob across the landscape as villagers work the fields as they have done for generations.
Discover traditional village institutions and learn about the culture, cycling by the Assembly House in the hamlet of An My – a historic centre of cultural activities – before arriving at the vibrant local market. Relatively undiscovered by tourists, you’ll have the opportunity to find fresh ingredients and bargain with the vendors whilst soaking up the charm of authentic Vietnamese market culture.
Cruise along the Thu Bon River in a local boat, gliding along the serene waters past water palms to the cooking school. Hoi An is renowned throughout the country for its delicious culinary specialities. Here you can try a selection of some of the region’s best-known dishes, from Cơm Gà Hoi An (chicken rice) to Cao Lầu (pork rice noodle) or the delicious Bánh Mì Hội An – a baguette sandwich stuffed with a variety of toppings. Then it’s your turn as you follow the example of your personal chef by preparing some of them yourself. Of course, after all that cooking you’ll have the chance to sample the delights of your creations too.
Add to your culinary repertoire, interact with the friendly locals and delight in this unique journey through one of Vietnam’s finest organic farming communities.
