At Hoa's house, you'll be welcomed like friends and feel right at home.Whether you're dining, chatting, or participating in daily activities, you'll experience the warmth and hospitality, an authentic vietnamese life.
Hoa's house is nestled in a quaint alley by Thach Ban Lake, in a charming village just 7 km from Hanoi's old quarter. Together with her husband, Hoa has transformed their home into a lush green haven filled with trees, bonsai, and flowers. Their home embodies the traditional Vietnamese family structure, housing three generations: grandparents, parents, and grandchildren. This harmonious living arrangement offers a unique glimpse into authentic Vietnamese life.

A Family Experience, Not a Professional Setup

“We're not a professional restaurant or cooking workshop, but a true Vietnamese family living in harmony. During your visit, our children might tease each other, and we might have to remind them to keep the noise down. Unlike a restaurant, we may not always have a wide range of drinks available. However, our hospitality and enthusiasm are unmatched. You'll cook with our entire family, gaining a deep understanding of daily life in a Hanoi household.”

1. Dinner

Sharing a meal with the host family is an excellent way to immerse yourself in their daily life. Dinner is when the entire family gathers after a busy day. Parents return from work, and children come back from school, making it a time to rediscover happiness. Around the table, grandparents, parents, children, and you will share stories and enjoy each other’s company.

The typical dinner in family

Schedule

17:00: Welcoming guests. Chat with family members, enjoy tea, and savor peanut candy.
17:30: Cooking lesson. The family prepares the utensils. Depending on the season, you can pick vegetables from the garden and explore the village before cooking.
19:00: Dinner with the family.

Our menus

+ Menu 1

Banana Flower Salad
Sautéed Caramelized Pork
Vietnamese Fried Fish
Sautéed or Boiled Vegetables
Pineapple Soup
Steamed Rice
Dessert

+ Menu 2

Pho Cuon (Spring Rolls)
Chả Lá Lốt (Minced Pork Wrapped in Betel Leaves and Fried)
Fried Fish Sautéed with Tomatoes
Sautéed or Boiled Vegetables
Vietnamese Spinach Soup
Steamed Rice
Dessert

+ Menu 3

Kohlrabi and Carrot Salad
Traditional Spring Rolls
Stir-Fried Tofu with Tomatoes
Sautéed or Boiled Vegetables
Sweet and Sour Fish Soup
Steamed Rice
Dessert

+ Menu 4

Green Papaya Salad
Ginger Sautéed Beef
Caramelized Fried Fish
Sautéed or Boiled Vegetables
Sweet and Sour Pork Soup
Steamed Rice
Dessert

2. Tai Chi Class

Hoa's mother-in-law, born in 1958, began practicing Tai Chi in 2004. Daily training has significantly helped her maintain her health despite her age. Over time, she has become not only a Tai Chi enthusiast but also a teacher of this beneficial martial art.
She will guide you through the initial Tai Chi exercises for 45 minutes to an hour, explaining their significance. This session serves as a perfect introduction to this Vietnamese martial art.

3. Cooking Lessons

Are you a fan of Vietnamese cuisine and eager to try making some dishes yourself? This is the perfect opportunity for you!
With the guidance of the entire family, especially Hoa and her mother-in-law, you will learn to prepare one or two Vietnamese dishes. It's a fantastic introduction to the rich and flavorful gastronomy of this country.

Dinner with friends

The detailed program:
17.00: Arrive at Hoa’s house. Take some time to meet the family members and sample local specialties such as green tea, Bánh Đậu Xanh (mung bean flour cake), and Kẹo Lạc (peanut candy).
17.30: Explore the village, including the old village temple, the village shopping street, the public park (where residents exercise daily), and the family's vegetable garden. Depending on the weather, you can also join the locals for a gym session.
18.00: Cooking Workshop: Banana Flower Salad and Cha La Lot (minced pork wrapped in lot leaves and fried). The family has carefully prepared all the ingredients, and you'll have the chance to learn through hands-on experience. Enjoy a shared dinner featuring the dishes you prepared along with other specialties crafted by the family.
20.00: It's time to bid farewell.

Additionally, a short tour of the village will provide you with a deeper understanding of local life in Hanoi. Staying with locals is undoubtedly the best way to discover a country!