9:00 – 9:10 · Welcome at The 17th Century Guests are warmly welcomed at our venue nestled in the heart of Hoi An’s ancient town. Start the morning with a refreshing welcome drink before the culinary journey begins.
9:10 – 9:20 · Introduction to Hoi An’s Trading Port & the Origins of Cao Lau Your instructor shares the story of 17th-century Hoi An — a vibrant crossroads of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese culture — and explains why authentic Cao Lau can only be made here, where the unique ash water from Cu Lao Cham island and the ancient Ba Le well water come together to create something truly irreplaceable.
9:20 – 10:20 · Handcrafting Cao Lau Noodles from Scratch This is the heart of the class. You will go through the entire traditional noodle-making process:
- Grinding rice flour using a traditional stone mill
- Soaking the dough in special wood-ash water sourced from Cu Lao Cham island
- Stirring the dough over a wood-fired stove, then kneading, rolling, cutting, and steaming the Cao Lau noodles to perfection
10:20 – 10:40 · Marinating Char Siu Pork You’ll season and marinate the pork with a signature blend of spices – hands-on and aromatic. While the meat rests and soaks up the flavors, the group makes its way to Tra Que Vegetable Village.
10:40 – 11:30 · Farmer-for-a-Day Experience at Tra Que Vegetable Village Step away from the kitchen and into the fields. Embrace the rhythm of traditional Vietnamese farming life: hoeing the soil, planting seedlings, watering the beds, and harvesting fresh herbs and vegetables that will go straight into your own bowl of Cao Lau.
11:30 – 11:45 · Bean Sprout Cultivation & Well-Water Rinsing Observe the traditional process of growing and harvesting bean sprouts — a key ingredient in Cao Lau. Then experience washing the freshly picked vegetables using well water drawn with an old-fashioned hand pump, a charming and living tradition of Tra Que village.
11:45 – 12:15 · Braising the Pork, Frying the Crispy Crackers & Finishing the Bowl Back in the kitchen for the final act: braise the marinated char siu pork until tender and fragrant, fry the Cao Lau crackers until golden and crisp, then assemble your bowl the authentic way — chewy noodles, rich braised pork, fresh herbs, and perfectly crisp crackers.
12:15 – 13:00 · Tasting & Memories Experience the tradition of carrying Cao Lau in the old street-vendor style, then sit down to savour every bite of the dish you made with your own hands. Round off the morning with photos and warm memories from the heart of Hoi An’s ancient streets.
1 thought on “Authentic Cao Lau Cooking Experience”
Test comment