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We decided to try a cookery course with the Red Bridge Cookery School. Our first stop was the Central market, where our guide took us around and explained all the ingredients we would be using and what to look for in fresh ingredients, which was really interesting. Early in the morning it was bustling with locals haggling for their fresh food which was great to see and smell! We then boarded the boat to head to the Cookery School. When we arrived we visited their herb and vegetable garden where our guide also gave us some information on what the herbs were used for and how they are grown. Then it was time to get cooking!
We first watched demonstrations from the chef. First was warm squid salad in a half pineapple bowl. Then he did aubergine cooked in a clay pot with a tomato sauce. After the demonstration we had a go at cooking our own aubergine dish, which went quite well. Then the chef tried something a little more difficult; rice paper spring rolls with shrimp and vegetables! When it was our turn we got stuck in to pouring and spreading our rice paper batter....Laura's looked more like a big gooey mess and the chef tutted at her with disgust at her attempt and made her wait until everyone had finished so she could try again under his supervision! They didn't quite turn out like the chef's but they were still very tasty. Next lesson was Hoi An Pancakes - bit like a thin omelette with shrimp inside and filled with beansprouts and spring onions, then later wrapped in rice paper. This went much better and thankfully we didn't get told off! Last, but not least, was the food decoration lesson; a handfan made from cucumber and a rose made from tomato (see photos!) Laura had to reconstruct her tomato from the many shreads she made when trying to peel it, but Holly managed to keep her tomato peel in one long strand - yipee! Then, of course, it was the best bit, lunch! We got to try all of the dishes, plus a few of the chefs own secret recipes, all were delicious.
We then headed back to Hoi An town on the boat for another clothes fitting! After a walk around the streets and a trip to the cobblers to have some sandals made, we ended the day with a few nice glasses of wine while we watched the world go by...and a fight!! Just like being on Burton!
That night we went to a reataurant called Cafe des Amis, run by Mr Kim. There is no menu just a set menu of whatever he feels like cooking on that day! We had one seafood and one meat option. Dish after dish was absolutely gorgeous, but after the 8th dish and pudding, we struggled back to our hotel for a lie down! Yummy!
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