Tra Que Vegetable Village Restaurant — Restaurant in Hội An

Gardening experience + cooking class + food

In short: the herb village "Tra Que" was a wonderful, educational and joyful experience to see, observe and participate in.

In detail: we were a group of 16 people, arrived with a small bus from our hotel in Hoi An and walked a short distance from the small parking lot to the restaurant. After a warm welcome, we were led through the fields by our local guide. Then it was time to get to work: planting with a local farmer. Step by step, the farmer showed us how to properly prepare, plant and care for the bed. Although he only spoke Vietnamese, we understood a lot through his gestures. Of course, participation was not compulsory, but I can only recommend it. Afterwards there was a cooking course where you cooked your own spring rolls and Vietnamese pancakes. All of this took place under great guidance (languages: English, German) and was incredibly fun. Of course, we were then allowed to eat the dishes we had created ourselves. Afterwards, we were served more incredibly delicious food with drinks and finally a Vietnamese coffee.

Addendum: Unfortunately, we experienced all of this in continuous tropical rain. At least that didn't bother me. Barefoot with a rain cape and a hat borrowed there. Shoes will get dirty, some wore flip...

Tra Que Herb Village was a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively, after the bustling streets of Hoi An. It's a short bike ride away, and the scenery is stunning - rice paddies stretching out forever, water buffaloes cooling off in the rivers, and the air thick with the scent of fresh herbs.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but the village itself is so charming. Everyone I met had a big smile and a friendly greeting. I even got to help a family plant some basil seedlings, which was way more fun than I thought it would be! It's amazing to see the care they put into growing their vegetables and herbs.

Later, I treated myself to lunch at a little restaurant with a water wheel. My meal was incredible - so fresh and bursting with flavor. I could tell everything was grown right there in the village. The whole experience felt authentic and special, a million miles away from the tourist traps in town.

If you're looking for a break from the crowds and want to experience a different side of Hoi An, I highly recommend visiting Tra Que Herb Village. It's a beautiful place with lovely people, and you're guaranteed to leave feeling happy...

Overpriced food for the rather basic food being provided. We had something similar to banh xeo, the best of the dishes we tried but I think rather average for what it was. The stir fried chicken in lemongrass and chili was unimpressive; the chicken was rather dry, and the dish was overall lacking in flavor. We also had braised pork claypot, and this was lacking in depth. The earthy flavor was too dominant. Overall disappointing experience. I appreciate the organic and vegan initiatives of the restaurant, but the experience and prices do indicate that this is a place catering to tourists. Not a place for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Hopefully they could improve the preparation of these dishes, at the very least....