Learn to cook at Hao’s Grocery and Cafe

We’re always looking for new foods and markets to try, so in honor of National Small Business Week, we polled our readers on their favorite places to shop locally. Thanks to multiple reader suggestions, we hit up Hao’s Grocery and Cafe in the Near Southside.

The Asian grocery located at 120 St. Louis Ave. is run by chef Hao Tran, who started the company as The Table Market & Culinary Studio with Trent and Dena Shaskan, the former proprietors of 3rd Street Market, before branching out on her own in January 2023.

In addition to running the retail side of the business, the former science teacher-turned-culinary instructor at Trimble Tech High School offers weekly classes and monthly community dinners in her expanded space.

We stopped by Tran’s recent Bao & Boba class for a little instruction (and a lot of taste testing). Swipe through the photos below + keep an eye out for May events.

1/8

Hao Tran teaches rotating cooking classes for chefs of all ages. | Photo by FTWtoday

2/8

Hao Tran teaches rotating cooking classes for chefs of all ages. | Photo by FTWtoday

3/8

Hao Tran teaches rotating cooking classes for chefs of all ages. | Photo by FTWtoday

4/8

Hao Tran teaches rotating cooking classes for chefs of all ages. | Photo by FTWtoday

5/8

Hao Tran teaches rotating cooking classes for chefs of all ages. | Photo by FTWtoday

6/8

Hao Tran teaches rotating cooking classes for chefs of all ages. | Photo by FTWtoday

7/8

Hao Tran teaches rotating cooking classes for chefs of all ages. | Photo by FTWtoday

8/8

Hao Tran teaches rotating cooking classes for chefs of all ages. | Photo by FTWtoday