Fat Mao

On the hunt for incredible noodles in Vancouver? You have to add Fat Mao Noodles to your list! This tiny noodle shop is serving up some seriously delicious and authentic Thai-style noodle bowls that will leave you feeling so satisfied and warm.

They have two locations in the city, one in Chinatown and one in Downtown. We popped into their Chinatown spot, which is super small and cozy, seating only about 25 people. It’s a well-loved spot and they don’t take reservations, so we made sure to get there a little early to snag a table. The hospitality was so warm and inviting from the moment we stepped in; it truly felt like home.

Their menu is small but artfully crafted, ensuring that every single bowl is perfectly balanced. The star of the show is their hand-pulled noodles, which have the most incredible texture. They are so chewy and bouncy, with a strength that holds up beautifully in the flavorful broths.

I ordered the Khao Soi, which is one of my all-time favorite noodle dishes, and Fat Mao’s version was exceptional. It features a rich and creamy northern Thai curry broth filled with tender braised chicken and egg noodles, then topped with pickled mustard greens and crispy noodles for garnish. The broth was everything you want in a Khao Soi: rich, creamy, a little spicy, and just the right amount of tang! My husband opted for their special that night, which was a Beef Jaew. It was magical! It had a rich, fatty broth with tender sliced beef, fresh greens, a soft-boiled egg, and delicate rice sheet noodles.

We left feeling so happy and content. Fat Mao is a special place that focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well, and it shows. I can’t wait to go back!