Fato Mao Noodles is a modern Asian noodle bar with with a focus on Thai-Chinese soup noodles.
They have been open since 2015, but this was my first time trying them out. My friend Leila, had posted on her stories about this spot, and I was completely convinced to try it. Trudy and I went by after work to check out this spot. The menu is short and concise, which I appreciate. The vibe and interiors really remind me of being back in Asia with the steaming pots of broth and the clinging and clanging of pots. Check out my review below to see why you need to add Fat Mao Noodles on your next food adventure!
Fat Mao Noodles Menu
Fat Mao Noodles has a small selection of appetizers, but on this visit we were all about the noodles. They have 6 different soup noodles to choose from. All the soups come with beansprouts, green onion, cilantro, and pak chi. You can also choose your noodle options – some come with their suggested pairing but you are free to swap them out.
The noodle choices are:
- Shanghai Wide Noodles – chewy, flat, wide wheat noodle
- Wonton Noodles – flat, soft egg noodle
- Pho Rice Noodle – flat, thin rice stick noodle
- Clear Rice Sheet Noodles – soft, silky, translucent rice noodle
- Vermicelli Noodles – thin mung bean glass noodle
I was here because I wanted to try the clear rice sheet noodles. These type of noodles are one of my favourites and I very rarely see them.
Fat Mao Noodles – Thai Soup Noodles
I went with Hot and Sour Pork Noodles ($20.00) with clear rice sheet noodles. This soup noodle features a hot and sour pork soup with BBQ pork, minced pork, Vietnamese ham, Asian celery, peanuts, and crispy shallots. This bowl was the perfect mix of flavours and textures. It was a hefty bowl full of ingredients. The soup was incredibly flavourful but leans more toward the sour side. The noodles were everything I wanted and more. They were thin, slightly chewy and slippery. I am already planning my next trip back.
Trudy went with the Spicy Boat Noodles ($21.00) which features a rich beef & pork broth with sliced beef shin and meatballs, Thai basil, fried pork crackling. Served with thin rice vermicelli noodles. Traditionally this dish comes with pork blood, and it seems that in the past Fat Mao Noodles did include that topping but on this visit it is no longer on the menu. It’s a pity, as Trudy is a huge fan of pork blood and was looking forward to that. Regardless, this was a very satisfying bowl of noodles with a rich beef flavour and a nice funk from the fermented bean curd. The pork crackling was light and crisp and a great crunchy aspect to the bowl.
Worth a Try?
Yes! Both bowls were very satisfying, albeit on the pricier side. Given the quality of ingredients and the execution I would definitely come back, however the pricing is pretty high. It has definitely earned a spot on my must visit spots for noodles in Vancouver!