If you’re searching for authentic and inventive Vietnamese food in Vancouver, DD Mau Chinatown needs to be on your radar. Known for its bold street food-inspired menu, creative cocktails, and modern ambiance, DD Mau is now elevating the experience even further with a brand-new all-BC wine program, just in time for summer. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, DD Mau is no stranger to locals craving Vietnamese flavours with a fresh twist. From crispy rice paper rolls and grilled skewers to whole fried tilapia DIY platters, this spot masterfully blends traditional technique with contemporary flair. And now, with the launch of their all-British Columbia wine list, DD Mau is rewriting the playbook on what to sip with your vermicelli bowl or grilled pork skewer. Check out my full review of DD Mau Chinatown below!
New All-BC Wine Program – Bold Pairings for Bold Flavours
As of July 15, 2025, DD Mau Chinatown has introduced a curated wine list featuring small-batch BC wines that pair seamlessly with their flavour-forward dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just wine-curious, this list was built to surprise and delight.
Featured BC Wines & Perfect Pairings:
- Bella Wines ‘23 King Chardonnay (Sparkling): A bright, bubbly start that plays perfectly with seafood and citrusy sauces.
- Synchromesh Long’s View Dry Riesling: Crisp and aromatic. An ideal match for dishes like the Ha Noi Style Grilled Meatballs.
- Scout Vineyard Rosé: Fruity and dry, this sipper shines with summer salads and DD Mau Chicken Wings.
- Lock & Worth ‘22 Merlot: A chillable red that’s light, juicy, and flawless with the Snail Skewers or Grilled Pork.
Pro tip: Every Wednesday, guests can enjoy $8 wines by the glass and $2 off wings during their Wingin’ It Wednesday promotion. It’s the perfect excuse to try something new and refreshing.
DD Mau Chinatown – Summer Fresh Sheet Seasonal Drinks
From their new summer drink features we got:
- Melon Mirage ($17.00) – makrut lime leaf infused gin, melon liqueur, galangal syrup, lime, orange blossom mist
- Mango Sticky Rice ($12.00) – mango juice, coconut milk, pandan, rice crisp (+1.5 oz Rum & Cachaca $5.00)
The Melon Mirage is a refreshing cocktail with makrut lime leaf‑infused gin, melon liqueur, galangal syrup, and a delicate orange blossom mist. It strikes a balance between floral and herbal, with citrus zing that lifts both palate and mood. Think orchard-fresh melon meets Southeast Asian aromatics. It’s a light, fragrant and utterly summery cocktail.
The Mango Sticky Rice is a playful take on the classic dessert features luscious mango juice, velvety coconut milk, and pandan sweetness, topped with a crunchy rice crisp. Add the rum and cachaça for a tropical warmth that layers over pandan’s earthy sweetness. This cocktail is a drinkable homage to a beloved Southeast Asian dessert.
DD Mau Chinatown – Summer Fresh Sheet Seasonal Dishes (Starters)
Off the seasonal fresh sheet we got the following to start:
- Jellyfish Salad ($7.00) – jellyfish, lemongrass, chili oil, pickled celery
- Snail Skewers ($12.00) – lettuce wraps, grilled sausage skewers made with ground pork, minced snails, betel leaves and lemongrass
- Smashing Rice Paper ($14.00) – crispy rice paper, steamed rice sheet, minced pork & shrimp, fresh herbs and scallions, fermented pineapple anchovy sauce
The Jellyfish Salad features silky yet crunchy ribbons of jellyfish tossed with tangy lemongrass, chili oil, and crisp pickled celery. It’s light yet bold, a refreshing appetite starter with a pleasantly briny bite and herbal lift.
The Snail Skewers are a very unique item that I have never seen or tried before. The betel leaves give a peppery, almost minty freshness while the grilled pork and snail mixture brings smoky, umami depth. The texture of this is very special. There is chew, crunch and freshness from the lettuce wrap. A must order dish.
The Smashing Rice Paper is another special dish that other Vietnamese restaurants aren’t doing. This dish is a lovely interplay of textures: crispy rice paper meets tender steamed rice sheet layered with minced pork & shrimp, scallions, and herbs. It’s a fun interactive dish where you break the circle in half and fold it to eat. Dip in in the fermented pineapple‑anchovy sauce for salty tang and fruity funk.
DD Mau Chinatown – Summer Fresh Sheet Seasonal Dishes (Mains)
Moving on the mains we got:
- Whole Tilapia DIY Salad Roll Platter ($43.00) – whole fried tilapia, lettuce, herbs, banh hoi rice sheets, rice paper, ginger fish sauce dip
- Ha Noi Style Grilled Meatballs & Vermicelli ($25.00) – grilled meatballs and pork, fish sauce broth, pickled papaya, Thai chilies. Served with vermicelli, salad and fresh herbs
The star of the night was the Whole Tilapia DIY Salad Roll Platter. A stunning shared plate: a whole fried tilapia, flanked by banh hoi rice sheets, lettuce, fresh herbs, and rice paper plus a gingery fish sauce dipping sauce. The fish’s crisp skin gives way to flaky flesh; wrap with lettuce and herbs for balance. It’s so much fun to wrap your own salad rolls. The dipping sauce brightens with ginger tang, fish sauce salt and a hint of lime’s acid. Interactive, flavourful, fun to eat. Great as a meal for 2 people or a sharing starter for 4 people.
Not a seasonal feature, but a menu staple we had to try was the Ha Noi Style Grilled Meatballs & Vermicelli. This dish features flavourful grilled pork meatballs, quick-pickled papaya, and heat from Thai chilies simmered in fish-sauce broth. Accompanied by vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and crisp salad this is a platter full of flavour. Eat all the components together for a sweet, sour, spicy and smoky bite.
DD Mau Chinatown – Summer Fresh Sheet Seasonal Dishes (Dessert)
No meal is complete without dessert, so we had to try their new Corn Panna Cotta Dessert ($9.00). This dessert is a a silky smooth panna cotta that doesn’t shy away from the corn flavour. There is a lovely pronounced corn taste in every bite. The coconut whipped cream is pairs well with the corn, and the green rice crumble adds a nice textural contrast. A not too sweet or rich dessert to end a very delicious meal.
Worth a Try?
Yew! DD Mau Chinatown is more than just a typical Vietnamese restaurant in Vancouver. They’re doing classic flavours with a modern twist. With an exciting new wine program and summer menu, you need to add DD Mau to your must-visit list for Vietnamese food in Vancouver.
DD Mau Chinatown
Address: 145 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T6
Website: https://www.ddmau.ca/chinatown
