Sometimes the best discoveries are made when you have something completely different planned. I’m a big fan of walking around new neighborhoods to see what’s up, and it just so happens that while walking around E. Georgia in search of nourishment (basically I was looking for another restaurant but the lineup was too big for my hunger), I came across Fat Mao Noodles.

First of all, I’d like to point out that any restaurant that has “noodles” in the name will definitely make me stop and take a look and in this case I was not disappointed! The menu on the door was not overwhelmingly large with a nice selection of small plates and Thai soup noodles at a decent price. The flavours are Thai inspired, with noodle bases that vary from coconut, hot and sour, and laksa; noodle options from Shanghai wide noodles, rice sheets, wonton noodles, and vermicelli. I was a bit undecided and asked the server to suggest the noodles that would go best with my Coconut and Mushroom noodles, he surprised me with the wonton egg noodle, I loved it! The consistency of the soup was creamy because of the coconut and the chili gave it just the right amount of kick. The Koh Soi, Changmai curry noodles were also amazing, the free range chicken leg submerged in a turmeric curry base with the wonton noodles and crispy noodles. You are able to substitute your noodles as well, but you know that the recommended noodles will probably be the best choice.

I was satisfied with a glass of water with my meal (I had to go to the gym shortly afterwards) but, in case you’re interested, there’s also dessert options, specialty drinks, sake, cocktails, and beers/cider, my friend enjoyed an IPA with her meal, a very good compliment to her curry noodles.

This restaurant is quaint, and have a nice theme going on. The check is brought to you in old Japanese manga copies which I thought was a nice touch. (If only I could read Japanese!) J I will definitely be back to try more of the soups and small plates, maybe a planned visit so I know in advance that I should not plan to exercise afterwards!

Fat Mao Noodles is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 9pm, and they are located at 217 E Georgia St. For their full menu check out their website at www.fatmaonoodles.com.