DD Mau has opened up it’s second location in Chinatown with a larger menu that consists of other great parts of Vietnamese cuisine other than their famous banh mis.
The space is long and narrow, low key and clean.
We started off with the Fried Crispy Pig Ears ($4.50). It’s super crispy and a good way to start off the meal, especially with a glass of beer.
The DD Mau Wings ($10) were next – it’s made with a house fish sauce glaze and fried garlic. Breaded nicely, super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. There was good flavour on the wings but not so much that it was overpowering. I wouldn’t mind seeing a dipping sauce accompanying this dish.
Grilled Betel Leaf Meatball Platter ($15). I tried something similar at Mr. Red Cafe and wanted to see how this one stacked up to it. This platter has rice noodle bundles, lettuce, herb and the betel leaf wrapped meatballs with anchovy-pineapple sauce. I can’t say it’s similar because it isn’t. I feel like it’s easier to share here than it is at Mr. Red Cafe, and I do like the accompanying sauce. I think the betel leaf and meatballs were less strong in taste, but it wasn’t a hinderance to the meal.
Damn Good Chicken & Rice ($13). We were given this as a suggestion to try out and glad we did. While most people go oh hmm, chicken and rice. No – this is actually damn good chicken and rice. They’re not joking. It’s super flavourful, juicy and is a good portion to share.
Pho Beef Dip Banh Mi ($11). This was on their special fresh sheet menu. Made with beef shank and eyeround, the beef dip is then fortified with bean sprouts, onions and herbs in a french baguette and served with a side of pho broth for dipping. Also a fantastic choice, as it’s an interesting take on the traditional beef dip you’d find elsewhere.
Liquid Tiramisu ($4.50). One thing Diana (Foodology) had mentioned as a must try. This is Coffee with sweet egg cream. And it literally does take like tiramisu. It’s also a must-try item when you come here.
Grandma’s Tea ($6). Nathalie ordered a shot called Grandma’s Tea, which consists of oolong tea and Johnnie Walker. Too funny.
Overall, I really enjoyed my lunch here. I want to come back and try more dishes, but I need more friends to come with next time!
Food: 4.5
Service: 4.5
Value: 4
Ambiance: 4
OVERALL: 4.5
For more information and their menu, check out their website here: https://www.ddmau.ca/chinatown
