Something Special Arrives in Yaletown

Contemporary Asian cuisine is taking over Vancouver; the latest is Yaletown’s new Vietnamese restaurant, House Special.

This family-style restaurant is truly a family affair, run by siblings Victoria and Patrick Do. Find their family photos lining the corridor, including one of the brother in a beer box! They put a strong emphasis on bright and vibrant flavours. Our top recos: crispy shrimp and pork Spring Rolls (shitake mushrooms are a rare find in spring rolls, adding texture to the crunch), pan-seared Tamarind Duck, and the daily rotation of Frybread (a sesame dessert pastry turned pita pocket). Insider’s tip: Ask for the Mekong Monsoon, a subtle green tea and gin cocktail that’s not (yet) on the menu. Enjoy share plates in the minimalistic dining room highlighting Asian iconography.

Final verdict: House Special is nothing short of being, well, special. —Miranda Sam

House Special, 1269 Hamilton St., 778-379-2939.