Maii’s Story
Contemporary Vietnamese cuisine with a little twist and lots of love.
Our Story
What is love?
“If you love someone, make sure they eat well and feel fulfilled”. This was a simple, genuine yet profound definition of love from my grandma, grandma Mai.
I still remember those summer afternoons when the breeze carried scents of wildflowers into the small courtyard, mingled with the smell of freshly-baked-pastry, in the heart of the 80’s Hanoi, as Grandma Mai rested her hands and tenderly asked us, “Shall I prepare an evening treat for you?”. Despite the hardships of those years, her eyes always radiated kindness, her hands, rough with calluses, yet so tender and caring, took care of our family through two wars and the ups and downs of the city. The small coal stove was always warm and lingering smoke, the French-styled-living room was always filled with fresh flowers and giggling sounds of us children.
Holding the memories of those afternoons, I grew up and explored new places, carrying with me Grandma Mai’s lessons about love, food, and the simple connections between people. One day, I stumbled upon a small courtyard from my childhood in a house near West Lake, and that marked the beginning of Maii Bistro.
Maii Bistro was born with the desire to recreate the cherished moments spent with our loved ones. It’s a place that offers cool respite in the summer and a cozy sanctuary in the winter—a space where everyday stories unfold. The mission of Maii Bistro is to “nurture” love, carrying forward the tender affection Grandma Mai had for us and extending it to every guest.
Please take a seat, open our menu, and open your hearts to embrace the genuine love that Maii Bistro offers.
With the warmest heart, Maii Bistro
I still remember those summer afternoons when the breeze carried scents of wildflowers into the small courtyard, mingled with the smell of freshly-baked-pastry, in the heart of the 80’s Hanoi, as Grandma Mai rested her hands and tenderly asked us, “Shall I prepare an evening treat for you?”. Despite the hardships of those years, her eyes always radiated kindness, her hands, rough with calluses, yet so tender and caring, took care of our family through two wars and the ups and downs of the city. The small coal stove was always warm and lingering smoke, the French-styled-living room was always filled with fresh flowers and giggling sounds of us children.
Holding the memories of those afternoons, I grew up and explored new places, carrying with me Grandma Mai’s lessons about love, food, and the simple connections between people. One day, I stumbled upon a small courtyard from my childhood in a house near West Lake, and that marked the beginning of Maii Bistro.
Maii Bistro was born with the desire to recreate the cherished moments spent with our loved ones. It’s a place that offers cool respite in the summer and a cozy sanctuary in the winter—a space where everyday stories unfold. The mission of Maii Bistro is to “nurture” love, carrying forward the tender affection Grandma Mai had for us and extending it to every guest.
Please take a seat, open our menu, and open your hearts to embrace the genuine love that Maii Bistro offers.
With the warmest heart, Maii Bistro
Our Philosophy
Seasonal Delights
Holding an ingredient in our hands is like holding a piece of nature. It is a blend of soil, climate, and the nurturing touch of human hands. When ingredients are harvested at the right time, they are at their peak of energy. Springtime brings leafy greens, while colder weather brings root vegetables and fruits. Just as the seasons guide us, so should our meals. By eating the right dishes during the right season, we can allow the natural bounty to bestow health and positive energy upon us.
Our Culinary Journey
Vui Dạ // Appetizers And Snacks
Small Bites Big Happiness
Ignite the lively conversations with our Appetizers and Snacks, inspired by the vibrant small bite traditions worldwide, namely the Spanish Tapas, the Indian Chaat or the Japanese Izakaya. Being the quintessential combination of international concepts and Vietnamese traditional flavors, these delightful morsels are the prelude to a meal of shared laughter and good times.
Our Culinary Journey
Mát Dạ // Salads
From our garden to your table
Experience a symphony of freshness from our garden to your table. Maii’s salads are seasonal bounties – the crystallization of Vietnamese fruitful vegetables, plucked daily from our rooftop. Each bite bursts with the essence of the homegrown greens from each season — a refreshing start to the culinary adventure that awaits.
Our Culinary Journey
Lót Dạ // Vietnamese Rolls
Wrapping up all goodies
Unveiling the essence of Vietnamese cuisine on your plate with our signature Cuốn/Wrap. More than just spring rolls; they’re meticulously crafted works of art, each one a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors and textures that define our culinary heritage. Take a bite and savor the harmonious blend of ingredients that follow our philosophy of Seasonal Delights, they are a celebration of tradition and culinary artistry in every fold.
Our Culinary Journey
Êm Dạ // Mixed Bowls
Healthy and Hearty Delights
Craving something that’s both light and invigorating? Maii’s vibrant medley of textures and flavors from Mixed bowls will tantalize your taste buds without weighing you down. With the considerate use of nutritious carbs and the bursting flavor of herbs, Mixed bowls are the perfect pit stops before delving deeper into the world of Vietnamese cuisine at Maii.
Our Culinary Journey
Chung Dạ // Sharing Set
Gather your loved ones
Unveiling the essence of Vietnamese cuisine on your plate with our signature Cuốn/Wrap. More than just spring rolls; they’re meticulously crafted works of art, each one a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors and textures that define our culinary heritage. Take a bite and savor the harmonious blend of ingredients that follow our philosophy of Seasonal Delights, they are a celebration of tradition and culinary artistry in every fold.
Our Culinary Journey
Chắc Dạ // Main Course
Local favorites – Our takes
Inspired by the traditional favorites, Maii’s main courses are a love letter to Vietnamese culinary icons, reimagined with a touch of contemporary flair. Each bite is a testament to the skill and creativity of our chefs, so that each dish carries a sense of Maii’s individuality and is infused with traits of fusion food.
Our Culinary Journey
Khoái Dạ // Desserts
Our Sweethearts
Unlike Western desserts, Maii’s desserts stem from the love of Vietnamese sweet treats. Not merely sweet indulgences; they are artistic expressions that showcase the abundant fruits of our land, resonating with each season’s climate and the depth heritage of Vietnamese spiritual occasions. Popiah, tofu panna cotta are fresh summer creations, while young-rice cake savors the breeze of fall, and traditional sweet-filled dumplings melt hearts with their comforting warmth.
