Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Mala Town

    4.1 (27 reviews)
    Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Mala Town Takeout or Delivery

    Mala Town Photos

    Business Info

    MALA TOWN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Mala Town

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    long-cooked pork belly over rice
    Ruby L.

    We went to Mala Town for dinner and were seated right away, which was a great start. The staff was very nice and patient, and the service throughout our visit was smooth and friendly. I ordered the build-your-own malatang, which was pretty good. I'm used to preset options when it comes to malatang, so it was a new experience to pick out all the ingredients myself, but I liked having that flexibility. My friend ordered Combo H, which came with long-cooked pork belly over rice and lemon tea. The lemon tea was good and refreshing, but we were hoping the pork belly would be more tender. We expected it to be the kind that just falls apart when you bite into it, but it wasn't quite there. That said, the flavor was still good, and we enjoyed it. Overall, it was a solid experience, with friendly staff, quick seating, and tasty food. I'd come back, especially to try different malatang combinations!

    Tomato base with udon, enoki mushroom, fish filet, and honeycomb tripe
    Thomas L.

    Overall 4/5: 2 hot pots and stir fried potatoes (expensive appetizer) with tax was about $40 dollars. Their entrees are pretty affordable probably why this place is so popular. Food was decent and there are a lot of options on the menu. Would I come here again? Maybe to try their rice dishes after reading other reviews, but I wouldn't come back for the tomato based hot pot. Ambiance 3/5: A little chaotic. A lot of kids (middle or high schoolers) probably because of the cheaper prices and according to other reviews a discount with student ID. Another large party came in and started moving tables around and people that appeared to be regulars seated themselves. Service 4/5: We were seated immediately at a table for 2 on a Saturday afternoon. Food came out within 10 minutes of ordering. It became busier towards the end of our lunch and it was hard flagging someone to bring us a check. Food 4/5: Decent. Main selling point is its affordability. I regret not looking at other reviews before coming here as people say their rice dishes are pretty good. We got their pre-made tomato hot pot soup base, GF got the original soup base, and some stir fried potatoes. - Tomato hot pot 3/5: I did like this at first. Not sure if the saltiness of our appetizer overpowered the flavors of the soup but it started to taste too sweet (kind of like ketchup?). Slightly disappointed at that. I tried the original soup base and like it more so probably pick another base if you come here. No complaints about the ingredients you get to add though, those were delicious. I chose Udon, fatty beef, fish filet, honeycomb tripe, and enoki mushrooms. - Stir fried potatoes 4/5: They look like fries but they're not crispy. Very flavorful though; salty and spicy. I can see the appeal and would be great as a separate snack but it made my noodle soup taste bland in comparison...

    Interior
    Carrie C.

    I caught up with a friend at Mala Town and it was my first time having skewers in hot pot broth. I had a very specific broth in mind, but the server described it differently, so it ended up being a different spice than I expected. It was a little intense for me, but I tried my best to enjoy it, and I do want to come back to find something on the menu that fits my taste better. The seating is spacious, the interior is nice, and the service was kind and attentive, which made the visit still feel pleasant.

    pork soup dumplings, ginseng chicken soup, make your own mala xiang guo
    Miranda L.

    price - $30 food - 3/5 ambiance - 3/5 service - 3/5 overall - 3/5 overall, the food was okay but the price altogether was definitely affordable! the pork soup dumplings were my favorite especially when you mix it with the vinegar and ginger sauce on the side. the soup was very healthy and refreshing. the mala xiang guo was definitely a shocker cause they gave so much for the price that it is worth

    Sally C.

    This was a last minute choice but a good one of that. I've always wanted to try this place considering it was close to work and the reviews weren't too bad. Let me tell you, this is a lunch on a budget and it gets you filled quickly ! I highly recommend coming here if you are looking for a quick lunch. Me and my party of four stayed here for longer than we needed chit chatting and the employees were nothing but friendly. We all ordered the special broth malatang that came with four ingredients of our choice. The broth itself reminds me of a peanut/ sesame flavor. there is nothing to complain whatsoever. Ingredients were fresh and plentiful and for an extra dollar you get a drink of milk tea, Thai tea, lemon tea etc ! And there were nice to give us a free dessert as well!

    Customized Noodle Bowl & Dry Noodle with House Made Mushroom Beef Sauce
    Chonni S.

    We ate at Mala Town for Mother's Day -- food shows great potential and casual ambiance, but the service was disappointing! * A female staff member rushed us to order right after we sat down -- 这不行! * The bill came before we even finished eating -- 100% ruined the experience. * Female staff started clearing our table mid-meal -- Completely unacceptable and unwelcoming. Food Highlights: * Dry Noodle with House Made Mushroom Beef Sauce: Delicious! * Eel over Rice: Tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. * Customized Noodle Bowl: signature spicy broth with meat & vegetables had amazing flavor and creamy texture, but the green bean noodles were tough and chewy, difficult to enjoy. 老闆如果看到這條,希望您能從長遠角度來想。菜確實好吃,但整體的用餐體驗還有提升的空間,這樣才能更配得上這些美味的菜

    Sarah Z.

    Wanted to try this place out because of its name, assuming it specializes in all things mala. Not busy at all when we went so service was fast. We ordered the signature mala noodles with their signature spicy broth (you can pick the tomato broth if you prefer non spicy). I get choice of 4 ingredients to add so I picked beef balls, pork intestines, sliced fish and I forgot the 4th ingredient. Veggies like cabbage, tofu and seaweed are included already. We also ordered the Szechuan style wontons and Szechuan cold noodles. They give complimentary spicy seaweed as an appetizer. I was thrown off at first then started to enjoy the umami taste of the seaweed. The mala noodles was disappointing, considering it's supposed to be their signature dish. I've had better spicy noodles elsewhere -- nothing special. The cold noodles portion was small and only OK. I probably like the Szechuan wontons the most. Overall, the food was only OK, nothing special. I would come back to try their skewers though.

    sooo lucky to have a mala spot this good near me! never disappoints. i got the sichuan mala and the spice level is just perfect for my southeast asian taste. love it!

    Mushroom and Pork Sauce Dry Noodle

    people usually come for the spicy noodle soup, but I decided to try their original broth and it was addictive. I asked if they used any packaged soup base, but they told me it's actually made in house! I've been craving it since, gotta go back for more! Their house special mushroom meat noodle is also delicious and not too spicy! Everyone was so friendly and helpful and what a cute little place, definitely going to be my new to go spot!

    three plates of food on a table
    Linan C.

    Love this place!! Been here a couple times and they just get better each time! I love their Ox Tripe in Chili Sauce and their Long-Cooked Pork Belly Over rice. Staff were friendly and great ambience! I can't wait to come back for more!!!

    Mushroom and Pork Sauce Dry Noodle Soup
    Evelyn Z.

    The portion size of the dishes were great. It satisfied the hunger of my friends and I. The restaurant was fast and quick with their service. Overall, nothing to complain about!

    Lynx Shiau Ling W.

    I been taking out small dishes from this , the food is delicious and have tried the seaweed, thousand year old year with tofu , the pig leg, the beef. I have try eat in the Tomato Mala is recommending.

    Signature Malatang, Sichuan Spicy Skewer, Pickled Cucumber, Shredded Seaweed, Sweet Potato Fries,Hot and Sour Noodle
    Meiyu H.

    The food was delicious and the price is pretty good for the portion. I especially enjoyed the original signature malatang. It was our first time there and the waiter was really friendly and helpful. She was very informative when we asked her about the menu and also asked us if we needed anything else like drinks or rice for the skewers when the food came. She also told us if we show student ID, we can get a discount and gave me a punch card for the malatang. Overall, the customer service is excellent. I would definitely go back again.

    Noms. Spicy was truly Spicy. And delish

    See all

    27 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of 光
    28
    10
    11

    2 years ago

    This is the best Asian restaurant I have ever eaten in. I will patronize it again. The taste can be controlled by yourself, and the service

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elisa H.
    2011
    897
    2199

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A Y.
    0
    77
    196

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    Ask the Community - Mala Town

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Szechuan 18,099 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Shan - Dry Pot Cauliflower

    Shan

    4.4(155 reviews)
    3.6 mi•Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill

    it's been too long so I last numbed all my tastebuds with spice at a place like this…read more - walking up to the an unassuming outside in an area not entirely known for this cuisine, I was interested why the reviewers were so good - the restaurant is deceivingly large as its thin but goes deep in the back. we started with their banger of a happy hour and got $9 spritzes & jasmine lychee martinis. the martini tasted like a sweet tea turned boldly alcoholic. very fun. I next just got a regular lychee martini, which was much less sweet & a perfect drink #2 - we started with the pork dumplings which had such a complex sauce. it looked like a basic chili oil but there was a tangy vinegar and a sweet aftertaste that balanced out the numbing spice. the dough was so chewy & thick, I loved. - the cold eggplant was very garlic forward & naturally ofc coated in spice. it's a large serving of the same vegetable but we ate every piece - we split the tofu & fish entree. this was insane, the same base and consistency as mapo tofu. incredibly rich and flavorful with light large chunks of silken tofu & battered fried soft fish. the fish absorbed so much of the sauce, which honestly I was eating by the spoonful.

    The udon was the star of the show for me. I saw a couple eating it next to us and ordered it based…read moreon visuals alone and I am glad to say that it tastes as good as it looks. The three pepper fried tofu was also delicious, I enjoyed the variety of texture in this dish and how well seasoned it is. I did try some of the chicken and it did taste a bit gamey so that would be my only note. Overall food was great and service was attentive.

    Photos
    Shan - Cocktail

    Cocktail

    Shan - Decor love this

    Decor love this

    Shan - Dry pot beef, spicy cumin lamb, mapo tofu, rice

    See all

    Dry pot beef, spicy cumin lamb, mapo tofu, rice

    Antidote - Dongpo Pork (@joeynht)

    Antidote

    4.6(679 reviews)
    5.9 mi•Williamsburg - South Side
    •$$

    One of the most spectacular meals I've had in NYC in a hot minute. And it's been a while since I…read morefound a dish I liked enough to obsess over. But let's start from the beginning. My friend had been here before and wanted to come again for her birthday. She made a reservation swiftly, and even though we were on time for our reservation, we still had to wait about 10-15 minutes for a table when we arrived. The lobby was buzzing with people waiting to get seated. It was a little more peaceful in the dining room, with a small chatter. However, it progressively got louder during dinner, and I hate having to talk over other people to be heard, so I gave up on conversing during the meal. But that's fine since my mouth was busy enjoying all the good food. Dan dan noodles $14 : 5/5 stars I was disappointed by the small portions and the overall appearance, and while yes, it is small, don't judge a book by its appearance. It looks bland and dry but that's far from the truth. It was flavorful with a strong kick of spice and plenty of sauce. I would 100% get this again. Cucumber salad $14 : 5/5 stars $14 for just cucumbers is kind of absurd but I can't deny that it was delicious. Every restaurant does cucumber salad a little differently, and the ones at Antidote are coated in this creamy green sauce that made the app so hard to stop munching on. Not sure if I would get this again because of the price. Shredded duck fried rice $18 : 2.5/5 stars Honestly the pricing is really weird to me because what do you mean a cucumber salad is only $4 cheaper than a whole entree with protein? Anyway, I was looking forward to this interesting-sounding fried rice dish, but alas, I was not a fan. The duck was smoked and imparted a smoky taste to the whole dish that I did not enjoy. However, my friends loved it. Chestnut short ribs $30: 4/5 stars The ribs were fall-off-the-bone good but the chestnuts could've been a tad softer. There weren't that many ribs for $30. Youtiao shrimp $20 : 100/5 stars Literally the best item on the menu. It came with some pineapple pieces. It tastes just like the deep fried shrimp with walnuts and mayo at Chinese banquet meals. I truly think about this almost every day since I've had it. I can't wait to have it again.

    Disappointing. Tea-smoked duck overpowered with way too much smoke. The kung pao chicken lacked…read moreflavor and spice. I enjoyed the scallion pancake. Service not great, waited too long for a napkin after requesting an additional one.

    Photos
    Antidote - Bathroom Art

    Bathroom Art

    Antidote - Numbing Cubes - rib eye cubes, oyster mushrooms, dried peppers, green peppercorns

    Numbing Cubes - rib eye cubes, oyster mushrooms, dried peppers, green peppercorns

    Antidote - Fried rice | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin

    See all

    Fried rice | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin

    Breeze - Dan Dan Noodle 担担面

    Breeze

    4.6(137 reviews)
    6.8 mi•Greenpoint

    Really kinda perfect food honestly. Such strong flavors, everything had some special little extra…read moresomething on it that elevated it to a higher level than what we're used to here in the states. The standout obviously was the fish for two. It came out bubbling, filled with little mushrooms and peppers in a wonderful broth that was earthy and savory. The fish itself was delicious, crunchy, not too boney and deeply flavorful The wontons were juicy and firm with a well balanced sauce and the "mouthwatering chicken" was surprising and tasty. It's thigh meat served lukewarm in a bath of sauce filled with sichuan peppercorns and covered in minced peanuts. It's fantastic. Come here! The prices are reasonable too. This is elevated food and I got out of the establishment having spent only $75 for two. You can spend that kind of money for two eating some terrible lunch in midtown fairly easily. Come here!

    I didn't love Breeze. It was so-so at best…read more The space is nice and the service is good. Staff was very attentive, but we were seated at this isolated table at the front of the restaurant where the waiters can't really access things like dishes to be cleared or water refills without awkward passing back and forth. There's also a round window right there - makes for a distracting fishbowl feel with people passing by on the street peeking in. Then, the food...it was ok. We ordered 10 things, at least, but here we are just a few weeks later and I cant remember a single one of them as a standout.

    Photos
    Breeze - Interior!

    Interior!

    Breeze - Diced Chicken with Chili Pepper/辣子雞丁. $24. Very tasty

    Diced Chicken with Chili Pepper/辣子雞丁. $24. Very tasty

    Breeze - Fresh Meet Peach and Summer Breeze

    See all

    Fresh Meet Peach and Summer Breeze

    Szechuan Mountain House - Yibin Style Ran Noodles 宜宾燃面

    Szechuan Mountain House

    4.3(922 reviews)
    6.6 mi•East Village
    •$$

    TLDR: Appetizer (cabbage and others in chili oil) 5/5, Mapo Tofu 5/5, great spice and numbing…read more Citrus Bloom drink 5/5 (idk much about drinks though) Place is absolutely beautiful and my server Emma was incredibly kind and helpful, she gave other recs below, and below that is the full review Emma's Recs: Chicken: House Chicken, La-zi Chicken, Signature Chicken Stew (only if you can handle spice), diced chicken with lotus roots, chicken numbing and sour Fish: Fish in Sour Cabbage Soup Ma-Ma Hot Fosh, Spicy: Jiang Stew Fish, Whole: Green Spicy Bass FULL REVIEW The beginner appetizer is apparently common is Szechuan cuisine, but this was absolutely amazing. I had to make the stank face after trying the chili oil and accompanying flavors, it's like a soft tangy and spicy flavor that is incredible, definitely house made. The tea was a rose sweet green tea, tastes great- the teapot was heavy which I loved The citrus bloom drink was presented spectacularly, the glass and the dried yellow flower on top was a great addition. It tastes like citrus with only a hint of alcohol The mapo tofu is awesome, I had it without beef but it's soft and has that mouth numbing you get from Sichuan. It's probably the most tingling I've gotten, my whole mouth and lips Absolutely beautiful aesthetic, there is peaceful string music playing the whole time and the entire place is decorated stunningly The service was amazing, the server told me how they make the appetizer as well as poured the cup of tea for me, other than that you normally order on the iPad which makes things very easy. You are able to add order notes for restrictions, and they also came and double checked if I was good with beef in the Mapo Tofu.

    The food here is amazing,flavorful and tasty,the service here is amazing everyone is attentive…read morehere,our server was very nice as well. as for ambiance it was so nice,the place is so pretty,i definitely recommend!! make reservations since it does get packed here! minimum 2 people to make a reservation!!

    Photos
    Szechuan Mountain House - Seating

    Seating

    Szechuan Mountain House - Mapo Ma-Po Tofu 麻婆豆腐

    Mapo Ma-Po Tofu 麻婆豆腐

    Szechuan Mountain House - Mala prawn

    See all

    Mala prawn

    Hot Space - Stinky tofu skewers

    Hot Space

    4.6(190 reviews)
    0.4 mi•Borough Park
    •$$

    Food: The food is delicious here! We ordered the grilled eggplant with garlic, clams, and a grilled…read morefish as the main dish. This place is known for their grilled fish dishes, where you pick the type of fish, the flavor and then your add-ons. It is served in a huge tray with burners on the bottom to keep it hot during your meal. We tried the spicy tofu flavor, which was excellent, but they also offer non-spicy flavors. Add-ons include various veggies, mushrooms, and noodles. All of the food was very fresh and flavorful, and we were very happy with the quality. Service: Service was phenomenal. The staff was so attentive and friendly. We brought a cake to cut at the restaurant and the staff were very helpful in getting everything set up and the table cleared before we brought the cake out. Ambiance: The restaurant is not that big, but they can definitely accommodate large and small groups. Seating is spacious and comfortable. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant!

    Initially wanted to go to a different spot for skewers, but stumbled upon this place instead since…read morethere were so many people lined up outside! Not the best skewers I've had but we did notice a lot of people ordering the crawfish and decided to order one, and it did not disappoint! So juicy and flavorful, I wish I could try some of the other flavors!! Staff were extremely quick to service and the ambiance is nice and loud haha perfect spot for late night snack/meal with friends!

    Photos
    Hot Space - Front desk

    Front desk

    Hot Space
    Hot Space

    See all

    Birds of a Feather

    Birds of a Feather

    4.2(788 reviews)
    6.0 mi•Williamsburg - North Side
    •$$

    Birds of a Feather was an amazing dining experience! The service, food, and atmosphere were all…read moregreat! My father was visiting from Seattle and treated me to lunch here. He was extremely impressed with the meal and said it's just as good if not better than anything he can find back home! We had the eggplant accordion, curious chicken, shrimp and pork dumplings, and the duck fried rice, and they were all hits. They were packed with great flavor, a great spice level, and cooked to perfection! To this day we still talk about how great this meal was! The service was also extremely friendly and efficient, and we had great conversations with the waiter about the history of the restaurant and other Chinese cuisine hotspots in the US. We went for lunch on a weekday, and it was super comfortable, and there was no wait. I will definitely be returning!

    I'd rate Birds of a Feather four and half stars…read more We came for a weekday lunch. For starters, we shared the okra wrapped in bacon, dumplings, and Dan Dan noodles. All of them were served in a similar Sichuan chili sauce. It was on the milder side, so there was only a slight numbness in the mouth. Definitely a great way to introduce people to this cuisine who are hesitant about spiciness. For the main course, we shared the Ma Po Tofu. This item was marked with three chilis on the menu indicating it is the highest spice level here. It was definitely the spiciest item by far. You get the full mala effect with a bold pepper flavor plus big time numbing that lingers well after. It was my favorite dish but might not be for everyone. Rice is not included so be sure to add at least one order. They have a full bar with lots of house cocktails. Some wines and a handful of beers including draft options. There are two single occupancy restrooms with one being handicap accessible. The staff was super hospitable. They were extra accommodating and made our experience wonderful.

    Photos
    Birds of a Feather
    Birds of a Feather
    Birds of a Feather

    See all

    Mala Town - szechuan - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...