Mala, a tantalising blend of Sichuan peppercorns and chilli peppers, is renowned for its fiery, numbing sensation that leaves taste buds tingling with delight. This unique combination of flavours creates a culinary experience that is both exhilarating and addictive. The rich, spicy broth, often infused with a variety of aromatic spices, perfectly complements a wide array of ingredients, from tender meats to fresh vegetables. The allure of mala lies not only in its intense heat but also in its depth of flavour, making it a classic favourite among spice enthusiasts and food adventurers alike.
In Singapore, mala dishes have gained immense popularity, becoming a staple in the local food scene. Chinatown, in particular, is a haven for mala lovers, boasting numerous restaurants that specialise in this spicy delicacy. The vibrant streets of Chinatown are filled with the enticing aroma of mala, drawing in both locals and tourists eager to indulge in its bold flavours. Whether you are in the mood for a sizzling hotpot or a spicy stir-fry, Chinatown offers a plethora of options to satisfy your mala cravings. The area’s rich culinary heritage and diverse food offerings make it the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the best of mala cuisine. In this article, we list down four of the best mala in Chinatown that will definitely satisfy your cravings for spicy, flavourful food.
1. XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot
XiaoYanzi Tomato Hot Pot, a pioneer in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its signature tomato broth and handmade shrimp paste, which have captivated diners in Singapore. The mala dishes, featuring the bold and spicy flavours of Sichuan cuisine, are a highlight in this popular spot for a mala in Chinatown. The mala broth, infused with a blend of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers, delivers a numbing and fiery sensation that pairs perfectly with a variety of fresh ingredients. From tender beef slices to crisp vegetables, each bite of food here is surely a flavourful adventure. Overall, XiaoYanzi Tomato Hot Pot’s commitment to quality and authenticity ensures a memorable hotpot experience, making it a beloved destination for mala and hotpot enthusiasts.
Business Reviews:
1. Food was very fresh and delicious, one portion is just nice for two people. Tomato soup is indeed really delicious – just the right amount of sweet and sour. Sichuan mala soup was also fragrant and nice. Music is good and store is clean. Service is very attentive, polite and friendly!
2. The tomato broth was rich and flavorful, definitely a win! 🤤 The beef oil broth was aromatic, like that typical Chongqing hotpot, and even after simmering for a while, it didn’t turn bitter👍🏻 Dishes: Fresh ingredients, reasonable portions, and the highlight was the bamboo fungus shrimp paste. It soaked up the tomato soup, and combined with the crispy texture, it was an absolute star! 🌟🌟🌟 Condiments & Desserts: Condiments are charged separately, but they offer a great selection of free desserts like tofu pudding, custard, ice jelly, and grass jelly. Ambiance: Big floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Clarke Quay riverside—such a nice view (too bad I didn’t get a seat by the window because too many people! 😅).
3. I recently had the pleasure of dinning at XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Located in “The Central” @ Level 3, this steamboat restaurant stands out not just for its delicious offerings but also for its exceptional service and inviting ambiance. The service at Steamboat Delight is impeccable. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly. From explaining the different soup bases to offering recommendations on the freshest ingredients, they go above and beyond to ensure you have an enjoyable dining experience. One of the standout features of Steamboat Delight is the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Every items we selected was of the highest quality, from the crisp vegetables to the tender meats. Dining XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot was a delightful experience that I would highly recommend to anyone.
| Website: | https://www.xiaoyanzitomatohotpot.com/ |
| Operating Hours: | 12 AM – 6 AM, 11 AM – 12 AM Daily |
| Number: | 62215550 |
| Address: | Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #03-87, Singapore 059817 |
2. Gong Yuan Ma La Tang
Gong Yuan Ma La Tang is also an amazing spot for delicious mala in Chinatown. It offers a unique dining experience with its specialty mala soup, which patrons definitely love and crave from time to time. Diners here can customise their bowls by selecting from a variety of fresh ingredients, including meats, seafood, and vegetables, before choosing their preferred soup base, such as the fiery mala, pickled vegetables, or tomato. The mala broth, known for its numbing and spicy flavours, is a standout, as it delivers an authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine. Overall, Gong Yuan Ma La Tang’s commitment to quality and customisation ensures a satisfying and flavourful meal, thereby making it a popular choice for those who love mala and hotpot.
Business Reviews:
1. Very nice mala for very reasonable price,good experience ! Highly recommend.
2. Some of the best mala in town. Love it for lunch and dinner. Service is 15/10, we were severed by Anthony and he was so helpful in guiding us on the process and recommending us the sauces. Chinese Seasame and medium spice is a great combination. 💯 Recommended.
3. Mala Tang cooked by Jun Hao is the best!! Love the Mala Tang very much!!
| Website: | https://www.facebook.com/gongyuanmalatangsg/ |
| Operating Hours: | 11 AM – 9:30 PM Daily |
| Number: | 62906747 |
| Address: | Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Rd, #02-43/44, Singapore 059413 |
3. Zhang Liang Mala Tang
Another famous place for mala in Chinatown in Zhang Liang Mala Tang, a popular Chinese restaurant chain known for its customisable mala hotpot dishes. Founded in 2008, the brand offers a unique dining experience where customers can select their own ingredients, which are then cooked in a flavourful, spicy broth. Their menu features a variety of soup bases, including the signature mala, tomato, and mushroom soups, catering to different taste preferences. Ingredients, on the other hand, range from fresh vegetables and mushrooms to various meats and seafood, ensuring a diverse and satisfying meal. In essence, Zhang Liang Mala Tang emphasises high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking methods, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a delicious and personalised mala hotpot experience..
Business Reviews:
1. Amazing mala soup, must try the mala soup version, tomato soup is also very tasty. Decently priced and easy to please mala. They offer one of the most flavourful and tasty mala soup broths.
2. I’m not a fan of mala but I really like the mala version of this shop. Everything costs the same at $2.88 per 100g from seafood, meat, veggies, balls. The soup was really tasty and you can don’t put the mala chili oil into the soup. Free garnishing and level of mala according to your preferences. Came on a Friday evening and there was literally no one (maybe covid). Will be back for more, and probably try the tomato or mushroom soup!
3. Delicious mala broth! Looks like laksa soup as it is milky-looking rather than clear, and tastes like creamy mala. Super delicious, drank every drop. Also took like 340g worth of ingredients due to the minimum order of 300g and it cost $11, which is cheaper than some food court mala I’ve had when I ordered around the same portion and type of ingredients. Able to share the portion with 1-2 others, so it’s worth the money and will definitely take away again!
| Website: | https://www.zlmlt.com/en/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM | Sunday 11:30 AM – 9 PM |
| Number: | 69707516 |
| Address: | Cross Street Exchange, 3 Pickering St, #01-36/37 Nankin Row, Singapore 048660 |
4. Old Cheng Du Mala Tang
A list of the best mala in Chinatown would not be complete without Old Cheng Du Mala Tang. It is a renowned cuisine restaurant known for its authentic Sichuan dishes, especially its mala offerings. This family-run establishment prides itself on delivering the rich, spicy flavours of Sichuan cuisine, using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Their menu features a variety of mala dishes, including the popular Mala Tang and Mala Ban, which are known for their bold, numbing spice and aromatic flavours. Diners here can enjoy a wide range of ingredients, from meats and seafood to fresh vegetables, all cooked to perfection in a spicy mala broth or sauce. Ultimately, the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and quality has made it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists seeking a genuine Sichuan dining experience.
Business Reviews:
1. My favourite joint for cold mala. They finally hired English speaking staff but even before that they were all helpful, tried using translator to ask spicy level before. Ingredients taste fresh. It’s their chilli oil that makes my stomach bloated sometimes.
2. Most affordable and delicious mala ban in all of Singapore. Beware that spice level can vary depending on who is making the mala but overall the most flavourful mala i’ve had and my colleagues from China also agrees.
3. Very conveniently located outside People’s Park Complex. Pricing is reasonable, so is the portion size. I gave the 麻辣拌 a shot and it was great – very flavourful and cooked just right. It is basically your typical mala ingredients blanched and mixed with a flavourful blend of spices and sauces that gives you the 麻辣香锅 flavours, less the smoky wok hei though. I dare say this is better than many mala I’ve tried. The wait during peak periods can be a little long, but I feel that it’s worth the wait.
| Website: | https://oldchengdu.com.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | 10 AM – 9 PM Daily |
| Number: | 82984188 |
| Address: | People’s Park Complex, 1 Park Road, #01-K99F, Singapore 059239 |
Conclusion
Chinatown in Singapore is certainly a paradise for mala enthusiasts, offering a variety of restaurants that serve this delectable, spicy cuisine. Among the standout options are XiaoYanZi Tomato Hot Pot, known for its unique blend of tomato and mala flavours, and Gong Yuan Ma La Tang, which offers a customisable hotpot experience with a variety of fresh ingredients. Zhang Liang Mala Tang is another favourite, celebrated for its rich, aromatic broth and generous portions. On the other hand, Old Cheng Du Mala Tang, with its authentic Sichuan recipes, provides a truly traditional mala experience. Each of these restaurants brings its own twist to the beloved mala, ensuring that visitors to Chinatown can enjoy a diverse and satisfying culinary adventure. So, whenever you are craving some flavourful dishes with a kick of heat, be sure to check out the best spots for mala in Chinatown mentioned in this article.
