Mala dishes, originating from Sichuan cuisine in China, are known for their distinctive numbing and spicy flavours. The term “mala” translates to “numbing” (ma) and “spicy” (la), which perfectly describes the sensation these dishes impart. The key ingredients include Sichuan peppercorns and dried chillies, which create a unique taste experience that is both fiery and tingly. Mala dishes can range from hotpots and stir-fries to snacks and street food, offering a versatile array of options for spice enthusiasts. The combination of intense heat and numbing sensation makes mala a thrilling culinary adventure for those who enjoy bold flavours.
In Singapore, mala dishes have gained immense popularity, becoming a staple in the local food scene. The vibrant and multicultural city has embraced this fiery cuisine, with many food stalls and restaurants offering their own versions of mala dishes. The love for spicy food in Singapore has made mala a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Fortunately, for those residing in or visiting Clementi, there are several excellent spots to enjoy mala dishes. Whether you are craving a hearty mala hotpot or a quick mala snack, Clementi has you covered with a variety of options to satisfy your spicy cravings. Here are three of the best mala in Clementi whose taste you will surely remember.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
1. Dajie Makan Place
One of the best places to visit for a delicious mala in Clementi is Dajie Makan Place, which is renowned for its authentic halal Chinese cuisine, particularly its fiery mala dishes. Established in 2007, Dajie Makan Place has gained recognition for its diverse menu, which includes favourites like Niang Dou Fu, Hainan Chicken Rice, and the ever-popular Mala Hotpot. The mala dishes here are celebrated for their bold, spicy flavours, achieved through a unique blend of Sichuan peppercorns and chillies, offering a tantalising experience for spice enthusiasts. Whether you are indulging in their Mala Hotpot or other mala-infused creations, Dajie Makan Place ensures a memorable dining experience with its commitment to quality and taste. Open daily, Dajie Makan Place provides a welcoming atmosphere for all, making it a go-to destination for halal Chinese cuisine in Singapore.
Business Reviews:
1. Hands down the best halal mala place that I’ve been to (and I’ve been to a lot). The spice is just perfect for me and my partner (we always go for level 1 as he can’t take spicy 😆) The service is quick and consistent. I come here at least three times a month to get my mala fix! Price wise: we have never spent anything more than $25 here (mala and two drinks included). It’s really affordable and your portion is HUGE. The chicken rice is also very good. Absolutely would recommend coming here. But just beware of rush hour especially during dinner time (6-7pm) – sometimes there might not be seats so would have to wait!
2. Love their Mala soup go well with maggie or udon. Ordered spicy level medium. Must try the chicken rice. Most of the time, order through Grab delivery.
3. Got Mala hot pot. Quite spicy even on lvl 1 but tasted excellent. Price of food was good, both for hotpot ingredients and normal meals. Can be stuffy due to it being non-aircon. Staff and service were polite and friendly.
| Website: | https://dajie.com.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | 10 AM – 9:30 PM Daily |
| Number: | 6774 2030 |
| Address: | 354 Clementi Ave 2, #01-253, Singapore 120354 |
2. Ba Guo Grilled Fish
Another amazing spot for a flavourful Clementi mala dish is Ba Guo Grilled Fish, which is celebrated for its authentic Sichuan cuisine, particularly its signature mala grilled fish. This dish features a whole freshwater fish, grilled to perfection and submerged in a rich, spicy broth infused with Sichuan peppercorns and chillies, delivering a tantalising numbing sensation. The restaurant prides itself on using over 30 fresh spices and vegetables, ensuring a robust and aromatic flavour profile. Besides the mala grilled fish, Ba Guo Grilled Fish also offers a variety of other mala dishes, including Spicy Deep Fried Chicken Cubes and Sliced Beef in Special Sauce, each meticulously prepared to balance spice and flavour. With its commitment to traditional Sichuan cooking methods and high-quality ingredients, Ba Guo Grilled Fish provides a memorable dining experience for spice enthusiasts and lovers of Chinese cuisine.
Business Reviews:
1. Easily one of the better mala places in the West! They have very attractive set lunches as well. And the service is good. The crew is helpful and friendly. Will go back or even try their other outlets.
2. Grilled mala fish full of spices! Generous serving! 赞！
3. Really love this place, I LOVE THEIR MALA SETS SO MUCH it’s super generous + tastes superb. Prices start from $9.80 for a one person set so it’s really worth (almost scared they’ll raise prices). Their grilled fish is really good too – I love it that it isn’t MSG-laden and the soups are really drinkable. Support them guys! This is a great store to have in our hood. : )
| Website: | https://www.instagram.com/baguogrilledfish/?hl=en |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Thursday 11 AM – 9:30 PM | Friday – Sunday 11 AM – 10 PM |
| Number: | 8938 1288 |
| Address: | West Coast Plaza, 154 West Coast Road, #02-25, Singapore 127371 |
3. City Snow Hotpot
Like Dajie and Ba Guo, City Snow Hotpot is a great spot for authentic mala in Clementi. It is considered a haven for hotpot enthusiasts, particularly those who relish the bold flavours of mala dishes. Known for its authentic Sichuan-style hotpot, City Snow Hotpot offers a rich and spicy mala broth, crafted with a blend of Sichuan peppercorns and chillies that deliver a distinctive numbing and fiery sensation. The restaurant takes pride in using high-quality ingredients, including fresh meats, seafood, and a variety of vegetables, ensuring a delightful and immersive dining experience. Patrons can also customise their hotpot here with an array of dipping sauces and condiments, thereby enhancing the complex flavours of the mala broth. With its commitment to authenticity and quality, City Snow Hotpot provides a memorable culinary journey for those seeking the true taste of Sichuan mala cuisine.
Business Reviews:
1. Fell in love in the first bite! And have been coming back for many times. The lamb is so delicious with the clear soup. And the mala flavor is also very authentic. Nice crevice as well.👍
2. First trial with couples of friends here. We ordered a hotpot with Ma la flavor and chicken soup. You can also design your own sauce plate! Very tasty.
3. The mala soup is damn gooood. One of the best mala in Singapore. I even requested to take away my left over mala spices. Yummy.
| Website: | https://citysnowhotpot.com/ |
| Operating Hours: | 11 AM – 3 AM Daily |
| Number: | 6970 8300 |
| Address: | Blk 501 West Coast Drive, #01-302, Singapore 120501 |
Conclusion
Indeed, Clementi is a haven for mala enthusiasts, offering several fantastic spots to indulge in this fiery cuisine. Among the top choices are Dajie Makan Place, known for its authentic and flavourful mala hotpots, and Ba Guo Grilled Fish, which serves a delightful array of spicy grilled fish dishes that perfectly capture the essence of mala. Another popular destination is City Snow Hotpot, where diners can enjoy a variety of mala-infused broths and ingredients in a cosy setting. These spots for mala in Clementi have become favourites among locals and visitors alike, providing a satisfying and thrilling culinary experience for those who crave the numbing and spicy sensations of mala. Whether you are a seasoned spice lover or a curious foodie, Clementi’s mala spots are sure to leave you with a memorable and mouth-tingling experience.
