Mala, a fiery and numbing seasoning from Sichuan, China, has become a beloved culinary sensation in Singapore. Its popularity can be attributed to the unique combination of Sichuan peppercorns and chilli peppers, which create a distinctive numbing and spicy sensation that Singaporeans have grown to love. The rise of mala in Singapore is also linked to the increasing interest in diverse and bold flavours, as well as the influence of Chinese immigrants who brought their traditional recipes to the island. Over the years, mala has evolved from a niche offering to a mainstream favourite, with many locals and expatriates alike seeking out its intense and addictive taste.
Fortunately, for those working or visiting the bustling Raffles Place in Singapore’s Central Business District, there are numerous spots to enjoy delicious mala dishes. The area is dotted with restaurants that offer a variety of mala options, from hotpots to stir-fried dishes, catering to different preferences and spice tolerance levels. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Raffles Place provides ample opportunities to indulge in the mouth-watering flavours of mala. Read on to discover some of the best Raffles Place mala that will certainly satisfy your spicy cravings.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
1. City Hot Pot
When it comes to mala in Raffles Place, City Hot Pot is a go-to destination for many. It offers a delightful dining experience with its authentic and flavourful hotpot selections. Known for its rich and aromatic mala broth, City Hot Pot brings the traditional Sichuan spice to life, providing a perfect balance of heat and numbing sensation that tantalises the taste buds. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, ensuring each dish is fresh and delicious. Diners here can enjoy a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, all cooked to perfection in the simmering mala broth. With a welcoming atmosphere and top-notch service, City Hot Pot is truly an ideal spot for both casual meals and special gatherings.
Business Reviews:
1. The mala is soooo good very spicy and flavourful. I also love how we have our own hotpot as we can choose our own soup base and dishes.
2. Very good place for single pot. Price is relatively high but given the location its expected. Enjoyed the mala hotpot. Enough spice without being overly oily.
3. Went hotpot with my family. There have varieties choice of soup base to choose from and I love that they have dual personal pot too. Get to try different soup base . The ingredients are all very fresh and the price is affordable.their set meal is valuable to go with . Serving was fast and the can enjoy the hotpot with CBD view is perfect.
| Website: | https://www.wangluhotpot.com/ |
| Operating Hours: | 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM Daily |
| Number: | 6536 2679 |
| Address: | 1 Raffles Place, #04 – 26/27/28, Singapore 048616 |
2. Chuan Taizi Mala Tang
Another go-to destination for delicious mala in Raffles Place is Chuan Taizi Mala Tang, which offers an exceptional hotpot experience in Singapore, celebrated for its authentic and spicy mala broth. This broth, a staple of Sichuan cuisine, delivers a perfect blend of heat and numbing sensation, making it a favourite among spice lovers. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, ensuring each dish is fresh and flavourful. Diners here can enjoy a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, all cooked to perfection in the simmering mala broth. With a modern and warm atmosphere, Chuan Taizi Mala Tang provides an ideal setting for both casual meals and special occasions. The attentive service and commitment to culinary excellence make every visit to the restaurant a memorable dining experience.
Business Reviews:
1. Staff was nice to help us find seats as there were very limited seats available. If possible, it is best to opt for takeaway than to dine there, as the orders were processed much faster than the rate customers can finish their food, so my mala soup was already ready even before we got our seats. Do avoid peak hour lunch crowd if possible. Tried the chuan wei mala soup, taste was authentic and flavourful. Was advised by my colleague to try 小辣 (mild spicy) first, and it was indeed spicy enough, equivalent to 中/大辣 elsewhere. So for those who can’t take spicy, probably can’t even take 小辣 at all. Mala hot pot was great too. Recommended for mala lovers!
2. I think i found my favourite mala tang in SG. I don’t like beef broth Mala soup, so i ordered the chuan wei mala tang! If i recalled correctly, the staff did mention its base is chicken & pork broth! The mala soup has such a complex taste & it is PACKED with flavour. It beats gongyuan mala tang IMO. I loveee the chuanwei mala soup! Best with rice! My colleagues ordered the original mala tang & we didn’t like it that much compared to others like Zhang Liang or Yang Guo Fu that has beef broth as well. But we all agreed that the chuan wei mala tang is the best! Have yet to try the other flavours but I’m excited to try it in future. It’s a newly open mala tang store in One Raffles Place and the store front is actually pretty small, so it will be hard to score a seat there during peak periods during lunch. Pricing of mala is similar to Gongyuan, at $2.88/100g. Pretty affordable for this quality i’d say! ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. 🤤
3. This is one of our favourite mala hotpot stall. They have a wide selection of fresh ingredients, with good mix of vegetables, meat and carbs ($2.98 per 100g, min 300g). We got the mala hotpot with mild spicy level, which packs a mega punch (even at mild level). It’s fragrant and not too “ma” (numb). Dining space is clean and fuss-free, and there’s aircon (impt for a no-sweat mala meal)! Food was served promptly. Friendly staff.
| Website: | https://www.instagram.com/chuantaizi_sg?igsh=c2J1NHRoMTFnZmZ0 |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Friday 11 AM – 9 PM | Closed on Saturdays & Sundays |
| Number: | – |
| Address: | One Raffles Pl, B1-04, Singapore 048616 |
3. Guo Li Xiang
Guo Li Xiang offers a unique dining experience, blending traditional claypot and hotpot styles. Renowned for its rich and spicy mala broth, this restaurant brings the authentic flavours of Sichuan cuisine to life. The mala broth, known for its perfect balance of heat and numbing sensation, is a favourite among spice enthusiasts. Guo Li Xiang takes pride in using high-quality ingredients, ensuring each dish is fresh and flavourful. Diners here can enjoy an array of meats, seafood, and vegetables, all cooked perfectly in the simmering mala broth. With a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, Guo Li Xiang is also a perfect spot for delicious Raffles Place mala, promising a memorable and delicious dining adventure for everyone.
Business Reviews:
1. We ordered the Mala BBQ seabass set meal comes with 3 free side dishes, Minced meat egg and garlic romaine vegetable. The mala fish base tasty, a bit spicy plus some black soya bean taste will made you open your appetite.The steam egg very soft like swallow soya bean, great! Luo Han Guo and dried longan can request unlimited refill. Highly recommend the mala seabass and steam egg😋 . Waiter here are very friendly and approachable. Environment very clean and a good place to gather for a meal. Will come again with my other family members.
2. Each time SG has a mini freak storm (20.4.24), hotpot is a priority. As we love beef, we tried their Signature beef brisket hot pot,damn shiok to the max . As usual we never order food we can’t finish, hence we only added the egg B, XL youtiao, Romaine lettuce n the fresh soy knot, the whitey soup base is free to replenish. Service was attentive and place not so crowded which we like. Will definitely come back.
3. First time trying guolixiang hotpot, the services was excellent, the male staff attended to us was very helpful. The mama noodles was delicious, will definitely come again. Thanks to all at guolixiang!
| Website: | https://www.instagram.com/guolixianghotpot/?hl=en |
| Operating Hours: | 11 AM – 10 PM Daily |
| Number: | 6263 9172 |
| Address: | Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 N Bridge Rd, #B1-06/07, Singapore 179103 |
Conclusion
Mala has undeniably become a culinary favourite in Singapore, captivating locals and visitors alike with its unique numbing and spicy flavours. This Sichuan delicacy has seamlessly integrated into the vibrant food culture of the island, reflecting Singaporeans’ love for bold and diverse tastes. Raffles Place, the bustling heart of the Central Business District, is a prime location for indulging in this fiery sensation. The area boasts numerous restaurants offering a variety of mala dishes, from hotpots to stir-fries, catering to different spice preferences and dining styles. Whether you are seeking a quick meal or a leisurely dining experience, Raffles Place provides ample opportunities to enjoy the mouth-watering allure of mala, making it a go-to destination for spice enthusiasts. Be sure to check out the restaurants mentioned in this article to get a taste of the most flavourful mala in Raffles Place.
