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MALA PROJECT

Updated

Phone: (718) 559-9513

Address: 41 WEST 46 STREET 10036

TLDR

Your go-to for customizable mala dry pot & addictive mala peanuts. Authentic Sichuan flavors that hit the spot!

Reddit Sentiment for MALA PROJECT(based on 51 Reddit opinions)

67% Positive29% Neutral4% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

chinese 49sichuan 30sichuanese 8dry pot 24mala 10peanuts 3View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Details

A go-to spot for authentic Sichuan flavors, this restaurant is a hidden gem that consistently delights with its customizable mala dry pot. Patrons rave about the ability to choose their own ingredients and the perfect balance of numbing spice and heat. From the addictive mala peanuts to the flavorful dry pot that's even better as leftovers, this eatery offers a truly satisfying and customizable dining experience.

Food Overview

The restaurant specializes in Sichuan cuisine, with a strong emphasis on its customizable mala dry pot, which is frequently recommended by patrons. Customers also enjoy the mala peanuts and specific noodle dishes. While most feedback is positive regarding spice and flavor, a few users note that the spiciness can be milder than expected for some Sichuan standards.

Highlights / Recommended

"The customizable mala dry pot is the standout recommendation, with users suggesting options like wood ear mushrooms and tofu pockets for their ability to absorb sauce. Mala peanuts are also a popular choice."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • dry pot(7)
  • mala peanuts(3)
  • tofu pockets (in dry pot)(2)
  • pineapple (in dry pot)(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise the customizable mala dry pot and other Sichuan specialties, highlighting the authentic flavors and enjoyable spice levels. Some find it a bit mild for their taste, but generally, it's a highly recommended spot.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About MALA PROJECT

This post highlights the dry pot from Mala Project with a 9/10 rating, calling it 'fuego fire' and expressing a strong desire to return.
Several commenters express their love for Mala Project, with one specifically praising the house pan-fried noodles and another highly recommending the dry pot, noting it's even better as leftovers.
A user describes the dry pot as having a good balance of numbing and heat, rating the second hottest sauce as very spicy. Another user simply states they like the restaurant.
This comment recommends the dry pot as awesome and fast, advising to stick to it and suggesting the semi-spicy level. Another comment notes that non-dry pot dishes are average.
A user specifically mentions liking the Suan La Fen from Mala Project.
Multiple users discuss the spiciness of the dry pot, with one finding it relatively mild and another claiming it lacks any significant spice.
Mala Project is recommended for its hot pot, though noted as not being super cheap or a traditional bowl option.
Mala Project is mentioned as a place that lives up to its hype.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Wood Ear Mushroom Dishes

"Another user agreed that mala project's dish is very good and enjoys adding lotus root and five-spice tofu."

Positive
Apr 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Wood Ear Mushroom Dishes

"This user found the mala project's dry pot with wood ear mushrooms to be divine."

Positive
Apr 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Vegan Hot Pot

"While not strictly hot pot, Mala Project offers dry pot and is a recommended choice for ensuring everyone has dietary options."

Positive
Nov 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: Finding The Best Slop Bowls In Nyc

"This user questioned if Mala Project is truly a 'slop place'."

Neutral
Nov 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Want To Try 100 New Dishes In 2026 Help Me Make

"The user's absolute favorite dish is the dry pot from mala project."

Positive
Nov 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Want To Try 100 New Dishes In 2026 Help Me Make

"The user's absolute favorite dish is the dry pot from mala project."

Positive
Nov 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: Looking For A Funinterestingnot Crazy Expensive

"Mala Project is recommended for having good food and a fun vibe."

Positive
Oct 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Food Recs Between 5th8th Ave And 45th50th St

"Project Mala is mentioned as a recommended restaurant in the Hell's Kitchen area."

Neutral
Oct 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: Places To Eat Close To Time Square Not Super

"Mala Project is listed as a recommended restaurant that is a 10-15 minute walk from Times Square."

Positive
Sep 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Looking For Good Food From Cheap Eats To

"Mala Project is listed as a recent recommendation in the Times Square area."

Neutral
Aug 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Midtown Dinner Food Recs 30

"The commenter recommends Mala Project."

Neutral
Aug 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: Midtown Dinner Food Recs 30

"Mala Project is listed among several restaurant recommendations."

Neutral
Aug 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: Midtown Dinner Food Recs 30

"Mala Project is mentioned as a recommended restaurant."

Neutral
Aug 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: Vegetarian Food Recs In East Village

"This commenter simply mentioned Mala Project, likely in agreement or as another recommendation."

Neutral
Aug 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Vegetarian Food Recs In East Village

"The original poster enjoyed the dry pot at Mala Project, appreciating its spicy flavors."

Positive
Aug 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Any Really Spicy Food In New York

"Mala Project is suggested as a place for spicy food."

Positive
Jul 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Any Really Spicy Food In New York

"Mala Project is listed as a recommendation from a previous discussion about spicy dishes in NYC."

Neutral
Jul 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Cheapish Restaurants Near Bryant Park

"This restaurant was suggested as a place to eat near Bryant Park."

Neutral
Jul 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Cheapish Restaurants Near Bryant Park

"This establishment was recommended as a dining option near Bryant Park."

Neutral
Jul 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Hot Pot Or Dumpling Rec In Midtown

"Mala Project is recommended for its dry pot. The commenter states their hotel is close to the Bryant Park location of the restaurant."

Positive
Jul 20, 2025View Comment →