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MALA PROJECT

Last Updated: 19 days ago

Phone: (718) 559-9513

Address: 41 WEST 46 STREET 10036

TLDR

Sichuan flavors w/ standout customizable dry pot & mala peanuts. Some say it's 'fuego fire'!

Sentiment Overview(Based on 55 Reddit comments)

64% Positive33% Neutral4% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

chinese 43sichuan 24sichuanese 8dry pot 19mala 10peanuts 3View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Details

This Chinese restaurant in Manhattan is a go-to spot for those craving authentic Sichuan flavors, particularly their highly praised Mala Dry Pot. Customers rave about the customizable nature of the dry pot, allowing for a personalized spicy and numbing experience. While the dry pot is a standout, other dishes like the Mala Peanuts and house pan-fried noodles also receive accolades for their unique taste and texture.

Food Overview

Specializing in Sichuan cuisine, this restaurant is most lauded for its Mala Dry Pot, which customers praise for its customizable ingredients and authentic spicy and numbing flavors. The Mala Peanuts are also a frequently recommended appetizer. While the dry pot receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, some non-dry pot dishes have been described as average. There's a slight disagreement on the spice level, with most finding it satisfyingly spicy, while a few note it can be milder than expected.

Highlights / Recommended

"The Mala Dry Pot is overwhelmingly recommended, with many praising its customizable ingredients and authentic flavor. The Mala Peanuts and house pan-fried noodles are also highlighted as must-try items."

Mentioned Dishes:

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

Customer Sentiment

Overall, customer sentiment is highly positive, with many Redditors considering it a favorite for its authentic Sichuan dishes, especially the customizable Mala Dry Pot. Some note that spiciness levels can vary, with a few finding it milder than expected.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This post highlights the restaurant's dry pot, rating it a 9/10 and describing it as 'fuego fire'. Several comments express strong approval for the dry pot, with one user mentioning they need to go back.
This thread features strong endorsements for the restaurant. One user specifically praises the mala peanuts and recommends ordering a large dry pot for delivery, noting it's even better the next day. Another user raves about the house pan-fried noodles.
Multiple users recommend this restaurant for its dry pot, noting a good balance of numbing and heat. One user specifically found the second hottest sauce to be very spicy and enjoyable.
This comment recommends the restaurant's dry pot, calling it 'awesome and fast'. The user advises sticking to the dry pot and suggests the semi-spicy level is likely sufficient.
A user specifically recommended the dry pot at this restaurant, calling it a must-try.

Recent Mentions

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 →

From post: Cheap Eats For Lunch Near Bryant Park

"Mala Project is listed as one of the restaurants with affordable options near Bryant Park."

Positive
Jul 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Plotted Rfoodnycs Most Upvoted Restaurants Of

"The user expresses a negative opinion about Mala Project, stating they do not think it is very good."

Negative
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Plotted Rfoodnycs Most Upvoted Restaurants Of

"The user clarifies that for a restaurant to be on the list, a specific post about it needs to receive many upvotes, not just mentions within comments."

Neutral
Jul 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Plotted Rfoodnycs Most Upvoted Restaurants Of

"The user expressed surprise that Mala Project was not included in the list of popular restaurants, stating they mention it frequently."

Neutral
Jul 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Spicy Meals In Nyc

"The user highly recommends Málà Project, calling it a fantastic restaurant and one of their favorites in NYC."

Positive
Jun 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Spicy Meals In Nyc

"The user expressed liking for Málà Project."

Positive
Jun 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Spicy Meals In Nyc

"The user found Málà Project's dry pot offered a good balance between numbing (mala) and actual heat, especially when ordering the second hottest sauce, which they found very spicy."

Positive
Jun 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Taking My Husband To New York For The First Time

"A Redditor stated that Mala Project is their favorite Chinese restaurant, indicating a very high positive opinion."

Positive
May 31, 2025View Comment →