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MALA PROJECT

Updated

Phone: (347) 768-9015

Address: 41 WEST 46 STREET 10036

TLDR

Sichuan Chinese w/ customizable dry pot. A go-to for authentic mala flavors & spicy dishes. "Dope" & "fuego fire"!

Reddit Sentiment for MALA PROJECT(based on 49 Reddit opinions)

61% Positive35% Neutral4% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

chinese 61sichuan 42sichuanese 8dry pot 25mala 18chinese 12View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Details

A Sichuan Chinese restaurant in Manhattan, Mala Project is a hidden gem that many patrons consider a go-to spot for flavorful and spicy dishes. It's particularly known for its customizable dry pot, which allows diners to select their own ingredients for a personalized culinary experience. The restaurant is praised for its authentic mala flavors and is a frequent recommendation among those seeking a satisfying and well-spiced meal.

Food Overview

Mala Project specializes in Sichuan Chinese cuisine, with a strong emphasis on its customizable dry pot, which is a customer favorite. Dishes like the Suan La Fen and mala peanuts are also mentioned positively. While many praise the authentic mala flavors, a few users have commented that the spiciness can be milder than anticipated, even on higher settings.

Highlights / Recommended

"The dry pot is overwhelmingly recommended by patrons, often described as 'awesome' and a must-try. Other dishes like Suan La Fen and mala peanuts are also mentioned positively."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • dry pot(8)
  • mala peanuts(3)
  • tofu pockets (in dry pot)(2)
  • pineapple (in dry pot)(2)

Customer Sentiment

Overall, customers have a highly positive sentiment towards Mala Project, frequently recommending it as a favorite spot for authentic Sichuan cuisine, especially the dry pot. Some have noted that while it is a favorite, the spiciness can be milder than expected.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About MALA PROJECT

This thread features multiple users naming Mala Project as a frequently visited and favorite restaurant. One user specifically recommends the dry pot, noting its filling nature and suitability for leftovers.
In this discussion, users praise Mala Project, calling it an excellent spot that they frequently recommend. Specific mentions include the mala peanuts and the house pan-fried noodles.
A user describes the dry pot at Mala Project as very spicy with a good balance of numbing and heat, particularly recommending the second hottest sauce. Another user simply states they like Mala Project.
This comment recommends Mala Project for its awesome dry pot, suggesting it's fast despite being a sit-down restaurant. They advise sticking to the dry pot and using the semi-spicy level.
One user rated the dry pot at Mala Project a 9/10. Other comments in the thread also express strong approval for the restaurant and its dry pot.
This comment simply notes that Mala Project is located right next to another restaurant, Breeze.
A user explicitly states they like the Suan La Fen from Mala Project.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"Mala town is mentioned as a place this user goes to when stressed and tired."

Positive
May 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"This user enjoys Lao Ma Spicy, especially the fish fillet, but slightly prefers the flavor profiles at Mala Project."

Positive
May 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"This user recommends Lao Ma Spicy, particularly for their fish fillet, and asks if the other user has tried it."

Positive
May 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Good Apps And Quick Bites In The East Village

"The original poster had not heard of Mala Project before but considered it a great addition to the list."

Neutral
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"Mala Project is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"This user recommends the dry pot at Mala Project, suggesting two proteins, two veggies, and glass noodles as a filling option that can provide leftovers."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"This user also names Mala Project as their answer."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"Mala Project is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"This user is asking for recommendations for dishes at Mala Project."

Neutral
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant

"Mala Project is this user's tried and true favorite restaurant."

Positive
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Good Apps And Quick Bites In The East Village

"Mala Project is mentioned as an underrated gem in the East Village."

Neutral
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Spiciest Vegetarian Dishes In Nyc

"This is a recommendation for Mala Project, suggesting it as a place for spicy food."

Positive
Apr 24, 2026View Comment →

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 →