TLDR
Sichuan spot w/ customizable dry hot pot & classic dishes [1]. Known for "husband and wife" app, dan dan noodles & white fish. Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient.
Details
MALA PROJECT is a Sichuan Chinese restaurant in Manhattan known for its customizable dry hot pot and classic Sichuan dishes. The original East Village location offers a cozy and rustic ambiance, with a communal table adding to its charm. Popular choices include the "husband and wife" appetizer, dan dan noodles, and white fish with pickled vegetables, all with manageable spice levels [1]. The restaurant has also received a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
Food Overview
This Sichuan Chinese restaurant is highly regarded for its customizable dry hot pot, offering a wide array of ingredients and spice levels [1]. While some diners have found the dry pot to be underwhelming, others rave about it, calling it the best overall. Classic Sichuan dishes like dan dan noodles, "husband and wife" appetizer, and white fish with pickled vegetables are also popular. The spice levels are generally considered manageable, though one user noted a very high maximum spice option available [2].
Highlights / Recommended
"The dry pot is highly recommended, with many users considering it the best overall. The lamb dish and classic Sichuan options like dan dan noodles and "husband and wife" appetizer are also suggested."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •sichuan dry pot(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customer feedback is mixed, with some praising its dry pot and Sichuan offerings, while others have found the dry pot to be watered-down. However, many express obsession and consider it the best overall for dry pot [1].
Caveats
One user expressed disappointment with Mala Project's dry pot, finding it watered-down on two separate occasions and questioning its appeal.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MALA PROJECT
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Romantic Nyc Dinner Recommendations That Arent
"The original poster thanked the commenter for all the lovely recommendations, including Mala Projects."
PositiveFrom post: Romantic Nyc Dinner Recommendations That Arent
"Mala Projects in the East Village was recommended for its cool date night vibe, low lighting, cool decor, and interesting Szechuan menu. The dry pot is highly recommended, and the cocktails are also great."
PositiveFrom post: Best Meal Around Tompkins Square Before Meeting
"Mala Project is recommended for those who enjoy spicy food, specifically mentioning its Sichuan dry pot as some of the best in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Fun Not Too Expensive Dinner Spot For Two
"Mala Project is listed as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Fun Not Too Expensive Dinner Spot For Two
"Ma La Project is suggested as a fun option due to its customizable dry hotpot, which offers many ingredients."
PositiveFrom post: Upcoming Trip What Did I Mess Up
"This commenter mentioned that Mala Project is nice and also recommended Szechuan Mountain House in the East Village."
PositiveFrom post: Upcoming Trip What Did I Mess Up
"This commenter recommended the Mala Project in the East Village, specifically suggesting the lamb dish. They also advised against eating burgers while traveling."
PositiveFrom post: Food Tour Or Do Your Own Research
"This user, affiliated with Avital Experiences, mentioned Mala Project as part of their East Village food tour. The restaurant is noted for its Sichuan dry pot and holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Chinese Restaurants Preferably In
"The user agreed that Mala Project is the best."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Chinese Restaurants Preferably In
"The user is obsessed with Mala Project and their dry pots."
PositiveFrom post: Whats The Spiciest God Damn Dish In Nyc Make Me
"This user points to the hottest option of drypot at MaLa Project as a very spicy choice."
NeutralFrom post: Whats The Spiciest God Damn Dish In Nyc Make Me
"The user recalls MaLa Project as a place with a maximum spice level that was notably high."
NeutralFrom post: If Youve Ordered The Same Thing From 10 Places
"This user agrees that Mala Project's dry pot is not great and is interested to hear specific positive perspectives."
NegativeFrom post: If Youve Ordered The Same Thing From 10 Places
"This user expressed disappointment with Mala Project's dry pot, finding it watered-down on two separate occasions and questioning what others liked about it."
NegativeFrom post: If Youve Ordered The Same Thing From 10 Places
"Mala Project is mentioned as the best overall for dry pot, even though Blue Willow is noted for its flavor. Han Dynasty is criticized for being too soupy/saucy."
Positive