Welcome to Mala Project
Mala Project invites diners into a vibrant culinary journey rooted in Szechuan traditions. Situated in the heart of New York City, this hot pot and seafood haven showcases a unique ML Dry Pot specialty, where guests can customize their flavors with a sauce derived from 24 medicinal herbs and spices, delivering a perfect balance of umami, spiciness, and fragrance. The menu bursts with inventive appetizers like crispy duck salad and spicy popcorn chicken, reflecting the bold Szechuan palate. A perfect blend of trendy atmosphere and cultural richness, Mala Project is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of communal dining and lively flavors.
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245 East 53rd St New York, NY 10022 United States Hotline: (212) 602-1005
Welcome to the vibrant culinary world of Mala Project, a distinguished haven for lovers of Szechuan cuisine nestled in the heart of Manhattan at 245 East 53rd St, New York, NY 10022. Here, we dive headfirst into a rich tapestry of flavors that promise an unforgettable dining experience.
Mala Project is not just a restaurant; it's an adventure for your palate. Specializing in hot pot and seafood, it showcases the bold and aromatic profiles synonymous with true Szechuan cooking. With a focus on fresh ingredients and dynamic spices, guests are invited to experience the magic of creating their own culinary masterpieces with the unique ML Dry Pot. This dish encourages customization with a medley of 24 medicinal herbs and spices blended into a savory sauce that encapsulates umami, spice, and a delightful numbing sensation.
- Explore the Diverse Appetizer Menu: Start your culinary journey with standout appetizers like the ML Peanuts, a mouthwatering combination of fried peanuts with green peppers and chili oil, or the Crispy Duck Salad, featuring roasted duck paired with zesty mandarin oranges.
- Delight in Dim Sum: The dim sum offerings are equally enticing, with options such as Vegetable Dumplings and Duck Tacos that blend tradition with a contemporary twist.
Mala Project also offers a plethora of options for those dining at home, with delivery and takeout available. Whether you're enjoying a bustling happy hour after work or a late-night snack, this restaurant caters to your cravings while maintaining a trendy atmosphere. I found myself enamored by the lively décor that echoes the essence of Szechuan culture, making every dining moment special.
To call Mala Project a hot spot would be an understatement; it is a celebration of flavors, traditions, and community. The friendly staff enhances the experience with their extensive knowledge of the menu, ensuring that each dish complements your taste and preference.
In conclusion, whether you are a seasoned aficionado of spicy food or a newcomer eager to explore the depths of Szechuan cuisine, Mala Project promises to deliver a delightful experience that satisfies your every craving. Don't forget to make a reservation or contact them at (212) 602-1005 to ensure your taste buds get the adventure they deserve!
We keep coming back for lunch--it's just that good! The flavors are incredibly addictive and keep us craving more. Highly recommended!
A consistent spicy, customizable, large portion banger! All the mala project locations are super reliable and we had no problem getting seats at the bar last minute :)
Good spot for mala dry pot! A popular chain, the interior of this location has dim lighting, lots of small table seating, and is a relaxed vibe. Service is pretty quick here. Their menu is fairly big with a variety of entrees and appetizers, but what they're known for is their dry pot: a option where you can choose which ever toppings/ingredients you want in your bowl and they will stir-fry it together. I love the variety that they have when it comes to dry pot ingredients and the different sauce/seasoning options. The ingredients that I got were delicious, good portion, and cooked well. A little bit more on the pricer side than I would usually spend on dry pot, but it was good!
I always enjoy Málà Project. This location is on the smaller side. I came in around 1:15 for lunch on a weekday and was able to be seated right away. Each element of the fried rice worked very well together and it felt like a hearty meal. The waiters were very attentive. I didn't enjoy my martini but that's on me because I usually don't like them.
Incredible food, drinks, and service. We started with the popcorn chicken, scallion pancakes, and beef dumplings. For our mains we shared the the hot pot with beef round, fish fillet, and mushrooms. The fried rice was incredible, so was the dessert (not pictured) with fried and steamed baos with condensed milk (a must). Shoutout to Paul who was an incredible bartender and gave us amazing recommendations!
One of my favorite spots in the city for Sichuan eats -- I love how customizable the Dry Pot is, highly recommend the Fish Filet, Lotus Root and Glass Noodle. The Fried Rice could be made vegetarian and had a good heat to it. They have a generous happy hour with affordable drinks. I've been to their EV location and this one is well-lit and felt a little bigger in comparison -- it was also very easy to make an edit a reservation to add another person.
The food here is phenomenal. The flavor of the stir fry noodles is exactly what I crave and expected - something you can only taste with a high heat wok. The Mala bowl is great as well - expect higher prices than what you would get in Flushing because of the location. The service is decent though it took a while for the staff to get to us. But once the order was placed, food came out quite quickly. Probably because of the high heat!
I've been craving dry hot pot and found this place (multiple locations in NYC) It was YUM It's not self serve like places in LA which I prefer, instead you check off the stuff you want and it's a set amount This bowl was like I think a little under $40 for the two of us ($20ish per person) and we were full. The flavor was soooo good though, not overwhelmingly mala but still spicy Instagram - @joangela.eats
Mala Project is my favorite restaurant in NYC. We go here for celebrations, casual catch ups with friends, and I'd take out of town visitors here. It is the perfect spot for any occasion. My go-to order is dry pot, little spicy with brisket, bamboo, tofu pockets (a must), lotus, potato noodles and a few other misc veggies. Plus an order of pig ears. They have my favorite mala blend and sometimes I ask for more chili oil on the side. Going during lunch hour is best! While this is my favorite go-to spot, I do have a few criticisms over the years. 1) Takeout orders never live up to the in-person dining experience. The portions feel so small. The photo of the tray I attached was $50 (pre tax/tip). For example, we added cauliflower for $5 and we counted maybe 4 small pieces in the tray. 2) The flavors are not consistent. I ordered pig ears from a different location and the flavors were different and tasted old. Maybe differing flavors should be expected but I just assumed the locations would be standardized. Ps. This location has the better pig ears. That being said, I still love Mala Project. The decor/service is great and the lunch special is a better deal than dinner. I wish they sold bottles of their chili oil.