Are you a spice junkie? If so, you’re at the right place, my friend! Given that you LOVE spicy flavours than you’re probably no stranger to this trending cuisine. You might have seen many of these Chinese Mala hotpot restaurants mushrooming up, like the famous Hotpot Kitchen restaurant. Unfortunately for Muslims, most of these restaurants are not halal due to the pork in the dish. That’s why we’re bringing you a list of both Halal soupy and dry Mala spots you MUST TRY.
Sichuan hotpot, also known as “Mala” in Chinese, brings the heat with it’s spicy and hot taste that’s sure to leave you craving more. The broth or dry sauce is a tantalizing blend of dried chili pepper, Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients.
If you haven’t experienced Sichuan cuisine, prepare for a numbing time. Mala is a combination of two Chinese characters that mean “numbing” and “spicy”, that refers to the sensation in the mouth after eating the sauce made with Sichuan pepper which causes the numbness.
You’re sure to be left questioning your life choices after this explosive, mind-numbing spice level. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
We’ve scoured the city to bring you the crème de la crème of Halal Mala spots, so let’s dive in and discover the 5 hottest destinations.
1. Ma Jinlong Spicy Hotpot
This up-and-coming Chinese-Muslim Mala restaurant is strategically located at Petaling Street and serves you authentic northwestern Chinese cuisine. The Mala here is served in both stir-fired style or with soup and options to choose your own spice level.
The general concept of most Mala Sichuan, Chinese restaurants is that you can customize your own bowl to your taste and liking to satisfy your own tastebuds. As you enter the restaurant, you’ll notice a section where you can pick your own choice of meat cuts and veggies for your own bowl.
The prices here are fairly affordable so what are you waiting for? Head on to Chinatown and get ready to tantalize your tastebuds. We highly recommend the stir-fried version, it’s seriously addictive, ya’ll!
Location: 60, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 12:30pm – 12am
Halal Status: Halal, Chinese-Muslim Owned
For more information: Instagram | Google Reviews
2. Mala Mala
The Mala spice is not your typical Malaysian spice so if you’ve never had it before, prepare for a surprising spice kick!
At Mala Mala, you’ll find a bountiful selection of fresh vegetables, including crunchy greens, eggs, and egg tofu, awaiting you. For meat lovers, options like chicken, beef, lamb, tender squid, and plump shrimp are available for you from the meat category.
As you curate your perfect meal, remember that each ingredient is meticulously weighed, and prices are set on how much grams your ingredients weigh.
So go ahead, load up on your favorites, taking more if desired, or savor a portion made for one if you dine solo. And the heat? Mala Mala presents four levels of spiciness to test your taste buds, ranging from the mild “Rempah Je..” to the fiery “Pedas Gila!”
Location: IOI City Mall, Melawati Mall, Mid Valley Megamall
Operating Hours: Depends on outlet
Halal Status: Certified halal
3. Mala Mini Hotpot
Mala Mini Hotpot specializes in the Mala soup steamboat (hotpot) style. If the Mala soup gets too spicy, you can also opt for an equally delicious chicken broth. This place is much loved by Muslim hotpot enthusiasts, plus, if Jackson Wang, rapper from K-pop group, GOT7 ate here last year than you know you have to check out the hype.
If you want to experience the entire premium experience with your friends or family, visit IOI City Mall Putrajaya and Mid Valley Megamall.
If you wish to have a quick meal, their express locations in food courts like at Pavilion KL, and Alamanda Shopping Mall.
At their express outlets, you’ll get to hand-pick your own meats and vegetables.
But what’s most unique about their express outlets is the option to choose the “Walking Cup Mala” that is a to-go Mala set served with a Calamansi Fizz drink with a straw in the middle of your Mala bowl for quick sips in between spicy numbing bites. It’s a pretty interesting concept, right?
Location: Have various premium outlets (restaurants) and express outlets (kiosks) available at Putrajaya and KL. IOI City Mall, Pavilion Bukit Bintang, Mid Valley Megamall, Alamanda Shopping Mall.
Operating Hours: Depends on outlet
Halal Status: Certified halal
4. Mala Banyak
Mala Banyak is a Xinjian Chinese Muslim owned restaurant located at SS15, Subang Jaya. This spot is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for very legit, authentic Chinese taste.
The Mala here is served both in soup base and also in a sauce form which is super addictive!
The sauce used for their steamed veggies and cooked meats on skewers are tantalizingly spicy, slightly sweet, paired with the sesame seeds, making them even more irresistible and a MUST-TRY. It’s not your typical Lok Lok taste.
Location: No. 13, Ground Floor, Jalan SS 15/8b, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 1pm – 11pm
Halal Status: Halal, Chinese-Muslim owned
For more information: Foodpanda | Google Reviews
5. YGF Malatang
Although this restaurant isn’t fully halal certified (yet), YGF Malatang is a pretty popular Chinese franchise that has since opened outlets here in Malaysia. Yang Guo Fu (YGF) specializes in Malatang, a classic Sichuan dish. Their soups include Classic Beef Bone Broth Malatang, Sweet & Sour Tomato Soup Malatang, and Mellow Malaban, and of course spice levels are customizable!
You’re spoilt for choice here as you get to pick from over 60 fresh ingredients such as quality meat-cuts, fish, vegetables, noodles and much more to make your own comforting bowl.
This joint focuses on obtaining fresh ingredients and the flavours of their soups rather than an emphasis on the spicy Sichuan peppercorns. This restaurant is also pork and lard free.
Location: Has two outlets, One Utama and SS2 Petaling Jaya
Operating Hours: Depends on outlet
Halal Status: In the process of getting halal certificate. Pork free. Uses certified halal meat.
6. Grand Imperial Seafood Hotpot & BBQ
If you’re looking to splurge on an atas Chinese hotpot experience then look no further. Grand Imperial Seafood Hotpot & BBQ is a haven in the sky, ideal for a get-together with family, friends or even to impress potential work clients.
This modern location overlooks the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur’s main city centre. It’s strategically located in the heart of Bukit Bintang and directly accessible from Pavilion’s main mall.
Though they do not specialize in Mala, they do offer the spicy broth for your hotpot cravings, served with high-quality ingredients. This restaurant is also pork and lard free. Here, there’s something for everyone, you can expect fancy Japanese A3-A5 wagyu beef, budget-friendly Australian Black Angus sliced beef, US prime steaks, crabs, and many other choices of seafood as well!
You won’t be disappointed with the levels of service and quality of ingredients here! So if you’re really looking for a fancy treat, this is your spot. Just look at their table display of condiments below and you’ll know they mean business.
Location: Level 9, Pavilion Elite, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open Daily, 11:30am – 10pm
Halal Status: Pork free. Uses certified halal meat.
That’s the end of our list (so far), fellow spice seekers! Turns out, Malaysia has a limited selection of Halal Mala restaurants so if you know some spots that didn’t make it to this list, be sure to let us know where they’re located in the comment section to spread the spicy love.
We hope this fiery culinary escapade has left you feeling inspired and ready to embark on your own Halal Mala food adventure here in Malaysia. So gather your fellow food enthusiasts, make your way to these sizzling hotspots, and let the flavors of Sichuan cuisine transport you to a whole new level of culinary bliss!
This post first appeared on WORLD OF BUZZ.