Mala Project NYC Review: Best Dry Hot Pot in Midtown Manhattan

Mala Project NYC Review: Spicy Dry Hot Pot Experience in Midtown Manhattan

If you’re a fan of spicy food and craving something bold, fragrant, and satisfying, dry hot pot is a must-try. Recently, we visited Mala Project located 41 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036in New York City, a restaurant that specializes exclusively in this style of cooking. After several weeks of craving dry hot pot, I finally gave in.

What Is Dry Hot Pot (Mala Xiang Guo) and How It Differs from Traditional Hot Pot

Before diving into the review, let me quickly explain what dry hot pot is. Unlike traditional Chinese hot pot, which involves dipping raw ingredients into a simmering broth at your table, dry hot pot (or mala xiang guo) is cooked in the kitchen and brought to your table ready to eat. It’s stir-fry mala.

It combines a medley of meats, vegetables, tofu, and starches stir-fried with spicy mala seasoning, a mixture of Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and other aromatics. The result is a bold, spicy, and numbing dish served sizzling hot, layered with complex flavors and textures.

About Mala Project NYC: Dry Hot Pot Restaurant Near Bryant Park

Mala Project has carved out a niche for itself by focusing entirely on dry hot pot. They have four branches in New York City, and the one we visited is located near Bryant park and Time Square, making it a convenient spot for both locals and tourists.

This branch at 41 W 46th St has a cozy, modern interior. It’s not too large, which makes the space feel intimate and comfortable. The vibe is casual and relaxed, perfect for catching up with a friend over a spicy meal.

One thing to note: Mala Project does not serve regular hot pot. This is purely a dry hot pot experience, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you’re in the right place.

How to Order at Mala Project: Build Your Own Dry Hot Pot Bowl

The ordering process is pretty straightforward but quite different from the traditional hot pot places I’ve been to before. At most hot pot restaurants, you walk over to the ingredient bar, fill your bowl with your chosen items, and pay by weight.

But at Mala Project, you select ingredients from a menu, and they prepare everything in the kitchen and bring it out as a fully cooked, ready to eat dry hot pot.

You can also choose your spice level. The scale goes from mild to extremely spicy. Since we love spicy food, we went with Level 3 (Spicy), and it definitely delivered a solid kick!

What to Order at Mala Project NYC: Our Dry Hot Pot Picks

Let me start by saying… I over-ordered. But I don’t regret a single bite. At the time, I was just so excited about finally satisfying my dry hot pot craving that I went a little overboard.

Here’s what we ordered:

• 1 Beef Tenderloin
• 1 Lamb
• 2 Fish Cake
• 2 Prawn
• 1 Shiitake Mushroom
• 2 Enoki Mushroom
• 1 King Oyster Mushroom
• 1 Wood Ear Mushroom
• 1 Bok Choy
• 1 Tofu Skin
• 1 Rice Cake
• 2 Glass Noodle
• 1 Roe-Filled Fish Ball
• 1 White Rice (extra order)
• 2 Tsingtao Beers

That’s a pretty long list for just two people, right? But when you’re excited, and you haven’t had dry hot pot in weeks, your brain just doesn’t register portion sizes rationally.

The cool part is that everything came out already cooked, beautifully presented in a large bowl layered with red chilies, green herbs, and fragrant oil. It was sizzling hot, both in temperature and in flavor.

Dry Hot Pot Flavor Review: Classic Mala Spice and Texture

Let’s talk about the taste.

The flavor was classic and familiar, exactly what I expected from a proper dry hot pot. The mala seasoning was spicy, numbing, and aromatic, but it didn’t overpower the natural flavors of the individual ingredients.

The beef tenderloin was soft and juicy, while the lamb was slightly gamey in the best way. I loved how the tofu skin and glass noodles soaked up all the mala oil, giving them a flavorful kick with every bite.

The fish cake and roe-filled fish balls were chewy and savory, adding variety to the textures. The variety of mushrooms, shiitake, enoki, king oyster, and wood ear, gave the dish a nice earthy balance.

I especially enjoyed the rice cake, which was soft on the inside with a slightly crispy edge, and the bok choy offered a refreshing contrast to all the spice.

Mala Project Spice Levels: Is Level 3 Too Spicy?

We ordered Spicy (Level 3), and it hit the sweet spot for us. It was definitely hot, and the numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorns built up as we ate, but it didn’t reach a painful level. It was spicy enough to make you reach for your Tsingtao, but not so intense that it distracted from the meal.

If you’re not a fan of strong spice or haven’t tried Sichuan mala before, I would recommend starting at Level 1 or 2.

Service and Dining Atmosphere at Mala Project NYC

The service was quick and efficient. Despite our large order, the food came out fast and piping hot. The staff was friendly and helpful, answering our questions about the spice levels and ingredient recommendations.

The restaurant’s ambiance was simple but pleasant, with a clean interior and comfortable seating. It felt like a spot where locals and regulars would stop by for a casual dinner or after-work meal.

How Big Are the Portions at Mala Project NYC

This is where I had a bit of a reality check. Once the food arrived, I realized that we had ordered enough for at least three to four people. The portions were generous, especially for protein items like beef and lamb.

Is Mala Project NYC Worth It? Price and Value Review

Mala Project is not super cheap, but considering the location (Midtown Manhattan) and the quality of ingredients, I found the pricing to be fair. For two people with drinks and a mountain of food, the total maybe came out to around $70.

You know , our order was for four people.

If you’re on a budget, you could definitely build a smaller bowl with a few key ingredients and still leave satisfied.

Final Verdict: Is Mala Project the Best Dry Hot Pot in NYC?

While the flavor was classic and not particularly groundbreaking, Mala Project does a solid job delivering a reliable, high-quality dry hot pot experience in the heart of Manhattan.

I would recommend this place to:

• Dry hot pot lovers looking for a dependable spot in NYC
• Spicy food enthusiasts wanting a flavorful kick
• Anyone who wants to try something new without cooking at home

Next time, I’ll probably order a bit less, but I’m glad I got to try so many ingredients in one sitting.

First Time at Mala Project? Tips for a Great Dry Hot Pot Experience

• Don’t over-order like I did, three to five ingredients per person is a good starting point.
• Start with a lower spice level if you’re not used to mala.
• Don’t forget to order rice to balance out the heat.
• Tsingtao beer or a cold drink pairs well with the spicy flavors.
• Go with a friend who loves spicy food, it’s always better to share!