Mala Sichuan Bistro

I went here before a concert after wanting to go for a long time, I’m so glad I finally made it!! ('▽^人) I ordered laziji, which I am particularly fussy about since it’s a favorite of mine, and it’s safe to say that this restaurant has a wonderful variation of it ^^ The chicken is perfectly crispy! I scarfed that down but then ended up ordering the matcha crepe cake with my friend! The flavor is not too sweet, and we ate it in 5 bites ☚(ﾟヮﾟ☚)★ It’s also a very well prepared cake!! On top of everything, the interior is very nice. I couldn’t stop staring at the mural because it’s so beautiful.. we will be back!! Thanks!! ♡

As a picky person with spicy food.... I have trouble looking for good spicy (extremely hot) foods when I travel in TX. I literally have to go to Mexico or near the boarder to actually get spicy food but now that I've visit Houston and actually try different restaurants during my temporary job here... Omg! wow, these Chinese restaurants knows what spicy food should be. I wish all Asian restaurants outside Houston had this bc they truly disappoint. I will forever come here when I crave for something extremely spicy.

My first experience with this place was through takeout and the portion was small and disappointing while the flavors were not so great. It was overly salty and numbing at the same time, I was wondering if me and Sichuan food weren't meant to be. And I was hesitant towards Sichuan food until I tried other restaurants which helped me learn to love the cuisine. So, I tried Mala to give it a second chance and dined in this time. The restaurant is pretty with the full wall painting that greets you when you enter. There's a second floor and it's very chill during lunch time. My group ordered the Mapo Tofu, Cumin Beef, Tofu Pudding with Fish Fillet, and Eggplants in Spicy Garlic. ... I don't like this place as much as other restaurants I've been to. The numbing is not for me. It's a little much and makes the food hard to enjoy. The flavors were good. I enjoyed the texture of the tofu, fish fillet, and eggplant. I'd recommend them. It's not for me and that's ok. My only issue not regarding the food is that they should also offer spoons as some dishes are better eaten with one (as an Asian, not everything has to be eaten with chopsticks). Overall, customer service was nice, food came out in a timely manner, food was also ok. :)

We came in pretty close to closing but the server was still kind to us. We ordered the eggplant, house made Dandan noodles, red oil dumplings, and fried chicken. Everything came hot, fresh and fast. The eggplant was incredible, and something we will have to come back to try again. The chicken was really crispy and flavorful. The green tea crepe cake for dessert was the perfect way to finish the meal. They have a really cool presentation for the cake.

Great food and great decor/vibe. Ceiling is covered in bamboo which adds a nice touch. 2 story with an ample amount of seating. Appears as though they only had 2 servers when I went. They didn't come often at all to check up on you and I didn't see them for a while. They weren't mean or anything but could definitely be friendlier. Good selection of food. Heads up, the peppered beef is still quite spicy despite it not saying this on the menu but the portion was huge( at least to me) which is good. Plenty of parking. Menu had stains.

This place absolutely lives up to the reviews. The interior is gorgeous, there's a lush bamboo-covered patio, and the food is amazing. If you want a lot of Sichuan flavor, definitely give this place a try. We had the red oil cucumber salad, the funky house noodles, and the red oil wontons, ordering just from the cold appetizers and street food menu for a quick lunch. Everything had that perfect sour/salty/spicy flavor combo I was looking for, and of course the numbing kiss of Sichuan peppercorns.