Ma LaLa Chinese – Chinese
The air hums with the electric energy of a bustling kitchen, where the sharp, citrusy aroma of Sichuan peppercorns mingles with the savory steam of wok-fired creations. Diners are treated to a symphony of "ma la" heat, finding a perfect balance between fiery chilies and the addictive, numbing tingle that defines authentic regional flavors. This vibrant space celebrates the communal joy of shared plates, offering a sensory escape into the heart of bold, modern Chinese soul food.
42-02 30th Avenue, NY 11103 +1-718-606-1898 http://www.malalachinese.com/Rating: 4.2/5 (349 reviews)
Cuisine: Chinese
Price range: $
Dietary options: high-protein, dairy-free, nut-free, keto, low-carb, gluten-free, pescatarian, paleo, diabetic, sugar-free, mediterranean, heart-healthy, atkins, south-beach, anti-inflammatory, low-cholesterol, volumetrics, tlc, mayo-clinic
What diners are saying
Diners are divided on this Astoria spot, but fans passionately rave about the spicy dry chicken, calling it one of the best crispy chicken dishes they've ever had. The menu features standout hits like the Mala chicken, fried chicken mini dumplings, and a celebrated cucumber salad often gifted as a surprise. While some long-time patrons note inconsistency with salt levels in soups and noodle dishes, others praise the chef's willingness to adjust spice levels upon request. The tiny, somewhat abstract space offers a quiet atmosphere, though many prefer the delicious delivery options despite occas
Menu
- Malala Dry Pot: Sichuan style dry pot Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free
- Seafood Dry Pot: Sichuan style seafood dry pot Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian
- Malatang: Spicy hot pot soup Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Volumetrics
- Fish Buckets: Fish served in a bucket style presentation Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian
- KungPao Chicken: Classic Sichuan chicken dish with peanuts and chili peppers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free
- MaPo Tofu: Spicy tofu dish with minced meat and Sichuan peppercorns Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Customizable Chef Special: Choice of meats, seafood, veggies, flavor and spicy level
- Dumplings: Small, delicate, made to order Dietary tags: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Spicy Peanut Noodle: Topped with fresh peanuts and spices Dietary tags: Dairy-Free
- Egg with Shrimp: With good wok hei Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach
- Crispy Spicy Chicken: Crispy chicken with spices Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Tantanmen: Spicy noodle soup Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Pepper Pork: Pork with peppers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Crispy Fish: Fried fish dish Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Burning Noodles: Spicy Sichuan noodles Dietary tags: Dairy-Free
- Fish & Tofu: Fish and tofu combination Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions about Ma LaLa Chinese
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- The restaurant features communal shared plates and adjustable spice levels, though reviewers note the Astoria space is tiny.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Diners are divided with a 4.2/5 rating, praising the spicy dry chicken and dumplings despite inconsistent salt levels in some dishes.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers praise the spicy dry chicken, Mala chicken, fried chicken mini dumplings, cucumber salad, and the chef's willingness to adjust spice levels.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Supported diets include keto, gluten-free, and dairy-free, with options like Egg with Shrimp, Seafood Dry Pot, and MaPo Tofu.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- Visitors should try the spicy dry chicken, request spice adjustments from the chef, and expect a tiny, budget-friendly space rated 4.2/5.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This budget-friendly ($) Astoria restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a tiny, vibrant space and communal shared plates.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Keto, gluten-free, and low-carb options include Egg with Shrimp, though the provided menu data lists no specific vegan dishes.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- Ma LaLa Chinese has an overall average rating of 4.2/5, reflecting the divided but generally positive opinions of its diners.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- Ma LaLa Chinese is a budget-friendly restaurant with a $ price level, providing affordable dining options for its customers.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Shared plates accommodate 19 dietary needs with options like keto Egg with Shrimp, dairy-free MaPo Tofu, and pescatarian Seafood Dry Pot.