Sarah Jane Lee
Shanne GanNo two Mala dishes can be the same. How can you find the top Mala places in Singapore when they are all over the island?
Mala, which literally translates to “numb” (麻) and “spicy” (辣), is no stranger to Singapore’s dynamic food scene. The sight of people attacking a mountain of noodles and ingredients makes this “put-whatever-you-want” dish a comfort food for many. Whether spicy food is your thing or not, Mala never fails to tantalise enthusiast’s taste buds and serves as the go-to comfort food for all occasions. Here are our top ten Mala places in Singapore to satiate your Mala cravings!
Also read: 12 Best Singaporean Food that You Should Have Tried by Now
1. Wan Xing Mala Xiang Guo
Located along Upper Serangoon Road’s row of food stalls lies this heartland Mala gem. Its seating area is spacious and air-conditioned so you won’t have to break a sweat while enjoying your meal. Thanks to a wide variety of ingredients and substantial spice levels, you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
Image credit: Wan Xing Mala Xiang Guo Official Facebook Page
Shoutout to the Westies, they have outlets in Jurong West, Ang Mo Kio, and Yew Tee, too!
Address: Ang Mo Kio outlet: No.8 Jalan Gelenggang, Singapore 578190; Jurong West outlet: 960 Jurong West Street 92, #01-168, Singapore, 640960; Kovan outlet: 1006 Upper Serangoon Road, 534744, Singapore; Yew Tee outlet: 21 Choa Chu Kang North 6, #01-05/06 Yew Tee Point, 689578
2. You Ma You La
Besides Mala Xiang Guo, You Ma You La has its share of Chinese cuisine to complement your Mala dish. Choose to balance out the saltiness with a bowl of rice or dig into this fine dish purely on its own. Do note that the ingredients are charged by weight, rather than by the ingredient list.
Image credit: You Ma You La Official Facebook Page
You Ma You La has outlets across Singapore, so you’ll be able to find one that’s most accessible for you.
Image credit: You Ma You La Official Facebook Page
Address: Ang Mo Kio outlet: 51 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 S-11 Food House, Singapore 569922
3. Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo
Image credit: Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo Official Facebook Page
With two outlets within the complex, you can tell how popular Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo is. Though they may not be as big on peppercorns, the flavour comes through in the generous amount of garlic they use. This is a budget-friendly mala store and definitely one of the top Mala places in Singapore, so you might want to get your fix before the lunch crowd arrives!
Image credit: Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo Official Facebook Page
Address: 32 New Market Rd, #01-1042, People’s Park Hawker Centre, Singapore 050032
4. Yang Guo Fu
Image credit: Yang Guo Fu Mala Tang Official Facebook Page
Originating from China is Yang Guo Fu, a globally famous Mala chain that has recently arrived in Singapore. Their numbing Mala Tang is a soup version of the more popular Mala Xiang Guo. With a variety of toppings to choose from as well as different flavoured broths and noodles, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this Harbin-born joint.
Head to one of their three outlets in Singapore to try their rich and flavourful Mala Tang!
Address: Singpost outlet: 10 Eunos Road 8 #01-150 Singapore 408600; Bugis outlet: 233 Victoria Street Singapore 188026; Esplanade outlet: 90 Bras Basah Road, #B1-27 Esplanade MRT station, Singapore 189562
5. La Bu La
La Bu La’s authentic Sichuan and Dongbei cuisines are not to be missed. With six outlets across Singapore, you can enjoy a communal bowl of Mala while savouring some of their classic Sichuan sides. Their spice levels may vary, depending on your tolerance.
Image credit: La Bu La Official Facebook Page
Furthermore, they have delivery options available on Grabfood, Foodpanda and Deliveroo, so you can enjoy a delicious bowl of Mala from one of the top Mala places in Singapore without leaving your home!
Address: Block 683 Hougang Ave 8, Singapore 530681
6. Mala Hotpot at Happy Hawkers Coffeeshop
Just outside Bedok Bus Interchange lies this highly affordable, go-to Mala outlet. The flavours and prices are simply irresistible, and it’s definitely a Mala place in Singapore worth checking out! For those living in the West, it may just be worthy of a trip to the other side of Singapore.
Their Mala is also less oily than usual, with crunchy vegetables and springy noodles that will leave you wanting more!
Address: Bedok Interchange Hawker Centre, 208 New Upper Changi Road, #01-48, Singapore 460209
7. Xiao Man Niu Mala Hotpot (Paya Lebar Square)
Image credit: Xiao Man Niu Mala Hotpot Official Facebook Page
Catering to Muslim friends, this halal Mala Xiang Guo can be found at the Paya Lebar Square canteen. It’s slightly pricier, but the spiciness and intense flavours are worth a try. Grab a friend or two and head down to enjoy their Mala Xiang Guo and other Chinese dishes like Sichuan dumplings, too!
They also have multiple outlets across the island, including one at Jewel Changi Airport as well as Hillion Mall.
Address: 60 Paya Lebar Road, #B1-51, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051
8. Green on Earth Vegetarian Cafe
Image credit: Green on Earth Official Facebook Page
This one is for our vegetarian friends. Who says you can’t enjoy the Mala Xiang Guo craze too? Besides their Mala hotpot options, Green on Earth has a generous variety of other local favourites.
Image credit: Green on Earth Official Facebook Page
Their spacious and brightly lit interiors offer a cosy space to enjoy a sumptuous meal with family and friends. Green on Earth definitely checks all the boxes and provides an interesting take on vegetarian Mala, making it one of the top Mala places in Singapore.
Address: The Rail Mall 386 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 678043
9. Joyful Palace Mala Xiang Guo (Clementi Food Pavillion)
Image credit: Joyful Palace Mala Foodpanda Official Website
This westside gem is nestled in the Food Pavillion hawker centre near Clementi Mall. Apart from being affordable (shoutout to university students), it offers a wide variety of ingredients including Sotong and fish maw. Talk about “atas” Mala Xiang Guo!
If your friends are unwilling to travel to your side of the island, you’ve got a pretty attractive reason for them to do so now!
Address: 443 Clementi Ave 3, Singapore 120443
10. Le Fuse Cafe
Up for something unique? A Muslim-owned joint on Arab Street, Le Fuse Cafe is a halal eatery where you can enjoy Malay-Sichuan fusion fare! While you won’t get to choose your own ingredients for their Mala Xiang Guo, rest assured that you’ll be left just as satisfied. The spice levels are customisable and the dish comes with a generous serving of Sichuan peppercorns.
Image credit: Le Fuse Cafe Official Facebook Page
Don’t forget to try out their other popular dishes, including the Rice Cake Soto Sichuan and their Sichuan Beef Noodles.
Address: 47 Arab St, Singapore 199744
Also read: 15 Underrated Food Items From Singapore’s Popular Eateries That Are Often Overlooked
Food trends may come and go in Singapore, but Mala is definitely one that won’t phase out anytime soon. It’s time to travel cross-country to check out these places for your favourite rainy-weather, Monday-blues comfort food! Have a sumptuous time adding these new picks to your list of top Mala places in Singapore.
Featured image credit: Joyful Palace Mala | Official Foodpanda Website
