Upscale Chinese Food

For food that’s perhaps more expensive than you’re willing to pay for a meal, but delicious nonetheless, Mala Sichuan Bistro in Houston is the place to go. While their fish entrées range from $16 to $22 dollars, most everything else on the menu is fairly priced. Plus, as the fish is delicious—we recommend the Northern Boiling Fish (tilapia in spicy sauce, poured over bean sprouts, tofu, cabbage, and sweet potato vermicelli with a red chili oil and dried red pepper finish)—which is well worth the price.

Great Prices

I know that I just said that entrees here are more expensive than your typical Chinese restaurants, and it’s true—there definitely are some dishes on the menu that are a little pricy. However, the appetizers, noodle snacks, and soups are all quite reasonable, if not cheap. A hot and sour soup is only $4.95, red oil dumplings (8 in an order) are $3.95, Mala beef jerky is $6.95, and combination fried rice or chow mein is a mere $6.95. Great prices for such great food.

Insider Secrets

Alright, so it isn’t so much a secret as a great tip, but before you head to this restaurant, head to the ATM and withdraw some cash. Mala Sichuan Bistro offers a 5% discount on the entire meal for those patrons who pay with bills rather than credit cards.

Another quick tip: if you don’t like spicy food or have a sensitive tongue, make sure to ask for your food spice-free. A lot of the dishes are prepared using spicy chili peppers, which are sure to light your mouth on fire.

House Specialties and Recommendations

If you’re heading to a new restaurant for the first time, it’s always nice to have a couple ideas in mind of dishes you’ve heard rumor are absolutely fabulous. At Mala Sichuan Bistro, those must-try dishes are the following:

Top Notch Pot of the Outlaws, which is literally a large pot full to the brim of seafood such as squid and shrimp, pork intestines, a bunch of vegetables, and cooked using a technique known as “mao.” For $29.95, this pot of goodies can be yours (or yours and a friends if you want to share).

The next recommended dish at this restaurant is the Three Pepper Beaten Duck, $12.95, which is a half duck that’s been marinated, smoked, simmered, and then stir-fried before making its way to your table.

Finally, as unappetizing as it may sound, the House Special Sculpted Kidneys are pretty great. If you can get over the fact that you’re eating pork kidneys, you’ll love the texture and flavor of this unusual dish. Make sure you ask for a wine paring for your dish as well, as the restaurant has a beer and wine list that was curated by a local sommelier.

This restaurant doesn’t have a website, so refer to their Facebook for restaurant updates, announcements, or events.