First Impressions:
Fresh out of class and for my first meal of the day, I was craving some spicy noodles. Mala Sichuan Bistro has many locations and is known as one of the better restaurants in Houston, or at least this is what the internet was telling me as I was searching for good candidates online.
I read a comment online suggesting that I order the water-boiled fish and that it was a good spicy dish. I love Asian fish dishes, so I began to head that way. Scrolling through the menu, I decided that because the fish dish comes with white rice, I will be ordering some Dan Dan noodles on the side, extra spicy.
I pull up to the restaurant titillating with hunger and as I open the door, I am met with the most majestic wooden mural I have seen in a restaurant. It felt like I had walked into a museum, tall beautiful painted figures telling colorful stories, only the delicious smells reminded me of my purpose there.
The Main Event:
As I arrived in the name of spice, I knew I shouldn’t order any carbonated beverages, so I settled on cold water. It was a good decision, the fish dish carried moderate spice, but my requested extra spicy Dan Dan noodles punched me straight in the throat.
I ordered two main dishes to have leftovers ready to bring home, and I tell you that when reheated, they taste just as good as they do fresh. I am not lying to you. The blend of savory with spicy chili oil walks the texture of the noodles into your mouth like seductive hypnosis.
Taste Sensation:
It’s called “water-boiled fish,” but it’s basically fish poached in broth with a Sichuan chili oil layer on top and has leeks, napa cabbage and bean sprouts. It’s really tasty and spicy, and the fish is so tender and delicious.
There’s a wonderful viscosity to Sichuan chili oil, it’s thin on the palate and penetrates the broth of the dish, yet it coats the mouth in such a loud manner. It’s a stealth punch of spice and the thinness of it lets the sharp Chinese flavors shine through.
The Dan Dan noodles were also permeated with this thin coating of chili oil, with some spiced ground pork to heighten the umami notes within. Fresh veggies crunch under the supervision of their freshly made noodles creating an aroma of Chinese heaven above the tongue.
Ambiance and Service:
I went between the lunch and dinner rush, so I was the only person there, and they treated me very kindly. The jaw-dropping mural upon entry was my favorite part of the restaurant. The entire architecture feels intentional and artistic. It was a flavorful experience, walking into the restaurant, and it felt as if my eyes had already started eating as I was waiting for my mouth to catch up and do the same. It’s a beautiful establishment even if it’s not very huge.
Final Verdict:
It’s become my new favorite Chinese spot. The Sichuan chili oil has lived in my memory for weeks now, I will find myself returning over and over again to try out the rest of their menu. This restaurant was placed in the Top 100 restaurants of Houston in 2013 and again in 2019 showing their continued excellence over the past decade.
They have multiple locations in and around Houston, and it could not be a more recommended establishment. Order the spicy dishes and try their house-made noodles. You won’t leave disappointed.
