Boston Chinese food | One sesame, one spicy is also good Chinese food

🌶️ Mala Restaurant: Boston’s Long-Standing Sichuan Spot—Better Than I Remember A staple in Allston since at least 2018 (BU students, you know the one), this spot has stuck around for good reason. After ho-hum experiences pre-pandemic, I was pleasantly surprised—their dishes hit the mark, even if they’re heavier on oil than heat. 👍 The Standouts Grilled Fish ($33.95) : 🐟 The star. A small fish, but loaded with toppings: taro, wood ear mushrooms, fried tofu, bamboo shoots, king oyster mushrooms, cucumber, yuba, lotus root, and bean sprouts. The sauce is rich (not spicy, despite the red color) and coats every ingredient—hearty and satisfying. Worth the upgrade from its pre-pandemic $27 price tag. Dry-Fried Green Beans ($13.95): 🥬 Pleasant surprise! Stir-fried with what tastes like preserved vegetables (maybe ，Sichuan pickled greens), adding a salty, umami depth. Greasy? Yes. But it’s a welcome veggie balance to the meal, and way more flavorful than plain stir-fries. 😐 The “Meh” Fuqi Feipian ($11.95): 🥩 Classic Sichuan beef tendon and shank salad, but limited in variety (just tendon and shank). The sauce is mild (no numbing Sichuan peppercorns here), which is fine, but it feels a bit compared to more complex versions. 💸 The Verdict Value: $26 per person (for 3) with rice and tip—solid for Boston’s current dining prices, especially since we cleaned our plates. Changes: Prices are up (went from $27 to $33), but portions and flavor justify it. Spice Note: All dishes look fiery but are mild—great for non-spicy eaters, but Sichuan spice lovers might want to ask for extra heat. Mala Restaurant has stepped up its game. It’s not revolutionary, but for reliable, oil-rich (in a good way) Chinese comfort food, it’s a safe bet—especially that loaded 📍 Mala Restaurant 129 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134 #BostonSichuan #AllstonEats #ChineseComfortFood