The cafeteria in Malden, Boston

🌶️ Bun's House: Malden’s Go-To for Sichuan Mala Hot Pot—Convenient, But Not a Must-Trip If you guessed this was about Sichuan mala hot pot, you’re spot on. A friend in Malden swears by it—ordering at least once a week, sometimes twice during crunch time. A big bowl of mala with extra dishes lasts days, which says a lot for its convenience. 🌟 The Only Must-Order: Mala Hot Pot Mala Huo Guo: 🍲 The star. Load up on veggies—kelp, lettuce, dried bamboo shoots, lotus root, and wide noodles are my go-tos. Tripe and yellow throat (a Sichuan specialty) add nice texture. But skip the ribs and pork belly—they’re hit-or-miss on freshness (my friend admits occasional post-meal stomachaches… could be the spice, could be the meat). Duck blood is rubbery, too—pass. 😐 The “Mehs” Spicy Sautéed Pig Kidney: 🐷 Pickled chili gives it a tangy kick, and there’s no gamey aftertaste. But it’s overcooked—tough instead of tender. Close, but not quite. Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles: 🍜 Thick noodles with a sweeter sauce. It’s refreshing, but lacks that bold, numbing spice you want from Sichuan cold dishes. ✨ The Verdict Convenience: 5/5 for Malden locals. It’s quick, filling, and hits that spicy craving. Comparison: Allston’s Yi Die Sichuan and Watertown’s Chengdu Bistro do better Sichuan flavors—Bun’s is just the easiest for Malden folks. Budget Score: 3/5. ~$30+ per person, fair for portions, but the inconsistent meat quality holds it back. Bun’s House works if you’re in Malden and need a quick mala fix. But if you’re willing to travel, there are better Sichuan spots in Boston. 📍 Bun's House 41 Riverside Ave, Medford, MA 02155 #BostonSichuan #MaldenEats #MalaLovers