XIN LA GONG FU 辛辣功夫 麻辣烫 신라쿵푸 마라탕 — Restaurant in Fort Lee

I recently visited Xin La Gong Fu in Fort Lee, and it’s a great spot for those who love bold, spicy flavors. The restaurant specializes in Malatang, a customizable Sichuan-style hot pot, and they do it well.

What I Loved:

✔ Rich, Flavorful Broth – The soup base was packed with authentic Sichuan spices, delivering the perfect balance of heat and umami. You can customize the spice level, which is great for both mild and spice lovers. ✔ Fresh Ingredients – The selection of meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles was fresh and plentiful. Everything was cooked perfectly in the broth. ✔ Fast & Efficient Service – Despite the customizable nature of the meal, the service was quick, and the staff was helpful in explaining the process. ✔ Skewers & Side Dishes – I also tried a few skewers which were solid...

XIN LA GONG FU (신라쿵푸 마라탕) offers a flavorful and satisfying take on Chinese-style hotpot in a casual, clean setting. The ingredients are fresh and varied, with a good selection of vegetables, tofu, noodles, and meat options. While they don’t offer traditional beef tallow broth, their spicy soup base still delivers a bold, numbing heat that captures the essence of Sichuan cuisine. One of the standout dishes is the spicy dry pot (香辣干锅)—highly recommended for those who enjoy intense flavor without the heaviness of broth. The stir-fried ingredients are coated in a fragrant, spicy sauce that balances heat and umami beautifully. Service is friendly, and communication is smooth in both Korean and Chinese. Great value for money and perfect for a solo meal or...

This place is my all-time favorite. If I could recommend only one place in NJ, this would be it. I literally come here just to take out a big box so I can survive the week. The peanut Mala Ban is the highlight—the peanut flavor adds a special touch to the ordinary malatang. And if by any chance you're allergic to peanuts, don't worry—everything else is just as delicious! I also love that you can pick exactly what you want in the "build your own" section. The prices are affordable, and the workers here are friendly and super nice. Definitely come check it out!

The pictures below to prove that I’ve been here...