Mala comes from the words 麻辣 (pronounced as “málà”), which means “numbing and spicy.” It originates from the Sichuan province of China and is one of the famous regional cuisines of the Chinese people. People from Sichuan say that while other Chinese regional cuisines can be spicy, Sichuan cuisine must be “mala,” which means both numbing and spicy. This unique flavor comes from the key ingredient, Sichuan peppercorn, also known as huajiao (花椒), along with various types of chili peppers, both fresh and dried, and a variety of spices.
Sichuan (四川) or Szechuan means “four rivers,” referring to the four major rivers in the region. The climate in Sichuan is characterized by both hot and humid conditions, which make people sweat and help dispel dampness and coldness from the body. This is why Sichuan cuisine is known for its uniquely numbing and spicy taste that people from other Chinese regions say is “spicy to the point of being addictive.”
In addition to the spiciness, Sichuan cuisine is also known for its use of spices, herbs, emphasis on colors, aroma, and unique flavors that set it apart from Chinese cuisine in other regions. People from Sichuan consider food to be like medicine, offering protection and promoting the body’s functions. There are traditional Sichuan customs, like having eight to nine side dishes with rice for regular meals and increasing it to ten to twelve for banquets. It is also considered impolite to talk about death during a meal.
Nowadays, it seems that Thai people have embraced Sichuan cuisine, especially Mala hot pot, with its fiery spiciness, and it has become a favorite among Thai diners.
Haidilao is a popular Mala Hot Pot restaurant chain that first opened at CentralWorld. It gained so much popularity that the queues were so long that they opened nail salons and massage chairs for customers while they waited. Now, they have many branches throughout the city, mostly located in shopping malls like Central. Their specialty is the five-flavor soup base and constantly introducing new menu items like cheese balls, Jiawei soup, marinated beef with black pepper, and more.
Tangchao Mala Hotpot offers a big and impressive Mala hot pot experience. They make their own Mala soup base and offer a wide selection of meats, seafood, and premium ingredients. The restaurant is located on the B1 floor of I’m Chinatown, near MRT Wat Mangkon station, Gate 1.
Shabu Square offers Mala Hot Pot with Taiwanese-style marinated eggs and extremely spicy soup. They also have premium grade meats like Japanese wagyu, Argentine Angus beef tongue, and Japanese Kagoshima A4 beef. The restaurant is located in the For Your Park Complex on Theparat Road.
AngPao Mala Hotpot (红包火锅) is known for its fiery hot soup in the Bang Na area. The owner proudly claims “Superb Soup, Quality Meat.” It opened at the end of 2022 and quickly caught the attention of young adults. You can choose from various soup bases, including Mala, collagen-rich pork bone soup, tomato soup, and customize your own sauces. It’s located in Stadium One, Bang Na.
SHU DA XIA: Thailand is a grand Mala Hot Pot restaurant in CDC (Crystal Design Center) along the expressway on Raminthra Road. It’s a haven for hot pot lovers and offers a wide variety of ingredients, including meats, seafood, and more. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with a red theme and resembles a movie set more than a dining place. It offers a unique dining experience with various shows and performances.
Please note that the prices mentioned are approximate and may vary depending on the restaurant and your choice of ingredients. You can contact the restaurants through their respective Facebook pages for more information.
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