Mala Sichuan Bistro

Houston Restaurant Mala Sichuan’s New Heights Location Is a ‘Dream’ Come True | Eater Houston

"Opened in September, the Heights outpost feels closest to Cori Xiong’s long-held vision and tribute to her Sichuan homeland: the storefront’s circular figure is inspired by China’s “moon gate,” fabric lanterns hang as if floating into a dark-blue night sky, there are etched scenes of the Sichuan countryside on circular wooden plaques, a full-sized traditional pagoda roof handmade by Sichuan artists floats over the dining room, and a laser-cut floor-to-ceiling partition separates the service area. The food is just as promised, with around 100 dishes including Mala’s top sellers — slinky, pleasantly spicy dan dan noodles; green tea bacon fried rice; spicy, crispy fried chicken; red oil dumplings; and saucy mapo tofu (best eaten over white rice) — alongside newer items such as three-cup chicken, chicken stock potstickers, squirrel tail fish with pineapple, Christmas tree whole bass, mayo prawns, supreme bamboo, and dry pot mixed vegetables. The menu is rounded out by a host of new cocktails by local bartender Chris Frankel that pay homage to the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, making this location both a culinary and visual realization of Xiong’s idea of authentic Sichuan dining." - Brittany Britto Garley