mala class
Sichuan restaurant · Highland Park
5816 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Highlights
Sichuan cuisine featuring dan dan noodles, dumplings, and wings
Sichuan cuisine featuring dan dan noodles, dumplings, and wings
"Mala Class is a cute spot to take a date, even if everyone here is doing the same thing. This tiny Sichuan restaurant is walk-in only, so expect to wait for a table when date night is in full swing. And if you can handle some pre-dinner small talk (and eating noodles in tight quarters), you’ll be rewarded with a small selection of fragrant Sichuan dishes. The bean curd and cucumber salad is dressed with a punchy housemade black vinegar, the plump pork dumplings have a dual sauce of chili oil and aromatic-infused soy, and the dan dan noodles with minced pork is one of the city’s best (and spiciest). All of Mala Class’s nine or so dishes are under $20 and come out quickly, which makes lingering in this charming plant-filled space with a few crowds of dumplings all too easy." - brant cox, sylvio martins, andrew ryce, cathy park
"It’s hard to miss Mala Class on York Boulevard with its bright green facade and large windows. The Sichuan restaurant by Kevin Liang and chef Michael Yang has been slowly catching on with the neighborhood, and beyond, for its deft cooking that balances tradition — Yang grew up in Chongquing and returns often to research culinary trends — with innovation. The chicken wings and french fries, both dusted in flavorful ground spices, make for fantastic starters before digging into all the noodles one’s table can handle. The best one is the dan dan mian. The noodles, handmade to spec at a nearby facility, cling onto the punchy sauce while a bit of ground pork, preserved vegetables, and fresh scallions add interest in every bite." - Mona Holmes
"Offers soups and dan dan noodles perfect for a cool winter night." - Rebecca Roland
"Known for its spicy dishes, favored by Jean Trinh and Mona Holmes." - Eater Staff
"Highland Park’s Mala Class prepares bold, Sichuan flavors in a sleek but comfortable dining room. Chef Michael Yang’s marinated cucumber and soybean curd slices, fried chicken wings enveloped in a chile dry rub, pork dumplings, and a spicy beef noodle soup are notable best sellers. Diners can show up as a group and order the entire menu for a memorable meal." - Eater Staff
