mala class
Sichuan restaurant · Highland Park ·
Sichuan staples: noodles, tofu, dumplings, fried chicken wings
Sichuan staples: noodles, tofu, dumplings, fried chicken wings
"On the quiet end of York Boulevard, this jewel box serves peppercorn-laced Sichuan that mostly sits below $20, though it shines brightest in the small plates. Dumplings arrive in a shallow puddle of chile oil and sweet soy, alongside refreshing cucumbers and beancurd; to keep it under $25, pair the crispy dry pepper fried tofu with the outstanding dan dan noodles. Must-try dishes: dry pepper fried tofu, dan dan noodles." - Rebecca Roland
"There is something about hot days that makes me crave spicy food, specifically Sichuan spice. On a recent afternoon when the late-afternoon sun beat down on the city, I found myself in Highland Park looking for some heat. I tucked into jewel-boxed-sized Mala Class, a neighborhood Sichuan restaurant that punches well above its weight, and price point. The tight menu features mapo tofu, dumplings in chile oil, dan dan noodles, and a handful of other dishes. My favorite from the lineup was the dry pepper fried tofu: crispy pieces of tofu dotted in numbing Sichuan peppers. The spice mix was flavorful and still packed a punch; the tofu cubes fried until crispy on the outside with a still-soft interior. Each bite just made me want another, chased by bits of rice and dumplings every so often." - Eater Staff
"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
"Recommended as a Highland Park casual option whose soups and dan dan noodles are perfect for a cool winter night — positioned as comforting takeout for a low-key Valentine’s Eve. Mentioned by Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest." - Mona Holmes