MáLà Project Bryant Park: Authentic Szechuan Dry Pot in NYC

MáLà Project Bryant Park Introduce

For New Yorkers craving a culinary adventure that awakens the taste buds, MáLà Project Bryant Park is a must-visit destination. This highly acclaimed Chinese restaurant stands out in the bustling Midtown landscape for its specialization in authentic Szechuan "dry pot," a lesser-known but incredibly flavorful dish that has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Owned by a team that identifies as both Asian and women-owned, MáLà Project offers a dining experience that is as unique as its menu.

Dry pot is a stir-fried sensation that takes the communal spirit of hot pot and elevates it with a spicy, aromatic, and savory sauce, all without the broth. At MáLà Project, you're not just ordering a meal; you're creating a personalized masterpiece. The restaurant's commitment to quality and bold flavors is evident in every dish, from the signature dry pot to their delightful appetizers and classic noodle dishes. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, with a cozy and spacious interior that makes it perfect for a variety of occasions, whether you're dining solo, with family, or in a large group.

Location and Accessibility

MáLà Project Bryant Park is conveniently located at 41 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036. Situated between the iconic Bryant Park and the Theater District, this spot is easily accessible for the lunch-hour rush, pre-theater dinners, or a casual meal with friends. Its proximity to major subway lines and central location in Manhattan makes it a go-to spot for anyone in the city.

The restaurant is well-equipped to accommodate a wide range of needs. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all patrons. For those driving, paid parking garages and paid street parking are available in the vicinity. While the restaurant can get busy, especially during peak lunch and dinner hours, the wait is often worth it for the delicious food.

Services Offered

MáLà Project is designed to provide a flexible and satisfying dining experience for every type of customer.

Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, vibrant atmosphere with comfortable seating and table service.
Takeout & Delivery: Perfect for a quick lunch or a dinner at home, with options for standard and no-contact delivery.
Catering: While not explicitly listed on the menu, the large customizable dry pot platters make it an ideal option for catering small or large events.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations and they are highly recommended, especially for lunch and dinner, to avoid a wait during busy times.
Happy Hour: A happy hour for drinks is available, making it a great spot for a relaxed after-work gathering.

Features / Highlights

MáLà Project has several distinguishing features that have earned it a loyal following in New York City.

The Customizable Dry Pot: This is the star of the show. Diners select a minimum of three ingredients from an extensive list that includes everything from fresh vegetables and tofu to various meats and noodles. These are then wok-fried together in the signature MáLà sauce, with a choice of spice levels, from mild to extra spicy. It’s a fun, interactive, and delicious way to enjoy Szechuan cuisine.
Authentic Szechuan Flavors: The restaurant is known for its authentic, numbing, and spicy 'MáLà' flavor profile, which comes from the use of Szechuan peppercorns and chili oil. This a truly authentic taste of China right in Manhattan.
Diverse Menu Beyond Dry Pot: While the dry pot is the main attraction, the menu offers a fantastic selection of other classic dishes. The Dan Dan Noodles are a popular choice, and appetizers like the Mouthwatering Chicken and Husband & Wife Lung Slices are praised for their authentic preparation. The Sweet Lotus Root dessert also provides a perfect contrast to the spicy main courses.
Variety of Offerings: The restaurant caters to a wide audience with a full bar offering beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a great selection of vegan and vegetarian options. It's also a family-friendly spot, offering a casual atmosphere and high chairs for children.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant has a trendy, cozy vibe that attracts a diverse crowd including students, tourists, and groups. It is also an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, making it a truly inclusive dining destination.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, make a reservation, or place an order, you can contact MáLà Project using the information below.

Address: 41 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Phone: (917) 261-7520

What Is Worth Choosing

While the customizable dry pot is the main event at MáLà Project, there are many other dishes that are well worth exploring. When building your dry pot, don't hesitate to get adventurous with your ingredient choices. The combination of vegetables like lotus root and cauliflower with a protein like sliced beef or chicken is a classic choice, but a dry pot with pork belly, mushrooms, and fish fritters is also a fantastic and flavorful option. The beauty of the dry pot is that you can build your own perfect meal every time.

Beyond the dry pot, the appetizer menu is a treasure trove of Szechuan classics. The Mouthwatering Chicken is a signature cold dish that delivers on its name, while the Husband & Wife Lung Slices are a must-try for those looking for an authentic experience. For a fun, modern twist, try the Spicy Popcorn Chicken or the Beef Wrap.

The noodle and rice dishes are also excellent choices. The Dan Dan Noodles are a staple of Szechuan cuisine and a fan favorite at MáLà Project. The House Fried Noodles and Xiangxi Fried Rice are perfect for those who want something less spicy but equally flavorful. To complement your meal, consider a Plum Juice or a refreshing Fentimans Rose Lemonade. And don't forget to ask about the Sweet Lotus Root for a perfectly balanced end to your spicy meal.

MáLà Project Bryant Park Menu

All-Day Menu - Appetizers
Mala Beef Tongue $16.00
Sliced beef tongue served with cucumber. Spicy and satisfying.
Mouthwatering Chicken $15.00
Bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a savory chili garlic sauce. Spicy and numbing served chilled.
Mala Peanuts $7.00
Fried peanuts with minced green peppers and onions. Seasoned with chili oil, black vinegar, and soy sauce. Served as a dish to be eaten on the side.
Spicy Chicken & Cucumber $15.00
Shredded chicken thigh with cucumber, peanuts, and tofu skin in a spicy black vinegar sauce. Served chilled.
Pig Ear In Chili Oil $13.00
Thin tender slices of pig ear marinated in a savory, spicy, and numbing sauce on a bed of thinly shredded potato. Garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro. Served chilled.
Liangfen Of Happy Tears $14.00
Cold green bean jelly cubes in chili oil. Sour, spicy, and cooling topped with pistachios and scallions.
Husband & Wife Lung Slices $15.00
Beef tendon and stomach slices in a spicy and savory chili sauce. Thinly shredded potato on the bottom. Topped with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Fried Pepper With Thousand Year Egg $14.00
Preserved duck egg with fried cubanelle pepper and eggplant
Eggplant With Roasted Garlic $14.00
Steamed eggplant with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Fragrant and nutty. Garnished with scallions and minced garlic and served chilled.

All-Day Menu - Noodles & Rice
House Fried Noodles $18.00
Wok-fried wheat noodles with your choice of protein or vegetables in a slightly sweet and savory oyster sauce. Note: 🌱 Vegetarian option available
Chao Bing With Chicken And Cabbage $18.00
Chinese pancake slices wok-fried with chicken breast, egg, and Chinese cabbage. A Northern Chinese staple full of umami flavor.
Xiangxi Fried Rice $16.00
Pickled green beans, bird-eye chili peppers, Chinese bacon, and egg all wok-fried with rice
Rainbow Liang Pi Noodles $14.00
Chewy noodles and rainbow vegetables (purple cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers) with seitan mixed in a spicy sesame dressing. Served chilled.
Dan Dan Noodles $15.00
Wheat noodles topped with minced pork, pickled vegetables, and bok choy in a spicy and tongue-tingling sauce
Left Over Fried Rice $16.00
Pork belly and green beans marinated overnight in soy sauce and wok-fried with rice and egg
Purple Rice $2.00
White Rice $1.00

All-Day Menu - Specials
Cold Noodles $14.00
Savory buckwheat noodles with a spicy soy vinegar sauce. Served cold.
Sweet & Sour Ribs $14.00
Ribs with bone marinated in a savory sweet and sour plum sauce
Fresh Spring Rolls $12.00
Spring rolls with cucumber, five spiced firm tofu, lettuce, and carrots in a sesame dressing
Hot & Sour Noodle Soup $18.00
Spicy and sour broth with glass noodles
Spicy Popcorn Chicken $15.00
Crispy pieces of chicken tenders with spicy mala seasoning

All-Day Menu - Combos
Combo No. 10 $24.00
Enoki mushroom, cauliflower, potato, wood ear mushroom, and firm tofu
Combo No. 9 $22.00
Bok choy, lotus root, broccoli, five spice firm tofu, and konjac noodles
Combo No. 8 $28.00
Squid, lobster ball, crab stick, bok choy, and lotus root
Combo No. 7 $30.00
Fish fillet, fish cake, broccoli, wood ear mushroom, and bean curd sheet
Combo No. 6 $30.00
Eye of round, chicken thigh, fun-size sausage, broccoli, and bok choy
Combo No. 5 $30.00
Lamb, crab stick, lotus root, cauliflower, enoki mushroom
Combo No. 4 $25.00
Pork belly, broccoli, lotus root, wood ear mushroom, and rice cakes
Combo No. 3 $25.00
Chicken breast, crab stick, pineapple, bok choy, and konjac noodles
Combo No. 2 $28.00
Beef tenderloin, broccoli, lotus root, firm tofu, and enoki mushroom
Combo No. 1 $26.00
Eye of round, potato, bok choy, cauliflower, and five-spice firm tofu

All-Day Menu - Dim Sum
Sweet Lotus Root $14.00
Lotus root boiled with red bean and osmanthus flowers stuffed with sticky rice. Drizzled with osmanthus flower syrup.
Chinese Fried Chicken $22.00
Half a hen brined and fried with spicy chili powder, cumin topped with fried garlic chips and cilantro
Veggie Dumplings (Steamed) $12.00
Handmade spinach dumpling wrap stuffed with fresh chives, wood ear mushrooms, five-spice firm tofus, and glass noodles. 6 pieces with soy sauce and vinegar on the side.
Pork Belly With Preserved Mustard Greens $22.00
Tender braised pork belly on a bed of salty preserved mustard greens steamed in an aromatic, sweet, and savory sauce
Pork Dumplings (Pan-Fried) $12.00
Handmade purple yam dumpling wrap stuffed with juicy pork and Chinese cabbage. 6 pieces with soy sauce and vinegar on the side.
Seaweed Fish Fritters $16.00
Crispy fried fish in a seaweed batter, tender, and juicy interior
Veggie Dumplings (Pan-Fried) $12.00
Handmade spinach dumpling wrap stuffed with fresh chives, wood ear mushrooms, five-spice firm tofus, and glass noodle. 6 pieces with soy sauce and vinegar on the side.
Pork Dumplings (Steamed) $12.00
Handmade purple yam dumpling wrap stuffed with juicy pork and Chinese cabbage. 6 pieces with soy sauce and vinegar on the side.
Scallion Pancake $12.00
A flaky dough like flatbread folded with oil and minced scallions
Beef Wrap $15.00
Slices of the beef calf, thinly sliced cucumber, and green peppers in a scallion pancake wrap drizzled with oyster sauce and a sweet and salty soybean sauce

All-Day Menu - Desserts
Castella Cake With Red Bean $7.00
Soft honey sponge cake cut into 4 rectangular pieces topped with a sweetened red bean paste
Gold & Silver Manto $8.00
6 soft buns. Silver is steamed and gold is fried with condensed milk on the side for dipping.
Herbal Jelly $9.00
A delightful and refreshing dessert. The soft silky texture of grass jelly and pudding. Chewy tapioca pearls and taro balls. The slight sweetness from red beans and hazelnut milk.

All-Day Menu - Drinks
Soda $2.50
Your choice of Coke or Diet Coke
Bruce Cost Ginger Ale $3.50
Fentimans Rose Lemonade $3.50
Plum Juice $4.00
Smoked plums, sweet osmanthus, and rock sugar. Tastes like summer.
Sweet Milk $3.50
First aid for heat
Chinese Herbal Tea $3.50
San Pellegrino $4.50

Weekend Menu - Appetizers
Mala Beef Tongue $16.00
Sliced beef tongue served with cucumber. Spicy and satisfying.
Mouthwatering Chicken $15.00
Bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a savory chili garlic sauce. Spicy and numbing served chilled.
Mala Peanuts $7.00
Fried peanuts with minced green peppers and onions. Seasoned with chili oil, black vinegar, and soy sauce. Served as a dish to be eaten on the side.
Spicy Chicken & Cucumber $15.00
Shredded chicken thigh with cucumber, peanuts, and tofu skin in a spicy black vinegar sauce. Served chilled.
Pig Ear In Chili Oil $13.00
Thin tender slices of pig ear marinated in a savory, spicy, and numbing sauce on a bed of thinly shredded potato. Garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro. Served chilled.
Liangfen Of Happy Tears $14.00
Cold green bean jelly cubes in chili oil. Sour, spicy, and cooling topped with pistachios and scallions.
Husband & Wife Lung Slices $15.00
Beef tendon and stomach slices in a spicy and savory chili sauce. Thinly shredded potato on the bottom. Topped with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Fried Pepper With Thousand Year Egg $14.00
Preserved duck egg with fried cubanelle pepper and eggplant
Eggplant With Roasted Garlic $14.00
Steamed eggplant with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Fragrant and nutty. Garnished with scallions and minced garlic and served chilled.

Weekend Menu - Noodles & Rice
House Fried Noodles $18.00
Wok-fried wheat noodles with your choice of protein or vegetables in a slightly sweet and savory oyster sauce. Note: 🌱 Vegetarian option available
Chao Bing With Chicken And Cabbage $18.00
Chinese pancake slices wok-fried with chicken breast, egg, and Chinese cabbage. A Northern Chinese staple full of umami flavor.
Xiangxi Fried Rice $16.00
Pickled green beans, bird-eye chili peppers, Chinese bacon, and egg all wok-fried with rice
Rainbow Liang Pi Noodles $14.00
Chewy noodles and rainbow vegetables (purple cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers) with seitan mixed in a spicy sesame dressing. Served chilled.
Dan Dan Noodles $16.00
Wheat noodles topped with minced pork, pickled vegetables, and bok choy in a spicy and tongue-tingling sauce
Left Over Fried Rice $16.00
Pork belly and green beans marinated overnight in soy sauce and wok-fried with rice and egg
Purple Rice $2.00
White Rice $1.00

Weekend Menu - Specials
Cold Noodles $10.00
Savory buckwheat noodles with a spicy soy vinegar sauce. Served cold.
Sweet & Sour Ribs $14.00
Ribs with bone marinated in a savory sweet and sour plum sauce
Fresh Spring Rolls $12.00
Spring rolls with cucumber, five spiced firm tofu, lettuce, and carrots in a sesame dressing
Hot & Sour Noodle Soup $18.00
Spicy and sour broth with glass noodles
Spicy Popcorn Chicken $15.00
Crispy pieces of chicken tenders with spicy mala seasoning

Weekend Menu - Combos
Combo No. 10 $24.00
Enoki mushroom, cauliflower, potato, wood ear mushroom, and firm tofu
Combo No. 9 $22.00
Bok choy, lotus root, broccoli, five spice firm tofu, and konjac noodles
Combo No. 8 $28.00
Squid, lobster ball, crab stick, bok choy, and lotus root
Combo No. 7 $30.00
Fish fillet, fish cake, broccoli, wood ear mushroom, and bean curd sheet
Combo No. 6 $30.00
Eye of round, chicken thigh, fun-size sausage, broccoli, and bok choy
Combo No. 5 $30.00
Lamb, crab stick, lotus root, cauliflower, enoki mushroom
Combo No. 4 $25.00
Pork belly, broccoli, lotus root, wood ear mushroom, and rice cakes
Combo No. 3 $25.00
Chicken breast, crab stick, pineapple, bok choy, and konjac noodles
Combo No. 2 $28.00
Beef tenderloin, broccoli, lotus root, firm tofu, and enoki mushroom
Combo No. 1 $26.00
Eye of round, potato, bok choy, cauliflower, and five-spice firm tofu

Weekend Menu - Dim Sum
Sweet Lotus Root $14.00
Lotus root boiled with red bean and osmanthus flowers stuffed with sticky rice. Drizzled with osmanthus flower syrup.
Chinese Fried Chicken $22.00
Half a hen brined and fried with spicy chili powder, cumin topped with fried garlic chips and cilantro
Veggie Dumplings (Steamed) $12.00
Handmade spinach dumpling wrap stuffed with fresh chives, wood ear mushrooms, five-spice firm tofus, and glass noodles. 6 pieces with soy sauce and vinegar on the side.
Pork Belly With Preserved Mustard Greens $22.00
Tender braised pork belly on a bed of salty preserved mustard greens steamed in an aromatic, sweet, and savory sauce
Pork Dumplings (Pan-Fried) $12.00
Handmade purple yam dumpling wrap stuffed with juicy pork and Chinese cabbage. 6 pieces with soy sauce and vinegar on the side.
Seaweed Fish Fritters $16.00
Crispy fried fish in a seaweed batter, tender, and juicy interior
Veggie Dumplings (Pan-Fried) $12.00
Handmade spinach dumpling wrap stuffed with fresh chives, wood ear mushrooms, five-spice firm tofus, and glass noodle. 6 pieces with soy sauce and vinegar on the side.
Pork Dumplings (Steamed) $12.00
Handmade purple yam dumpling wrap stuffed with juicy pork and Chinese cabbage. 6 pieces with soy sauce and vinegar on the side.
Scallion Pancake $12.00
A flaky dough like flatbread folded with oil and minced scallions
Beef Wrap $15.00
Slices of the beef calf, thinly sliced cucumber, and green peppers in a scallion pancake wrap drizzled with oyster sauce and a sweet and salty soybean sauce

Weekend Menu - Desserts
Castella Cake With Red Bean $7.00
Soft honey sponge cake cut into 4 rectangular pieces topped with a sweetened red bean paste
Gold & Silver Manto $8.00
6 soft buns. Silver is steamed and gold is fried with condensed milk on the side for dipping.
Herbal Jelly $9.00
A delightful and refreshing dessert. The soft silky texture of grass jelly and pudding. Chewy tapioca pearls and taro balls. The slight sweetness from red beans and hazelnut milk.

Weekend Menu - Drinks
Soda $2.50
Your choice of Coke or Diet Coke
Bruce Cost Ginger Ale $3.50
Fentimans Rose Lemonade $3.50
Plum Juice $4.00
Smoked plums, sweet osmanthus, and rock sugar. Tastes like summer.
Sweet Milk $3.50
First aid for heat
Chinese Herbal Tea $3.50
San Pellegrino $4.50

MáLà Project Bryant Park Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid parking garage
Paid street parking
Parking

MáLà Project Bryant Park Photos

MáLà Project Bryant Park Location

MáLà Project Bryant Park

New York New York County New York West 46th Street

41 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, USA

MáLà Project Bryant Park Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 1063 user reviews.

spicydry pothot potcocktailsenoki mushroomsfish filletlotus rootscallion pancakemala xiang guopurple rice

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I love the dry pot. The spices and herbs used in their MaLa sauce is just so good. We did have to wait a little to get seated but once we were, the seating had nice spacing. We loved the thousand year egg and the beef noodle soup was pretty good as well. Some other items on the menu like the dumplings and the pickled vegetables were just okay, noting really noteworthy. Overall I love coming here when i'm in NYC for the dry pot.
April 13 · Makai Yee
I've been to another Mala Project location before, but this was the first time that I got to try their menu aside from their dry pot (which is already pretty good!). The interior of this restaurant is a bit bigger with lots of seating and is bright. Service was nice and quick.We got the dan dan noodles, the husband wife beef tripe, the fried dumplings, duck tacos, dry pot, and buns. All of their appetizers were pretty solid (not bad but not outstanding), but I really did enjoy their duck tacos, which I thought was a fun twist on how you normally eat duck. Would definitely come back for those and their dry pot!
March 26 · Mia Huynh
I revisited this spot after a long break since pre-COVID, based on a friend's request. I used to enjoy it a lot back then. The branding and online presence (website/menus) have been nicely updated. A minor suggestion: a paper checklist or interactive online menu for ingredients would be helpful for ordering the DIY dry pots. The interior also has some updated branding elements, and it was interesting to see a more diverse clientele. However, I also found the price to be quite expensive for what was offered.Unfortunately, the dining experience had some downsides. Despite being seated under the AC on a humid, rainy day, it was still uncomfortably warm.We ordered two DIY dry pots (spicy and less spicy). While the food arrived quickly and the portions were larger than I recalled, the flavor profile had changed significantly. The "spicy" pot lacked any noticeable spice and was surprisingly sweet, which isn't the typical savory and spicy profile I expect from mala dry pot. Perhaps offering more distinct spice levels would cater to a wider range of preferences.Service was generally good, with polite and friendly staff, though we did need to ask for water refills occasionally, and there were a few small errors.Overall, a place I once greatly enjoyed is now one I'd hesitate to return to due to the altered flavor and pricing. However, I can see how the current taste might appeal to a broader audience unfamiliar with authentic mala, and it's positive to see Asian cuisine thriving.
April 27 · Won Ko
Had an incredible meal — the dry pot was absolutely delicious! Packed with flavor, perfectly spicy, and loaded with fresh ingredients. Every bite was so satisfying. Definitely one of the best I’ve had. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something bold and flavorful!
June 22 · Jankee Sonani
Never had dry hot pot before and glad it was here! Food was really tasty and was wonderful for sharing. I enjoyed being able to build our bowls and choose what we wanted and the spicy levels of each. Their other dishes are great accompaniments including the Dan Dan Noodles and Beef Rolls. The Eggplant was served chilled with paired well with the spicier dry hot pot bowl. I recommend getting bowls of plain rice on the side too since everything is pretty flavorful. For dessert, get their fried buns! Sweet and playful that is also good to share. Service was friendly and helpful and the ambiance was chill and comforting. Make reservations in advance since space is limited!
December 13 · Sky Thai