Mala xiang guo — the dry, wok-tossed Sichuan dish where you pick your own vegetables, meats and toppings by weight before they're stir-fried in numbing chilli-and-peppercorn oil — has become one of Singapore's most craved comfort foods, sold in hawker centres and malls across the island. Its acknowledged heartland is People's Park in Chinatown, but standout stalls now stretch from Geylang and Serangoon to Tampines and Bukit Timah, with a typical bowl running from around S$7 at hawker stalls to pricier spreads in premium locations. This guide rounds up genuinely notable, currently-open spots spread across different neighbourhoods and budgets, including halal-friendly and vegetarian options; hours and prices change often, so confirm before heading down.
Last verified: September 2026. Hours and prices can change — we re-check our guides regularly, but do confirm before a special trip.
- Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo
- Ma La Xiang Guo (People's Park Complex)
- Lao Da Mala Xiang Guo
- Wan Xing Mala Xiang Guo
- Ri Ri Sheng Mala Hotpot
- Peppercorn Mala Hotpot
- Chuan Xiang Le
- Tian Tian Jian Mala Xiang Guo
- Ming Sheng Mala Spicy Pot
- 132 Mala
- Dashan Mala Hot Pot Zi Char
- Old Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine
- Dajie Makan Place
- Mala Hot Pot (Paya Lebar Square)
- Ju Bao Xuan Mala Hotpot
- Green on Earth Vegetarian Cafe
The list
Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo Sichuan mala xiang guo · $
The most-cited mala xiang guo stall in Singapore, famous for generous garlic and strong value; expect long lunchtime queues.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo
- Price: $ · By weight; ~S$7-12 per person
- Must-try: Mala xiang guo (heavy on garlic), Hand-shredded spare ribs
- Where: 32 New Market Rd, #01-1036, People’s Park Complex Food Centre, Singapore 050032
- Area: Chinatown
- Nearest MRT: Chinatown
- Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
- Halal: No
Ma La Xiang Guo (People's Park Complex) Sichuan mala xiang guo · $
A People's Park neighbour to Ri Ri Hong, praised for a more authentic, peppercorn-heavy numbing profile.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo
- Price: $ · About S$9 for 3 vegetables and 2 meats
- Must-try: Mala xiang guo (peppercorn-forward)
- Where: 32 New Market Rd, #01-1060A, People's Park Complex Food Centre, Singapore 050032
- Area: Chinatown
- Nearest MRT: Chinatown
- Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
- Halal: No
Lao Da Mala Xiang Guo Sichuan mala xiang guo · $$
A well-known Geylang late-night mala spot, popular for its punchy spicy chicken and supper-hours opening.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo
- Price: $$ · By weight; individual items ~S$1.30-20.80
- Must-try: Lao Da hot & spicy chicken, Mala xiang guo, Mala handmade noodles
- Where: 271 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389324
- Area: Geylang
- Nearest MRT: Aljunied
- Hours: Daily 11am-3am
- Halal: No
Wan Xing Mala Xiang Guo Sichuan mala xiang guo · $$
An air-conditioned Serangoon favourite open till the small hours, known for garlicky dry mala and grilled fish.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo
- Price: $$ · By weight; dishes ~S$13.60-38
- Must-try: Stir-fried dry mala, Chongqing grilled fish, White bee hoon with lala and prawn
- Where: 1006 Upper Serangoon Rd, Singapore 534744
- Area: Serangoon
- Nearest MRT: Kovan
- Hours: Daily 11am-4am
- Halal: No
Ri Ri Sheng Mala Hotpot Sichuan mala xiang guo · $
A Tampines heartland stall recommended across guides for generous portions loaded with peanuts and chilli bits.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo
- Price: $ · About S$8.50 for 3 vegetables and 2 meats
- Must-try: Mala xiang guo (peanuts and dried chilli), Spicy boiled fish, Spicy boiled beef
- Where: 823A Tampines Street 81, Singapore 521823
- Area: Tampines
- Nearest MRT: Tampines West
- Hours: Daily 11.30am-9pm
- Halal: No
Peppercorn Mala Hotpot Sichuan mala xiang guo / hotpot · $$
A Jalan Besar supper spot noted for very generous portions that comfortably feed groups of four to five.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo / hotpot
- Price: $$ · By weight; sharing portions for groups
- Must-try: Twice-cooked pork, Spicy chicken cubes, Sichuan water-cooked beef
- Where: 405 Jln Besar, Singapore 209011
- Area: Jalan Besar
- Nearest MRT: Bendemeer
- Hours: Daily 10am-5.30am
- Halal: No
Chuan Xiang Le Sichuan / mala xiang guo · $$
A Beauty World Sichuan spot serving mala alongside grilled fish and skewers in a sit-down setting.
- Cuisine: Sichuan / mala xiang guo
- Price: $$ · Dishes from ~S$12
- Must-try: Sichuan mala lazi chicken, Chongqing grilled fish, Xiang hotpot
- Where: 1 Jln Anak Bukit, Singapore 588996
- Area: Beauty World
- Nearest MRT: Beauty World
- Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
- Halal: No
Tian Tian Jian Mala Xiang Guo Sichuan mala xiang guo · $
A neighbourhood mala stall in the Circuit Road area recommended for its dry mala and golden-soup beef.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo
- Price: $ · By weight; items ~S$0.50-18
- Must-try: Mala xiang guo, Beef in golden soup
- Where: 79 Circuit Rd, #01-44, Singapore 370079
- Area: MacPherson
- Nearest MRT: MacPherson
- Hours: Wed-Mon 11am-10pm (closed Tue)
- Halal: No
Ming Sheng Mala Spicy Pot Sichuan mala xiang guo · $$
A Whampoa stall known for its signature dry-fried spicy chicken and customisable mala pot.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo
- Price: $$ · By weight; items ~S$0.50-28.80
- Must-try: Signature spicy chicken (laziji), Mala spicy hotpot
- Where: 111A Whampoa Rd, Singapore 322111
- Area: Whampoa
- Nearest MRT: Boon Keng
- Hours: Mon-Wed & Fri-Sun 11am-10pm (closed Thu)
- Halal: No
132 Mala Sichuan mala xiang guo · $$
A Bukit Batok mala spot in the west, singled out for its Sichuan-style beef and boiled fish.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo
- Price: $$ · Dishes ~S$6-12
- Must-try: Sichuan-style beef, Signature boiled fish
- Where: 2 Bukit Batok Street 23, Singapore 659527
- Area: Bukit Batok
- Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok
- Hours: Daily 11.30am-8.30pm
- Halal: No
Dashan Mala Hot Pot Zi Char Sichuan mala xiang guo / zi char · $$
A Bukit Timah zi char outfit that pairs mala xiang guo with mala grilled fish for larger group meals.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo / zi char
- Price: $$ · By weight from ~S$2.60/100g; dishes to ~S$22
- Must-try: Mala xiang guo, Mala grilled fish
- Where: 17 Lor Kilat, Singapore 598139
- Area: Bukit Timah
- Nearest MRT: King Albert Park
- Hours: Wed-Mon 11am-10pm (closed Tue)
- Halal: No
Old Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Sichuan mala xiang guo · $
A takeaway-only People's Park stall with a distinctive peanut-sauce mala; ordering is in Mandarin.
- Cuisine: Sichuan mala xiang guo
- Price: $ · About S$7 for 3 vegetables and 2 meats
- Must-try: Mala xiang guo (peanut-sauce style)
- Where: 80 Pagoda St, Singapore 059239
- Area: Chinatown
- Nearest MRT: Chinatown
- Hours: Daily 10.30am-9pm
- Halal: No
Dajie Makan Place Mala xiang guo / hotpot · $$
A small chain marketed as a halal-friendly mala option, also offering mookata-style BBQ and tom yum.
- Cuisine: Mala xiang guo / hotpot
- Price: $$ · Premium mala hotpot set from ~S$9.50
- Must-try: Mala hotpot, BBQ hotpot (mookata), Tom yum soup
- Where: 354 Clementi Ave 2, #01-253, Singapore 120354 (also Bedok, Bukit Batok)
- Area: Clementi
- Nearest MRT: Clementi
- Hours: Daily 10am-9.30pm (varies by outlet)
- Halal: Muslim-friendly
Mala Hot Pot (Paya Lebar Square) Mala xiang guo / hotpot · $$
A halal-certified mala option at Paya Lebar Square, noted for a lighter, less-oily bowl.
- Cuisine: Mala xiang guo / hotpot
- Price: $$ · From ~S$12.40, spice-level surcharges apply
- Must-try: Halal mala xiang guo (less oily)
- Where: 60 Paya Lebar Rd, #B1-51, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051
- Area: Paya Lebar
- Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar
- Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
- Halal: Halal-certified
Ju Bao Xuan Mala Hotpot Mala xiang guo / hotpot · $$$
A more premium mala option inside Marina Bay Sands, convenient for a CBD or tourist-belt mala fix.
- Cuisine: Mala xiang guo / hotpot
- Price: $$$ · By weight ~S$2.20-4.20/100g
- Must-try: Mala hotpot, Grilled fish
- Where: 2 Bayfront Ave, #B2-49A, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972
- Area: Marina Bay
- Nearest MRT: Bayfront
- Halal: No
Green on Earth Vegetarian Cafe Vegetarian Sichuan / mala xiang guo · $$
An organic vegetarian cafe at The Rail Mall serving meat-free mala xiang guo for plant-based diners.
- Cuisine: Vegetarian Sichuan / mala xiang guo
- Price: $$ · From ~S$15
- Must-try: Vegetarian mala xiang guo, GOE speciality grilled fish (meat-free), Sichuan boiled fish (meat-free)
- Where: 386 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, The Rail Mall, Singapore 678043
- Area: Bukit Timah
- Nearest MRT: Hillview
- Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
- Halal: No
At a glance: compare every spot
| Spot | Cuisine | Price | Area | Halal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo | Sichuan mala xiang guo | $ | Chinatown | No |
| Ma La Xiang Guo (People's Park Complex) | Sichuan mala xiang guo | $ | Chinatown | No |
| Lao Da Mala Xiang Guo | Sichuan mala xiang guo | $$ | Geylang | No |
| Wan Xing Mala Xiang Guo | Sichuan mala xiang guo | $$ | Serangoon | No |
| Ri Ri Sheng Mala Hotpot | Sichuan mala xiang guo | $ | Tampines | No |
| Peppercorn Mala Hotpot | Sichuan mala xiang guo / hotpot | $$ | Jalan Besar | No |
| Chuan Xiang Le | Sichuan / mala xiang guo | $$ | Beauty World | No |
| Tian Tian Jian Mala Xiang Guo | Sichuan mala xiang guo | $ | MacPherson | No |
| Ming Sheng Mala Spicy Pot | Sichuan mala xiang guo | $$ | Whampoa | No |
| 132 Mala | Sichuan mala xiang guo | $$ | Bukit Batok | No |
| Dashan Mala Hot Pot Zi Char | Sichuan mala xiang guo / zi char | $$ | Bukit Timah | No |
| Old Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine | Sichuan mala xiang guo | $ | Chinatown | No |
| Dajie Makan Place | Mala xiang guo / hotpot | $$ | Clementi | Muslim-friendly |
| Mala Hot Pot (Paya Lebar Square) | Mala xiang guo / hotpot | $$ | Paya Lebar | Halal-certified |
| Ju Bao Xuan Mala Hotpot | Mala xiang guo / hotpot | $$$ | Marina Bay | No |
| Green on Earth Vegetarian Cafe | Vegetarian Sichuan / mala xiang guo | $$ | Bukit Timah | No |
Your questions answered
What is mala xiang guo, and how is it different from mala tang or mala hotpot?
Mala xiang guo is a dry, stir-fried dish: you choose raw vegetables, meats, seafood and toppings (usually priced by weight), which are then wok-tossed with numbing Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilli and garlic. Mala tang is the soupy version of the same self-pick concept, while mala hotpot is a communal simmering pot. Many stalls offer more than one format.
How much does mala xiang guo cost in Singapore?
Most hawker and heartland stalls price by weight, and a single serving typically works out to about S$7-12 per person for a mix of vegetables and a couple of meats. Adding premium meats, seafood or extra spice levels pushes it higher, and mall or hotel outlets such as those in Marina Bay Sands cost more.
Which areas have the best mala xiang guo in Singapore?
People's Park Complex in Chinatown is the acknowledged heartland, home to long-running favourites like Ri Ri Hong. Beyond there, strong stalls are spread island-wide, including Geylang, Serangoon, Tampines, Whampoa, Bukit Timah, Bukit Batok and Paya Lebar, so most neighbourhoods have a solid option.
Are there halal or vegetarian mala xiang guo options?
Yes. For halal, Mala Hot Pot at Paya Lebar Square is halal-certified, and chains such as Dajie Makan Place market themselves as halal-friendly; always check the current certification on-site before ordering. For vegetarian and vegan diners, Green on Earth Vegetarian Cafe at The Rail Mall serves meat-free mala xiang guo.
Do I need to queue or book ahead for mala xiang guo?
Most mala xiang guo stalls are walk-in only and don't take reservations. The trade-off is queues at the popular ones — for example, the People's Park stalls can have long lunchtime lines, so arriving early (around 11am) or outside peak hours helps. Several spots, like those in Geylang and Serangoon, open late into the night for supper.