This is my first time ever writing a review for a restaurant. But this left an impression on me. Food was delicious, consistently good. At end of dinner getting the bill my girlfriend was paying the bill and she accidentally pressed no tip. We barely had enough cash on us to tip generously and so I told her its okay knowing it was “selfish” but it what happened happened. But as soon as we tried to leave and take our left overs the lady stopped us and demanded tip. Mind you we did not get a complete service we ordered our food ready to go online. I told them it was an accident that my girlfriend pressed the no tip by accident and we were intentionally going to pay tip. However, after the raised voice from the server and constant hackle of tipping I decided to “no I don’t think I am going to tip after this demanding of tip”. I generally feel like tipping is not required and the amount you get from tipping is based on how well the service is for me. Like if you put in 100% with your customers you will get 100% back with me. But again we ordered online and barely got service. After demanding tip and being rude to my girlfriend I said no this does not deserve tip. So, they held our leftover to go hostage until we pay tip. I felt like this was so sueable but I also felt like this is crazy to see someone hold your food that you paid for and demand more pay. For attitude and service like that I would not. In all my times of eating at restaurants this is the first time I witnessed something like this in front of me. I have always tipped generously and based on how people should be tipped. I have also worked in restaurant industry and I still do and I know how tipping works. But if I’m going to order food online, eat and not get any genuine service the tip you get is what you get and sometimes people will be lucky to get any. But in this situation my girlfriend made a mistake, and we didn’t have any cash on us. However, they did give us a option of refunding us our money just to tip, but this is after the fact they were demanding tip and yelling at my girlfriend. Please if anyone else feels differently or the same let me know. Food was great service was not
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Y Z
The dry pot is really tasty and price is very reasonable. Will visit again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mandy H.
Authentic and great mala tang in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maya Bingaman
I order the 6 choice vegetarian mala pot for pick up and I got enough for 3 separate meals! Very happy with the price (about $13) and quality and quantity of food. Tofu and noodles were part of the 6 and this was very filling.
Food: 5
Service: 4
NickyFoodReviews
Mala Restaurant is a well known Chinese restaurant serving mala dry pot and other spicy dishes near the Packard's Corner area of Allston.
The service is quick, there is smaller tables at the location so it may not be for larger parties, but take-out is an easy process and comes out quick.
We got the mala dry pot, squid skewer, and szechuan noodles. The szechuan noodles was packed to the brim, though all the oil sat at the bottom so mixing it within the container was not feasible, and it was dry on top without the mixing. The squid skewer was good, chewy with a nice flavor and seasoning. The mala dry pot stood out, not too spicy but can add more spice if needed. The portion sizes is good, with the small being in one container and large being in two. For the price, they give you a decent amount.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Hui Ying Chin
Best place for Chinese food in the city. Best kept secret and it is worth the wait. Come with friends or be ready to pack lots of leftovers as the portions are generous and super delicious. Everything is good on the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin Wilson
This place seriously gets better and better. Most please kind of fizzle out, but not this place. This place is so consistently yummy and affordable. I still enjoy going there, as well as getting take out from there. The flavors are unmatched, and I definitely crave this place pretty frequently. Some friends and I recently got takeout from here, and I just wanted to give another shoutout to Mala for their delicious food. Thank you for providing consistency, especially in a time where that’s not considered important. The service is always good here and despite being a small place, it’s very comfortable and cozy. Will continue to support this restaurant and crave its yumminess!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Kenny Mok
Fast service and reasonable price.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
a
Tasty authentic food. Lots of options on the menu. Big portions
Always come here for the dry pot
This is my first time ever writing a review for a restaurant. But this left an impression on me. Food was delicious, consistently good. At end of dinner getting the bill my girlfriend was paying the bill and she accidentally pressed no tip. We barely had enough cash on us to tip generously and so I told her its okay knowing it was “selfish” but it what happened happened. But as soon as we tried to leave and take our left overs the lady stopped us and demanded tip. Mind you we did not get a complete service we ordered our food ready to go online. I told them it was an accident that my girlfriend pressed the no tip by accident and we were intentionally going to pay tip. However, after the raised voice from the server and constant hackle of tipping I decided to “no I don’t think I am going to tip after this demanding of tip”. I generally feel like tipping is not required and the amount you get from tipping is based on how well the service is for me. Like if you put in 100% with your customers you will get 100% back with me. But again we ordered online and barely got service. After demanding tip and being rude to my girlfriend I said no this does not deserve tip. So, they held our leftover to go hostage until we pay tip. I felt like this was so sueable but I also felt like this is crazy to see someone hold your food that you paid for and demand more pay. For attitude and service like that I would not. In all my times of eating at restaurants this is the first time I witnessed something like this in front of me. I have always tipped generously and based on how people should be tipped. I have also worked in restaurant industry and I still do and I know how tipping works. But if I’m going to order food online, eat and not get any genuine service the tip you get is what you get and sometimes people will be lucky to get any. But in this situation my girlfriend made a mistake, and we didn’t have any cash on us. However, they did give us a option of refunding us our money just to tip, but this is after the fact they were demanding tip and yelling at my girlfriend. Please if anyone else feels differently or the same let me know. Food was great service was not
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
The dry pot is really tasty and price is very reasonable. Will visit again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Authentic and great mala tang in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I order the 6 choice vegetarian mala pot for pick up and I got enough for 3 separate meals! Very happy with the price (about $13) and quality and quantity of food. Tofu and noodles were part of the 6 and this was very filling.
Food: 5
Service: 4
Mala Restaurant is a well known Chinese restaurant serving mala dry pot and other spicy dishes near the Packard's Corner area of Allston.
The service is quick, there is smaller tables at the location so it may not be for larger parties, but take-out is an easy process and comes out quick.
We got the mala dry pot, squid skewer, and szechuan noodles. The szechuan noodles was packed to the brim, though all the oil sat at the bottom so mixing it within the container was not feasible, and it was dry on top without the mixing. The squid skewer was good, chewy with a nice flavor and seasoning. The mala dry pot stood out, not too spicy but can add more spice if needed. The portion sizes is good, with the small being in one container and large being in two. For the price, they give you a decent amount.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Best place for Chinese food in the city. Best kept secret and it is worth the wait. Come with friends or be ready to pack lots of leftovers as the portions are generous and super delicious. Everything is good on the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place seriously gets better and better. Most please kind of fizzle out, but not this place. This place is so consistently yummy and affordable. I still enjoy going there, as well as getting take out from there. The flavors are unmatched, and I definitely crave this place pretty frequently. Some friends and I recently got takeout from here, and I just wanted to give another shoutout to Mala for their delicious food. Thank you for providing consistency, especially in a time where that’s not considered important. The service is always good here and despite being a small place, it’s very comfortable and cozy. Will continue to support this restaurant and crave its yumminess!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Fast service and reasonable price.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Tasty authentic food. Lots of options on the menu. Big portions
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Sliced pork ears is a must try. Service was just ok.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
I’ve been coming here for years. Delicious. the worst review you’ll find is the service…. small price to pay for delicious food. thank you Mala 🙏
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very bad service
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Authentic spicy food, love it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great seafood choices and best sea food soup
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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