Mala Sichuan Toasts to Ten!

Mala Sichuan Toasts to Ten!

Crispy chicken with green beans

TEN YEARS AFTER opening their first restaurant on Bellaire Boulevard, the husband-wife duo behind Chinese staple Mala Sichuan has unveiled a fourth location, this time in Sugar Land.


This outpost has actually been in the works since 2017, but a series of natural disasters and the ongoing pandemic waylaid the plans. But diners can now officially raise a glass to the Sugar Land restaurant's grand opening — and Mala Sichuan's 10-year anniversary — in 2021.

The newly built space is located within the same shopping center as the popular Jusgo Supermarket. "Jusgo in Chinatown is near our Bellaire location," says owner Cori Xiong. "We have a great relationship and share a lot of business. Plus, they supply us with produce for the restaurants, so it's very convenient."

The interior design boasts minimalist elements and those that remind Xiong of her youth in Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province in China, such as latticework paneling and walls of jade and gray brick.

And the menu is, of course, comprised of the same deliciously spicy dishes for which Mala Sichuan has become known, thanks to its uninhibited use of the tingling Sichuan peppercorn. The Three Pepper Beaten Duck, for example, is simmered with spices then stir-fried with red chilies, Serrano peppers and whole Sichuan peppercorns. Feel the burn!

Food
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

Symphony Springs to Life with Floral-Fabulous Fete

Jacob Power and Priscilla Dickson

Chairs Brady and Zane Carruth, Brittany and Adam Clark

IT ALREADY FEELS like spring in Houston and the spring social season is here with it! 375 guests donned in white-tie flocked to The Post Oak Hotel for the annual Houston Symphony Ball, one of the city’s most anticipated and A-list galas.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

THE TRUFFLE MASTERS is returning for its 11th year on March 3rd. Now a Houston tradition of sorts, the competition sees top chefs creating a dish using black truffles all benefitting Southern Smoke.

Keep Reading Show less