5 Mala restaurants in Bangkok Chinese food lovers should visit
Originating from Sichuan, China, Mala has gained huge popularity for its spicy and numbing flavours. And as one of the foodie capitals of the world, Bangkok has a big number of Mala restaurants. Here are the best ones.
5 Mala restaurants in Bangkok you should not miss in 2025
The following restaurants are not listed in any particular order or ranking. This list is based on The Thaiger’s editorial team experience, research, and publicly available information.
1. CQK Hotpot
Location: CQK Hotpot (Huai Khwang), 215 Building, 2nd Floor, The Crystal Ekamai-Ramindra Project, Bangkok, Thailand.
Open hours: Daily, 11am to 4am
The Chongqing-style Mala hotpot resturant CQK is popular for their exceptionally tasty and mildly spicy hotpot broth. Their masterful combination of spices and the distinctive flavour of Sichuan pepper create a rich and flavorful experience.
In addition to their broth, the restaurant also serves top-quality pork, beef, and an extensive selection of seafood. Furthermore, they offer a diverse range of delectable appetisers that will make your taste buds happy.
The dipping sauce options are plentiful, so expect a range of seasonings to savour alongside your meal. The irresistible and fiery flavours make CQK a must-visit destination for Mala enthusiasts.
2. Haidilao Hot Pot
Location: Haidilao Hot Pot, CentralWorld, 7th floor, Beacon Zone
Open hours: Daily, 10am to 3am
This famous Mala hot pot restaurant chain, Haidilao Hot Pot, has more than 400 locations worldwide and promises delectable food. There are choices for the number of pots on the soup menu, starting at 1 to 4.
The price depends on the soup type and the size of the pot. You can choose from five soup options, which includes Mala soup with chilli flakes, Sam Sahai hot pot with chicken oil, tomato hot pot, mushroom hot pot, and Tom Yum hot pot with shrimp.
The food quality is excellent, and the taste is delicious. The service provided is impressive at all levels. And if you’re someone who often struggles with a low phone batter, you’ll appreciate the wireless charging stations on the tables.
3. Hotpot Man
Location: Hotpot Man, 345, 28 Room No. 2-3 Soi Ngam Wong Wan 47 Yaek 42, Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210
Open hours: Daily, 11am to 2am
If you’re even mildly addicted to scrolling through TikTok, chances are you’ve come across creators swearing by Hotpot Man. Yes, trying viral food can sometimes be a gamble. It’s either super delicious or just another overhyped scam. But Hotpot Man earns every bit of its internet fame.
The line can stretch into an intimidating wait during peak hours, but it’s worth the wait. From the flavours to the prices, they check all the right boxes.
There are three broth options to choose from, including the original Mala, cow fat broth, and the vegetable oil broth. If you have a high spice tolerance, we recommend the original Mala broth. It’s fiery and tongue-numbing, but still very flavourful.
Service is top-notch. We appreciate the thoughtful little details like aprons to keep your clothes safe from any splashes and hair cover to make sure your hair stays odour-free.
However, parking is limited, so your best bet is to arrive via taxi or a ride-hailing app.
4. Shu Daxia
Location: Several locations across Bangkok. Featured: Shu Daxia, MBK Center, 6th floor, 444 Phaya Thai Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Open hours: Daily, 10am to 3am
Tastes amazing and supports local farmers, Shu Daxia is a premium spot that feels luxurious without losing its heart. You can expect only the best ingredients here, like 28-day dry-aged Thai Angus beef.
Seafood gets the royal treatment here, too, steamed right on top of their famous broth. Speaking of broths, you have to try the Mala for that bold kick or the spicy pork bone stewed soup if you’re after something hearty.
Moreover, the decor is always elegant, warm, and Instagram-ready. And for those special occassions, like birthdays, milestone celebrations, or festive family meals for Chinese New Year, you can opt for their private rooms.
The coolest thing about Shu Daxia is you can try on traditional costumes while you’re there!
5. Chinda Hot Pot
Location: Chinda Hotpot Branch 1 (Huaikwang), 363 Pracharath Bamphen Road, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok 10310
Open hours: Daily, 11am to 4am
Chinda Hot Pot is very popular for a good reason. As the first Chinese-style Mala hot pot restaurant on rotating conveyor belts in Thailand, they offer a fun dining experience.
When you arrive, you start by choosing your soup base and drink. After that, you can pick whatever you like from the conveyor belt, which is full of fresh meats, veggies, and more. Everyone gets their own individual hot pot, so it’s perfect if you don’t like sharing.
Don’t skip on their homemade dipping sauce. While it seems simple, it’s actually very flavourful and goes perfectly with everything, from meats to vegetables.
Admittedly, the popularity of Chinda Hot Pot often means long queues, but it’s a small price to pay. It’s delightful, affodable, and the staff are always friendly and helpful.
We’re sure there are a lot more delicious Mala restaurants across Bangkok. However, if you don’t know which one to choose, the five restaurants above are great places to start!
Need more Chinese restaurant recommendations in Bangkok? Check out this must-try Chinese restaurant in Bangkok.