Xiao Man Niu Mala Hot Pot at Junction 8 brings authentic Sichuan spice and numbing flavors to Singapore's Bishan community through their specialty mala xiang guo (spicy stir-fry) and malatang (spicy soup) offerings, representing one of 17 strategic locations across Singapore for this popular MLXG chain that has mastered the art of customizable spicy Chinese cuisine. Operating within the Food Junction environment, this air-conditioned outlet provides comfortable dining while serving the signature numbing, spicy dishes characterized by earthy Sichuan fragrances, sesame additions, and the distinctive sourness that defines authentic mala cuisine for spice enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
The restaurant specializes in both mala xiang guo stir-fried dishes and warming malatang soup options, allowing customers to select fresh ingredients including vermicelli, kelp, okra, various vegetables, meats, and seafood that are expertly prepared with varying spice levels from mild (小辣) to intensely fiery according to individual heat tolerance. Signature ingredients like their perfectly textured vermicelli, crisp kelp, and tender okra complement both stir-fry and soup preparations, while the kitchen's careful attention to Sichuan peppercorn balance creates the authentic mala experience that combines heat, numbness, and complex flavor profiles. Additional mala side dishes round out the menu, providing comprehensive options for diners seeking the complete Sichuan mala experience.
Located within Junction 8's Food Junction, Xiao Man Niu offers premium mala dining in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment with pricing typically ranging 6-20 for two persons, reflecting the quality ingredients and authentic preparation methods that distinguish this chain from basic hawker-style mala options. The restaurant's strategic mall location provides convenient access for shoppers seeking bold flavors and satisfying heat levels during their Junction 8 experience. Whether introducing friends to authentic Sichuan cuisine, satisfying serious mala cravings, or exploring the addictive combination of spice and numbness, Xiao Man Niu Mala Hot Pot delivers genuine Sichuan flavors, customizable heat levels, and comfortable dining that brings authentic Chinese street food culture to Singapore's modern retail environment.
This is ridiculous, the concept of weighing is rigged. I am quite sure they do not follow the menu food type cost price. I am quite sure the weighing is off, I only took 6 slices of pork but the receipt shows $8 worth. You can barely see any meat in my mala. Cost $20+ like that even with 10% discount from breadtalk app. Which I can afford many other 2 pax meals with change. Please avoid. There is another mala store nearby. Poor ethics. Got picture got talk.
Josephine Lee
My foreigner friend didn’t know how Mala was charged and paid it. When I looked at the bill, I asked the stall person, why was the actual prawn charged as “assorted ball” for $1 each instead of “seafood” for $4.50/ 100g, they just said “sorry sorry, it is considered ball”.
We weighed the prawns and mind you, with the bowl, it was barely 100g+
Felt cheated. Look at the rest of the reviews, I’m not the only one feeling the same way… See my photos and judge it yourself.
Short B
was shocked at the total. the mushroom was only 3 inch in length. more expensive than a vege dish at zichar. taste was bland and oil only.
Jessy Lee
I ate here many times but the most recent one triggered me. $18.80 for a small portion of mala xiang guo in a food court seems a bt ridiculous esp when I used to have it under $15 for the similar portion
Adrew Dav
Food very bad its like the chef first time cooking they oso have a minimum cost of $8 which i find ridiculous the chef needs help
Jannminn Foon
Scammer mala store in Bishan. They always take out your vege, mushroom into 50% or even less when cooking .. cheating customers. You can obviously see n count.
ho yeng
This place is scammer, i took 2 small quil egg, they charge 0.5sgd each quil egg?! U seriously? Wow
Samuel
Very expensive, spend 40 dollars. Food has no taste at all !!Will never buy again
Samson
Very expensive; I spent $40. Food has no taste at all! I will never buy again.
Andrew David
The food was very bad. It's like the chef's first time cooking. They also have a minimum cost of $8, which I find ridiculous. The chef needs help.
Ho Yen
This place is a scam. I took 2 small quail eggs. They charged 0.5 SGD each quail egg?! You seriously? Wow.
Jianmin Foon
This mala store in Bishan is a scammer. They always reduce your vegetables and mushrooms to 50% or even less when cooking, cheating customers. You can obviously see and count.
Jessie Lee
I ate here many times, but the most recent one was particularly disappointing. $18.80 for a small portion of mala xiang guo in a food court seems a bit ridiculous, especially when I used to have it under $15 for a similar portion.
Siew Bee
I was shocked by the total. The mushroom was only 3 inches long. More expensive than a vegetable dish at a zichar. The taste was bland and oily.
Jocelyn Lee
My foreigner friend didn’t know how Mala was charged and paid it. When I looked at the bill, I asked the stall person why the actual prawn was charged as “assorted ball” for $1 each instead of “seafood” for $4.50/ 100g. They just said, “Sorry, sorry, it is considered ball.”
We weighed the prawns and, mind you, even with the bowl, it was barely 100g.
Felt cheated. Looking at the rest of the reviews, I’m not the only one feeling the same way. See my photos and judge for yourself.
Trevor Lim
This is ridiculous. The concept of weighing is rigged. I am quite sure they do not adhere to the menu's stated prices per food type. I am quite sure the weighing is off; I only took 6 slices of pork, but the receipt showed $8 worth. You could barely see any meat in my mala. It cost over $20, even with a 10% discount from the BreadTalk app. For that price, I could afford many other 2-person meals with change to spare. Please avoid this place. There is another mala store nearby. Poor ethics. I have pictures to support my claims.
Positive Reviews
Thanh Nhan Nguyen Thi
Eat here often with my boyfriend
I find the vegetables cheaper than other restaurants, the meat is a bit more expensive
(vegetables 1.8$/100g, meat, mushrooms 3.5$/100g)
The staff can speak Vietnamese
Ngo Thian Yan
I often eat here with my boyfriend.
I find the vegetables cheaper than at other restaurants, though the meat is a bit more expensive.
(Vegetables: $1.8/100g; Meat and mushrooms: $3.5/100g)
The staff speaks Vietnamese.
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Our Menu
Menu Images
Menu Highlights
Items
VEGE
$1.80
DISCOUNT
-$0.34
MUSHROOM
$2.80
DISCOUNT
-$0.77
MEAT
$3.50
DISCOUNT
-$0.80
RICE
DISCOUNT
-$0.20
FRIED BEANCURD SKIN
DISCOUNT
-$0.20
SPINACH NOODLE
DISCOUNT
-$0.20
Menu Highlights
Mala Hot Pot
MALA HOT POT SOUP
MALA HOT POT DRY
Choice of spicy level: Non-spicy/Mild Spicy/Medium Spicy/Extra Spicy/Crazy Spicy
DRY (POT BASE)
FOC
SOUP (CHICKEN BONE SOUP/PORK BONE SOUP/PICKLED VEGETABLE SOUP)
