Wok-fired
Fast heat for crisp edges, smoky depth, and food that arrives lively.
Sichuan cooking, made for sharing
Bold flavor.
A tingle you'll crave.
Wok-fired dishes, fragrant chilies, and the bright lift of Sichuan peppercorn — built to wake up the whole table.
Mala is the layered thrill of chili heat and Sichuan-peppercorn tingle. Choose the level that feels right for you.
The Sichuan way
Flavor with a little electricity.
Every dish starts with balance: depth, brightness, heat, and enough contrast to keep you reaching for one more bite.
House chili oil
Warm, fragrant, and layered — not just hot for the sake of it.
Peppercorn tingle
That distinctive citrusy buzz is a flavor all its own.
Made to share
Plates with plenty of room for your table's favorite way to eat.
Mapo tofu
Silken tofu with fermented bean sauce, chili oil, and peppercorn.
Chili heat
Mala tingle
Dan dan noodles
Springy noodles with sesame, chili, aromatics, and a little richness.
Chili heat
Dry-fried greens
A snappy, savory counterpoint to the dishes with more heat.
Vegetarian
A table worth lingering over
Big flavor, warm hospitality, and food that asks to be passed around.
Bring an appetite, bring a few people, and let the table find its own rhythm — a bite of something spicy, something bright, something comforting.
House favorites
Start here. Then follow your nose.
Signature
Chili chicken
{{price_chili_chicken}}Crisp chicken, roasted peanuts, dried chilies, and a dark, savory glaze.
HotAdd to order
Popular
Dan dan noodles
{{price_dan_dan_noodles}}Wheat noodles with a sesame-chili sauce, herbs, and a slow-building tingle.
ClassicAdd to order
Vegetarian
Vegetable mapo tofu
{{price_vegetable_mapo_tofu}}Soft tofu, chili oil, fermented bean sauce, and a savory peppercorn finish.
HotAdd to order
Weekday lunch
Lunch, with a little fire.
Quick enough for the middle of your day, memorable enough to change its whole direction.
View lunch menu
From the table
Good words travel fast.
“The food is incredible and very authentic Szechuan. The spice was the perfect level.”Nicole H. · Google review
“Our food was so flavorful and delicious. This place is a hidden gem.”Christine G. · Google review
“I got dumplings and kung pao chicken. Both were delicious. I will be coming back.”Mia · Google review
A little something extra
Join the Lake Side Club.
Get first word on seasonal dishes, occasional offers, and reasons to bring the whole table back.
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Find us
Hours & Location
Hours of operation
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday
- 11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday
- 11 AM–9 PM
- Friday
- 11 AM–9:30 PM
- Saturday
- 11 AM–9:30 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Hours may vary on holidays. Please call to confirm.
Reservations & takeout
(703) 391-9070Price range
$20–30 per person
Google rating
3.9 / 5 · 295 Google reviews