Best Chinese Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

We travel from Potomac, MD to eat at Mala Tang. The food is authentic, delicious and an experience. We love to do the hot pot when we have a large group as we can all share the proteins and veggies to put inside. When we are a smaller group we love the dry pot. The vegetables they offer are very fresh and unique. The service is always top notch and the price is very reasonable. We can't wait to go back!

Everything was absolutely phenomenal from my husband and I walking into the restaurant, being able to get our table the timing was excellent was not a long wait. The server was amazing, the service was excellent, The Food was brought out no sooner than we had ordered, the drinks were great as well. They took our picture before we left their fine establishment. I recommend having a reservation before hand but overall everything was great.

Lucked out and came for the first weekend of their Bottomless food and drinks brunch and it was well worth it! Planning to return as soon as I’m back in town. Tried new menu items and loved everything we had. Highly recommend.

Here’s your review with the chef’s tasting menu details: — I’m still on a high from this meal—absolutely incredible! We did the chef’s tasting menu, which took us on a journey through 10 different dishes, each one more amazing than the last. As a Peruvian, I can confidently say this place nails the flavors while elevating them in the best way. The lomo saltado was perfection, the ají de gallina was rich and comforting, the arroz chaufa had that perfect smoky wok flavor, and the causa was beautifully balanced and fresh. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and bursting with flavor. And let’s talk about the pisco cocktails—perfectly crafted, smooth, and dangerously good. The service was impeccable—attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about the food. The ambience? Just as amazing. Warm, inviting, and the perfect backdrop for such a special meal. And for the sheer quality and variety of food we got, the value was unreal. I left so happy, so full, and already dreaming about my next visit. If you love Peruvian food (or just insanely good food in general), you need to eat here!

The food was very good. We ended up eating at the counter. It was hard for the four of us to communicate. I’d go back to try different things on the menu.