Mala Sichuan Bistro on Westheimer is the original location’s first foray beyond the familiar Chinatown territory—and its endeavors are greatly appreciated by the area locals. Classy and beautiful interior, certainly a far cry from its parent location, makes for a wonderfully intimidate dining experience. The food here is food is still as inexpensive and authentic-Chinese as you'd expect from a place with menu items like "Sichuan Funky Cold Noodles" and "Aromatic and Spicy Duck Tongue." The ultra-hot live tilapia dishes are popular, but tea-smoked duck, cumin beef and dan dan noodles are equally good — and slightly less spicy — options as well. A definitive dish to try is the Sichuan red-oil dumplings, a bowl of perfectly-cooked handmade pork dumplings in a piquant red chili oil and soy sauce.