Mala Pot & Grill owner Kelvin Zheng checks through the self-serving station for mala pot dishes before an afternoon rush.
Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis
NORTHAMPTON — Mala Pot & Grill is the latest addition to downtown Northampton’s dining scene, as the unique restaurant and its offerings look to become a part of the downtown ecosystem and foundation.
Owner Kelvin Zheng has been in the dining industry his whole adult life, operating and owning Fruity Bubble in Holyoke with his family as well as a Connecticut hibachi restaurant with his in-laws since he immigrated to the country from China in 1997.
A passionate business owner in the dining industry, Zheng told Reminder Publishing he always had his eyes set on what storefronts are available in Northampton for potential future opportunities. This year, the opening came, and Zheng took the chance by bringing a new style of mala pot to the downtown of Paradise City, located at 271 Main St.
“I always had passion in the restaurant business, so I always kept an eye at the city of Northampton because it is a variety city, and looking for something like a new concept. So, we decided to create our own concept of mala pot and bring it to the city and to be another new dining experience for all people in the community,” explained Zheng.
Mala Pot & Grill offers a diverse range of flavorful Asian style dishes in a bright and welcoming setting. The setting is a bonus to what Zheng hopes to accomplish with the new endeavor. He said he hopes the restaurant can become a sort of café-style setting for the people of the community, on top of serving the great meals they offer.
“I see a lot of students and young people here. This kind of mala pot is like a new trend in this country so instead of only big meals, we create a small meal that is very affordable for all students and people in the area,” said Zheng.
Zheng shared that Mala Pot uses a self-service concept for its dishes, allowing customers to create their own dish and charge it based on its weight. He added this not only caters to people’s diets and what size meal they are seeking, but it also provides the opportunity to efficiently eat in the current economy.
Through a commitment of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic Asian culinary techniques, Zheng said guests will be given a new and unique Asian dining experience at Mala Pot & Grill.
Other signature dishes available on menu include Korean friend chicken, teriyaki steak plate and combo plate, prepared with traditional Asian seasonings. Chicken and steak hibachi style options will also be available on the menu.
Zheng said feedback from the community has so far been positive, and he hopes to continue growing Mala Pot & Grill as a place where people feel comfortable hanging out and being within the community, all while experiencing some good eats.
“I love the area here, so we wanted to bring a restaurant that really had people come in, young people, everyone, and they are not just a customer, but they’re your friend and we are chatting,” added Zheng. “This is a place where people can come in and do homework, meet friends; we welcome anyone coming in.”
Mala Pot & Grill is open daily, Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
