The ML Kitchen (麻辣诱惑) is officially recognised by ASEAN Records for achieving a remarkable culinary milestone: “Most Mala-Based Items Sold by a Direct-Owned Home-Grown Mala Restaurant Chain Since 2018.” (Asean Records)
The recognition is supported by outstanding performance figures, with approximately 1.52 million Mala-based items sold, generating RM27.36 million in revenue across nine outlets nationwide — a testament to the brand’s strong market presence and customer loyalty. (Asean Records)
From Humble Beginnings to a National Mala Favourite
Founded in 2018 in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, The ML Kitchen was built on a passion for authentic Sichuan flavours and a vision to adapt Mala cuisine to Malaysia’s multicultural palate. (Asean Records)
Behind the brand is founder Wu Yu Lian, who, together with her sister, spent nearly eight years refining recipes before launching the first outlet. Their dedication to authenticity and quality quickly resonated with customers, driving rapid growth through word-of-mouth and strong community support. (Asean Records)
Today, The ML Kitchen operates nine direct-owned outlets, serving a diverse customer base that includes students, families and professionals across Malaysia. (Asean Records)
A Commitment to Authenticity and Quality
In a competitive food and beverage landscape, The ML Kitchen has distinguished itself through a steadfast commitment to “real food, real care”, emphasising freshness and integrity in every dish.
Key differentiators include:
- Authentic slow-boiled bone broth for depth of flavour
- Strict avoidance of pre-packaged or synthetic ingredients
- Made-to-order preparation for every meal
- Strong focus on food safety and quality standards (Asean Records)
This philosophy has enabled the brand to position itself as a premium Mala dining experience, while maintaining accessibility and consistency across all outlets.
Official Recognition Ceremony
The ASEAN Records recognition was formally presented to Wu Yu Lian, Founder of The ML Kitchen, and Puah Chuan Hock, Owner and Managing Director, during the opening of the brand’s ninth outlet at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus. (Asean Records)
The milestone reflects not only commercial success but also the brand’s growing influence in shaping Malaysia’s modern food culture.
Quote
“This record means a lot to me and our team. It reflects the love and loyalty of our customers over the years. We promise to stay true to our roots — using real ingredients and preserving authentic flavours.”
— Wu Yu Lian, Founder of The ML Kitchen (Asean Records)
Elevating Mala Cuisine in ASEAN’s Culinary Landscape
Surpassing 1.5 million Mala-based items sold represents more than a business achievement — it marks a cultural milestone in the growing popularity of Sichuan-inspired cuisine across ASEAN. (Asean Records)
The ML Kitchen has played a pivotal role in:
- Introducing bold Mala flavours to a wider Malaysian audience
- Bridging authentic Chinese culinary traditions with local tastes
- Contributing to ASEAN’s diverse and evolving food identity
Looking Ahead
As ASEAN continues to celebrate its rich and diverse food culture, The ML Kitchen’s recognition sets a new benchmark for home-grown restaurant chains driven by authenticity, consistency and customer trust.
This ASEAN Records milestone reinforces the brand’s position as a leading force in Malaysia’s Mala dining scene, while highlighting the broader potential of ASEAN’s culinary sector to innovate, grow and gain regional recognition.
