Owner & Co-Founder of MáLà Project

Leading the wave of new Chinese restaurants in New York City.

“The universe makes room for those who know where they are going.”

With over a decade of hospitality industry experience, Amelie Kang prides herself on being one of the few who took the great leap of leaving her home in Tangshan, China, and starting her culinary career in the diverse hospitality industry in New York.

She has since become one of the most renowned leaders of the restaurant industry of New York City and a game-changer in its ever-evolving Chinese food scene.

About Amelie Kang

Amelie (Ning) Kang came to the United States from China at age 18 to study at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). At the CIA, she studied the trendy French, Italian, and New American cuisines that have defined the top echelon of restaurants. Throughout the years, she worked in every position in restaurant operations all over New York City and found that the city was missing Chinese restaurants that demonstrated her hometown cuisine to its fullest.

At age 24, she opened the first location of the MáLà Project in East Village in 2015 to demonstrate the originality of her hometown cuisine. She has since opened two more locations in Bryant Park in 2017, Midtown East in 2020, Greenpoint in 2023, and more expansion plans on the horizon. She also co-founded Only Love Strangers, an upscale jazz bar located in the vibrant Lower East Side.

Recognized for her culinary talent, dedication to the hospitality industry, and for leading the wave of new Chinese restaurants in New York City, Amelie was named on Eater’s Young Guns list in 2018, and Forbes 30 Under 30 and Eater New Guard of New York in 2020.

News & Updates

Recently became a Board Member of

Mulan Women’s Club

Mulan Women’s Club extends a warm welcome to women of Chinese descent residing in the United States, aged 18 to 40.

The core mission of Mulan is to empower women of Chinese descent and ignite their personal and professional journeys. Achieving this objective involves providing a collaborative and communal platform that unites determined Chinese women across diverse fields. Through this platform, Mulan aims to foster inspiration and mutual support, facilitating their personal and vocational growth

Reliving the magic of Mulan House Annual Conference 2022. Grateful for 500+ vibrant souls who shaped a day of empowerment and connection. Swipe through snapshots of leading voices, bright minds, and the echoes of inspiration.