I tried the mala mix, highest spice level. There wasn't as much broth as I was expecting, and rather than a spicy/salty flavor profile I usually associate with malatang, the soup leaned slightly sweet and sour. Of course, it was also spicy and salty. Maybe it's a regional thing? It included beef brisket, spongy tofu cubes, bean curd sticks? skin?, napa cabbage, bok choy, radish, black woodear mushrooms, enoki, seaweed knots, and corn noodles. It was my first time trying corn noodles, and their texture was great!
There's a sauce bar where you can make your own dip, and a sign above also details a suggestion in case you need some guidance.
You order through a website by scanning the QR code on the wall, so if you can't speak Chinese (like me haha) the process is still easy. While the servers spoke exclusively in Chinese, they were friendly and were explaining many things, although I couldn't understand them :') You can also add notes to your order if you have specific requests; I asked them to pack the duck neck I ordered for takeout, which they did with no issue. You pay at the front when you're done.
It was empty when I got there at 6:30, but it soon filled up with Chinese customers (so you know it's gonna be good). Overall, it wasn't what I was expecting but was nice to try, and maybe I'll come back to try their main menu item. read more