The solution they came up with is the mala xiang guo, which translates loosely from Mandarin as “numbing spicy fragrant pot”. Instead of a continuously simmering stock, all the ingredients ...

The spicy, numbing seasoning is used in stir-fried mala xiang guo and broth-based mala. A Hot Hideout offers both dishes, drawing queues and going viral online for its Singaporean takes on them.