Indulging in the fiery allure of mala hotpots is an experience cherished by many, as the intense blend of spices and numbing sensation leaves one’s taste buds and senses thoroughly awakened. Originating from China, these spicy soup bases, infused with dried chilies, have gained widespread popularity, captivating the palates of food enthusiasts across the globe. There’s something uniquely addictive about the sensation of sweat trickling down one’s forehead while relishing the lip-numbing flavours of mala. In response to the fervent adoration for mala hotpots, we’ve meticulously curated a list of the top eight mala hotpot destinations in the vibrant locales of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Each of these culinary havens promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, offering a diverse array of mala concoctions to tantalise your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
Also read | Classic Chinese Restaurants To Try When In Kuala Lumpur
From traditional recipes to innovative interpretations, these establishments showcase the rich tapestry of Sichuan cuisine, ensuring that every diner embarks on a spicy culinary journey like no other.
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Explore these spots for the best mala hotpot in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
Xiao Long Kan Hotpot
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Commencing our list is the renowned Xiao Long Kan Hotpot, prominently located in Fahrenheit88. This esteemed establishment is a rendition of the original Chongqing hotpot and proudly originates from the very cradle of traditional Chinese hotpots. From the moment you cross its threshold, you’re plunged into an immersive world of ancient China. This is evident from the unique decor that echoes a time long past, to the lavishly engraved hotpot stoves that serve as an ode to the ancient culinary tradition.
In addition to that, the presentation of the hotpot ingredients is truly a sight to behold. Each ingredient is showcased with immense care and precision, making the dining experience feel fit for royalty. It’s a feast not just for your taste buds but also for your eyes.
But the allure of Xiao Long Kan Hotpot doesn’t end there. The restaurant has made its gastronomic mark across the city, with several branches conveniently situated in well-known shopping centres. These include locations such as Mid Valley Megamall and Sunway Velocity. So wherever you may find yourself in the city, an unforgettable mala hotpot experience is never far away thanks to Xiao Long Kan Hotpot.
Xiao Long Kan Hotpot @ Fahrenheit88
Operating hours: 12 PM – 2 AM
Address: Lot 03, Block D, 179 Fahrenheit, 88, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact number: +6010 220 9618
Xiao Long Kan Hotpot @ Mid Valley Megamall
Operating hours: 12 PM – 11.30 PM (except Saturdays), 12 PM – 11 PM (Saturdays)
Address: Lot G(E)-018, Mid-Valley Megamall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact number: +603 2201 6098
Xiao Long Kan Hotpot @ Sunway Velocity
Operating hours: 12 PM – 12 AM
Address: V05-01-02, Signature 1(V05) Lingkaran SV, Sunway Velocity, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact number: +6010 213 3382
Chuan Chuan Xiang 两三事
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Next on our list is Chuan Chuan Xiang, a popular hotpot spot situated in Sunway Velocity. This establishment is the ideal destination for those who find themselves hankering for a mouth-watering hotpot in the late-night hours. Chuan Chuan Xiang has carved a unique niche for itself with its specialty in skewered offerings. Patrons are spoilt for choice with an extensive menu that features a diverse range from succulent meats and fresh vegetables to exotic offal and delectable seafood, all presented on skewers for a unique dining experience.
What further sets Chuan Chuan Xiang apart is their impressive selection of condiments. They understand that the joy of hotpot lies not just in the broth and ingredients, but also in the accompanying dips and sauces that enhance the flavours. With this in mind, they offer a broad range of condiments to cater to the diverse tastes of hotpot lovers. From the sharp taste of garlic that cuts through the richness of the broth, to the spicy kick of sambal that adds an unexpected twist to the meal, there is a condiment for every palate.
Operating hours: 11 PM – 8 PM
- Address VR3-01-01, Boulevard, Sunway Velocity, Lingkaran Sunway Velocity, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
- Phone +6018 771 6999
Shuguo Yinxiang Steamboat
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Shuguo Yinxiang Steamboat, affectionately known as Shuguo by its frequent visitors, is a popular hotpot haunt that starts attracting a bustling crowd from as early as 7 PM, especially during the weekends. Given that it’s a hotpot establishment, diners generally take their time, savouring their meal for an hour or more. Hence, it’s advisable to get there early to secure a table.
The interior of Shuguo is a charming testament to a nostalgic era in China, featuring the traditional long benches, square tables, and lanterns that were prevalent in olden times. This authentic setting not only provides a unique dining experience but also enhances the cultural richness of the cuisine.
But what truly sets Shuguo apart is the exceptional mala broth that it serves. This standout broth is crafted with a base of Sichuan peppercorn, chilli pepper, and a variety of other spices. The result is a marvelously spicy broth, abundant with chilli oil that’s impossible to resist. Each spoonful of this broth leaves a tingling sensation on the tongue and a desire for more.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 11.30 PM
- Address 1, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
- Phone +603 2770 0078
Hotpot Kitchen
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Hotpot Kitchen is known for its innovative twist on the beloved mala hotpot. Unlike the conventional approach which features a simmering, spicy Szechuan broth, Hotpot Kitchen distinguishes itself by serving a dry version of the hotpot. While this take on the mala dish retains the characteristic fiery spice, it does away with the broth, offering a unique culinary experience for adventurous diners.
At Hotpot Kitchen, the power of choice lies in the hands of the guests. They are provided with the autonomy to customise their meal by selecting their preferred ingredients. This allows diners to construct a meal tailored to their individual palate, making each dining experience truly unique.
Moreover, diners are given the opportunity to dictate the level of spiciness in their meals. They can opt for a range of spice levels, from Spicy Fragrant, which gives a mild kick, to Spicy Dynamic, which offers a moderate heat, and all the way to Spicy Xtreme for those brave enough to conquer the highest level of spice.
The signature dry mala dish is often enjoyed with a serving of white rice. This simple yet delicious pairing complements the fiery spices perfectly, creating an exquisite, fragrant Dry Ma La experience that is sure to delight spicy food lovers.
Hotpot Kitchen has successfully established itself as a go-to destination for mala enthusiasts, boasting an array of branches across the Klang Valley. Its popularity is a testament to its unique take on the traditional mala hotpot, and it continues to draw in crowds of spice lovers eager to embark on a gastronomic adventure.
Hotpot Kitchen @ Mid Valley Megamall
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Address: MALL, Level 2 S-045A, Mid Valley City, 58000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact number: +6012 217 8092
Hotpot Kitchen @ 1 Utama
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Address: G355 Ground Floor, 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact number: +6016 323 3206
Hotpot Kitchen @ Sunway Velocity
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Address: Lot 2-28 Level 2 Sunway Velocity, Cheras, 55100
Contact number: +6012 217 8073
Visit their website to check out more Hotpot Kitchen locations here.
Hong Kong Hotpot
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Upon entering Hong Kong Hotpot, you’ll find yourself immediately swept away to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. The authentic atmosphere is carefully cultivated through the restaurant’s interior design and the familiar strains of Cantopop music drifting through the air. These elements come together to create a dining environment that resonates with the charm of Hong Kong life.
At the heart of the Hong Kong Hotpot experience is their signature Sichuan Spicy broth. This broth is a veritable symphony of flavours, carefully crafted to deliver a rich and nuanced taste profile. A key component of this broth is the abundant presence of dried chillies, which not only add a fiery kick but also contribute to the visual appeal of the dish.
While the spice level is not overpoweringly intense, it offers just enough heat to tantalise the taste buds and leave a lingering warmth. The broth’s base, made from pork bone, provides a satisfying depth and richness that beautifully balances out the spiciness. This harmonious blend of flavours ensures that the spice doesn’t become overwhelming, making the dish enjoyable for those who prefer a milder heat level.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Address No 39, Telawi Square, Jalan Telawi 3, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
- Phone +603 2280 0242
Ma Jinlong Spicy Hotpot
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Ma Jinlong Spicy Hotpot is an emerging Chinese-Muslim mala restaurant situated in Petaling Street. This eatery specialises in serving authentic Northwestern Chinese cuisine. There, you can enjoy mala in either soup or stir-fried style, with the option to adjust the spice level to your preference.
One of the restaurant’s unique features is its customisability. Upon entering, you will find an area where you can choose your preferred ingredients, including various cuts of meat and vegetables, to personalise your bowl.
The prices at Ma Jinlong Spicy Hotpot are quite reasonable, making it an excellent destination for those wanting to experience mala in Chinatown. If you’re unsure of what to try, we highly recommend their stir-fried mala; it’s incredibly delicious and will keep you coming back for more.
Operating hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Address 60, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
- Phone +6019 996 6627
Da Long Yi Hotpot
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Da Long Yi Hotpot is a globally recognised player in the realm of Chinese hotpot cuisine, with an impressive portfolio of over 300 locations spread across the world.
This acclaimed brand first introduced its rich and unique flavours to Malaysia by opening a large, flagship restaurant in the vibrant neighbourhood of Kota Damansara. Over a period of two years, Da Long Yi Hotpot has shown remarkable growth and expanded its presence within Klang Valley, now operating four different branches.
This is not just a standard hotpot meal but a well-curated gastronomic experience. It comes with a balanced variety of ingredients, including their handmade prawn paste that is known for its freshness and unique taste, succulent meatballs that are a perfect blend of flavours, an assortment of mushrooms that adds a layer of earthy taste to the hotpot, and high-quality cuts of meat.
Da Long Yi Hotpot @ Bukit Bintang
Operating hours: 12 PM – 3 AM
Address: 74, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact number: +6011 3889 9669
Da Long Yi Hotpot @ Kota Damansara
Operating hours: 12 PM – 3 AM
Address: C-GF-01 Sunway Nexis, 1, Jalan PJU 5/1, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact number: +6011 3863 3336
Da Long Yi Hotpot @ Sri Petaling
Operating hours: 12 PM – 3 AM
Address: 35,36, 37, Jalan Radin Tengah, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact number: +6011 3940 9939
Da Long Yi Hotpot @ Klang
Operating hours: 12 PM – 3 AM
Address: No 1, 3, 5 Jalan Astaka 1G/KU2, Bandar Bukit Raja, 41050 Klang, Selangor
Contact number: +6011 3802 0202
Feng Wang Fu
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Feng Wang Fu is a highly esteemed destination for mala hotpot, possessing a rich history that can be traced back to Chengdu, China. The restaurant is particularly noted for its unique broth, which stands out due to its exceptional flavour. A notable aspect of dining at Feng Wang Fu is the practice of using bread to absorb any leftover oil from the hotpot, enhancing the overall dining experience by ensuring none of the flavoursome broth goes to waste.
The origins of the hotpot dish itself are notably significant, dating back to the era of Emperor Guangxu. The creation of the hotpot is credited to Feng, a royal chef who served during Guangxu’s reign. Upon returning to his hometown of Chengdu, Feng discovered the burgeoning hotpot culture that was growing in popularity among the local people.
Intrigued by this culinary trend, Feng sampled the hotpot and was taken by its delectable flavours. Inspired by the taste and the potential he saw in the dish, Feng decided to apply the considerable culinary skills he had acquired during his tenure in the royal palace. His aim was to refine and elevate the basic hotpot he found in the local market, creating a dish that was altogether more sophisticated and flavourful.
The legacy of Feng’s innovative work was carried forward by his student and subsequent descendants, who made the decision to open a restaurant dedicated to serving the hotpot Feng had perfected. As a tribute to the founder and the significant contributions he made to the development of hotpot cuisine, the restaurant was named Feng Wang Fu.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 4 AM
- Address Jalan Bukit Bintang, C1213-G, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
- Phone +6011 3984 1230
(Feature image credit: @hkhotpot.official/Instagram)
This story first appeared here.
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
When it comes to finding the best mala hotpot in Kuala Lumpur, several establishments stand out for their exceptional offerings. Xiao Long Kan Hotpot, with its origins rooted in the traditional Chongqing hotpot, offers a truly immersive dining experience. Hotpot Kitchen, on the other hand, distinguishes itself with an innovative twist on the classic dish. Offering a dry version of mala hotpot, guests have the freedom to customise their meal with a variety of ingredients and spice levels. Meanwhile, Da Long Yi Hotpot, originating from China and rapidly expanding its presence in Malaysia, offers a curated gastronomic journey featuring high-quality ingredients and a diverse menu.
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Melissa Foong
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur, Melissa loves writing all things fashion, beauty ..Read More
