The Weighing Scale Strategy
Be smart about your picks. Ingredients are often priced by weight, so shake off the excess water from your leafy greens before putting them in the bowl. Instant noodles are mandatory because they soak up all that spicy oil. If you skip the maggi mee, you are missing out on the best part of the meal.
Spice Level Tolerance
Don't be a hero. The 'medium' at one stall might be a 'volcano' at another. A good mala xiang guo should have a balance of 'ma' (numbing) and 'la' (spicy). If it is just pure chilli heat without that tingly peppercorn sensation, the stall is missing the point. Look for plenty of dried chillies and whole peppercorns in the mix.
Quick answers
- Can I get this without any spice?
- Most stalls offer a 'garlic' or 'non-spicy' version, but the fragrance mainly comes from the spices, so it will taste quite different.
- What ingredients work best?
- Lotus root, potato slices, and frozen bean curd skin are favorites because they provide a great crunch and absorb the sauce well.