Musou Malaxiangguo
398 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Uncategorized
$$
Food
- Ma La Xiang Guo
The Good
With a plethora of choices on offer, the extensive menu allows for virtually limitless customisation that’s bound to suit just about anybody. We of course sampled the signature dish of Musou, the Ma La Xiang Guo. This dry hot pot brings you the traditiona Sichuan Ma La flavour in a dry, stir-fried dish without any of the soup, which makes for a more intense and complex flavoiur profile.
One of us opted for the Mild Spicy with Mild Numbness, which turned out to be just spicy enough for us without being overwhelming, leaving a lovely tingle in your mouth that’s the signature numbing sensation that’s synonymous with Sichuan spices.
We then picked our own fresh ingredients that would go into the stir-fry. The choices of proteins were endless, ranging from common cuts like Pork Belly, Beef, or Lamb slices, to the more traditional and adventurous options like Pork Intestine, Kidney and Tripe. We opted for the safer options and chose some Beef Slices and Pork Belly.
We also picked from the veggies section as well, opting for some Chinese Cabbage to help balance out the spice, as well as plenty of meaty King Mushrooms to provide texture and a hit of umami. Noodles were also on offer so we definitely did not hesitate to add that to our hot pot.
Shortly after placing our order, the two giant bowls arrived at our table. Topped with plenty of dry chillies and sporting a vibrant red colour, our hand-picked hot pot was an amazing sight to behold. We found the flavours worked incredibly well together, with the Ma La base adding a sensational depth to the fresh and perfectly cooked ingredients. The result was exceptionally appetising and the bold flavours that just kept us wanting one more bite. Pair this with a bowl of white rice and we found the perfect balance.
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
While it is our first time trying a Dry Hot Pot, and we are glad to say it certainly won’t be our last.
The sheer intensity of the flavours, coupled with the infinitely customisable options, make Musou’s Ma La Guo simply perfect for sharing. It’s great value too thanks to the more than generous portion sizes, so bring your mates and definitely give this new-age Hot Pot a go!
Would Penguin Eat Again?
Most definitely! Can’t wait to be back!
Penguineats would like to thank Musou for inviting us.