Old Chengdu Ma La Tang (People's Park Complex)

Ckn 2.5, beancurd skin 1.2 both had this tender bite. Quite unique and pretty good

Beef 3nett was a tad tough, still ok

Kangkong 1.2nett was soft and well cooked

Kelp 1.2nett was alright

The soup Base is very authentic and Small spicy is just spicy enough, a very good version. The only down Side is that it's takeaway only, and currently the hawker centre is under reno so nowhere to eat. Portions are generous and thus the price, this was 13.1nett with rice and i didnt manage to finish, only finished about 80%

Also the cashier was very handsome, an oppa kind of handsome

I knew I had to try the mala soup from 老成都麻辣烫, a takeaway food stall (#01-K99G) outside People’s Park Complex, when I saw it in a recent vlog by #聪生家 because it simply calls out to my soul😂

I ordered a variety of ingredients for 2-3 pax and it costs $16, which is quite reasonable given the generous portion. I opted for the lowest level of spiciness (小辣) and the soup hits all the right notes for me - it is robust, spicy and numbing without throwing me off. The aftertaste can be a little salty, but the flavours made up for it. The ingredients are fresh and I thought the prawn balls and tofu (not sure why but it’s quite Q!) are better than the usual ones I have.

This is my first time venturing beyond my usual 麻辣香锅 to try a soup version of it and I really enjoyed it. Definitely can see myself ordering this again on a rainy day!

Have been coming back several times to takeaway this newest obsession of ours 😂 Still haven’t tried their meats, but definitely get their crunchy lotus slices, beancurd and cold skin noodles. It can get a bit oily depending on who’s doing the mix that day, but just let them know if you want less.

Came to get liang pi, but decided to try something new! This one’s liang ban, basically a cold dish of tossed ingredients you pick out. Prices are by portion and standard like their mala tang - $1 for vegetables, $2 for meats, etc. & of course I went for the spicy version! Was a refreshing mildly spicy bowl, wouldn’t say it’s the best cold toss compared to others but we still really enjoyed it. I liked that you’re able to pick a mix, instead of how the ingredients are usually sold individually. Ingredients were all fresh.

Want soupy mala xiang guo? This is the place to go! If you’re a mala wimp like me, go for the xiao la level. So flavourful with just the right amount of heat. Ingredients were fresh and generous too!

We have a winner for ma la soup! From the Old Chengdu restaurant across the street, this offshoot in People’s Park Complex doles out delicious takeaway-only Ma La Tang at $12 for a portion hearty enough to feed a group of four. Go with the lowest ‘xiao la’ spice level to hit the sweet spot, which sports a hint of herbal fragrance without being too overpowering. Pro tip: Head next door to the hawker centre for seats.
Photo by Burppler Eunice Sng