For Mala fanatics, popular JB mala hotpot specialist, Chi-Gui Mala Hot Pot 赤鬼麻辣火锅 has opened a second store at Mid Valley Southkey.
Perfect news to Singaporeans – New mall to go shopping, new hotpot place to indulge in, how apt.
They first opened at Twin Galaxy Residences, a short driving distance from immigration checkpoint, and has gain popularity for its modern-oriental interior and unique mala hotpot offerings.
The second store at Mid Valley South Key also retained similar design flairs, with classy gold rimmed décor coupled with flamboyant art display to create a stylish dining space imbued with touches of elegance.
Other than the commonly seen Red Mala Spicy Soup (Half Pot RM18.90, SGD6.20) they also serve two other Mala variant such as Green Mala Spicy Soup and Mala with Milk Soup (Half Pot RM22.90, SGD7.50)
I was rather intrigued by the Green Mala Spicy Soup (Half Pot RM18.90, SGD6.20) and was served with a broth laden with dried red chillies, green peppercorn and green chilli oil.
While the look and scent of the broth was kind of intimidating, it tasted surprisingly acceptable.
The green savoury broth has milder tasting notes, less spicy and numbing sensation. I could even drink the broth on its own.
Another broth which left an impression was the Pepper Pork Intestine Herbal Soup (Half Pot RM22.90, SGD7.50), which was a creamy pork broth concoction loaded with Chinese herbs and spices.
The broth tasted peppery and spicy, with distinctive herbal aroma. While I personally liked this rich and spicy broth, it could be deterring for those who cannot handle spices well.
Non-spicy soup bases such as Pork Tonkotsu Soup, Herbal Chicken Soup and Creamy Pumpkin Soup are also available.
Chargeable at RM3 per pax, their condiment bar boasts a wide selection of more than 40 types of sauce and ingredient to mix and match around.
Their Chi-Gui Signature Sauce, made up of House Recipe Extra Spicy Chilli Sauce, Thai Chili Sauce, Peanut Powder, Onion Oil, Coriander and Spring Onion has an interesting blend of sour and spicy kick which could serve as a universal dipping sauce for any food ingredient.
While hotpot ingredients are generally similar to what you can get elsewhere, some notable ones are such as their handmade Mala Shrimp Paste (RM30, SGD10), Tobiko Pork Meat Paste (RM15, SGD5), Fish Roe Meat Balls (RM12, SGD4) and Juicy Meat Balls (RM12, SGD4).
To space on stomach space for better offerings, I don’t usually order rice dishes during hotpot sessions.
However, their Spicy Fried Rice (RM15, SGD5) won me over with its charred wok hei fragrance, as well as flavours bursting from spices and garlic aroma in every mouthful.
For those who need a good spicy challenge, this is one JB mala hotpot you shouldn’t miss.
Also point to note, dining duration is limited to 2 hours.
Chi-Gui Mala Hot Pot 赤鬼麻辣火锅
No 1, Persiaran Southkey 1 G-058, Mid Valley, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 11am – 12am (Fri – Sun)
Google Maps – Chi Gui Mala Hotpot Mid Valley Southkey/
Twin Galaxy #01-03 #01-05 #01, 06, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Chi Gui Mala Hotpot Twin Galaxy/
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* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
Opening hours is 12pm to 12pm?