Ma La Xiang Guo Ju (People's Park Complex)

Still a nice spot to get my dry mala bowl fix because Ri Ri Hong (a) is always crowded; and (b) has dropped in quality. The numbing experience was still exactly how it used to be, but somehow felt they have used less chilli for the medium level this time round. And remains affordable at $1-3 /ingredient/serving.

One more try at the MLXG here at Ma La Xiang Guo Ju, a few stalls down from the second Ri Ri Hong stall facing the MRT. Flavours were stronger (yay) compared to the first time I had it but still lacking that herb fragrance. Also think it differs a bit depending on who’s the one cooking! Portion was still generous.

Peoples Park Food Centre, #01-148. I saw some review on the internet and decided to give this a try despite the big crowd over at Ri Ri. I seldom go there to eat because of the humidity. There was not a single soul patronising the stall. The items were by price. Not worth it at all as we got barely few ingredients and the total was $9(I assume the 3 mushrooms we got was $1/pc). The lady tending the stall demanded me to pay straightaway which was a big turnoff because we were just sitting beside her stall. Even worst was when the food came, there was only 3 pieces of broccoli, too many stalks of kangkong, a lacklustre amount of food for the both us. Definitely a no go. Never complaining when there's a huge bowl of mala in front of me for slightly more than $9 again and feeds 2 people well.

Just a few stalls down from the 2nd Ri Ri Hong stall (facing the MRT), there's this stall selling good ma la xiang guo at the same prices too ($1 for veg, $2 for meats, $3 for seafood)! I got the medium spice and it was quite mild, but I liked the lingering heat and numbness. It wasn't as oily but still fragrant and fried thorough, although I was hoping for more peppercorns and that herb kind of flavour. Another plus, portion's big and there's no queue!

Thanks for the tip my ma la buddy @riinns! We both agree Ri Ri Hong's standard is kinda slipping and inconsistent now, you can give this a try if you're in the area!

📍麻辣香锅居 Ma La Xiang Guo Ju
People's Park Food Centre #01-104

With the quality of Ri Ri Hong dropping down, this stall is possibly the best alternative if you're in the area. Priced by portion, this shop has a pretty good array of ingredients. I had also heard that the spiciness in this shop is rather mild, but I thought its "medium" spicy was hotter than Ri Ri Hong's. Although Ri Ri Hong might have a better rendition of spices (well, that was in the past though), this shop did impress me considering the mountain of ingredients we ordered. Obviously, we overkilled ourselves with that load, but were super satisfied!

This is the corner shop facing McDonald’s nearer to the people’s park entrance. This place is a rip off. Min. Spend $10. If you want to fry with mala paste, another $2. Best part, I ordered take away (extra 50cents, never mind) but the min I started eating at home, there was an abundance of bean curd skin and crystal noodles, but only 3 meatballs, barely half luncheon meat, 3 slices of bamboo shoot etc. Such a dishonest stall. AVOID!! 日日红 is still the best