Smile Hotpot - 麻辣烫 | Authentic Sichuan Flavors in Ascot Vale

Overview

Nestled in the heart of Ascot Vale, Smile Hotpot - 麻辣烫 brings an authentic slice of Sichuan cuisine to Victoria’s vibrant food scene. This unassuming, family-run eatery specializes in the richly flavored malatang — a spicy and aromatic hotpot broth where diners handpick their own ingredients, creating a personalized culinary experience that’s as fresh as it is satisfying.

The highlight here is undoubtedly the Sichuan soup malatang, crafted on-site to impart deep, layered notes of chili, numbing Sichuan peppercorn, and a subtle balance of herbs that awaken the palate without overwhelming it. Whether you prefer the mild or dare the spicy options, the broth sets the foundation for a vibrant meal. Guests have praised its flavorful depth paired with fresh, wholesome ingredients—ranging from tender beef slices and assorted mushrooms to crisp vegetables and silky bean curd sheets.

Smile Hotpot’s customizable bowls are ideal for both solo diners and groups. With flexible portion sizes and ingredient limits, customers can create everything from a simple, comforting bowl to a hearty feast packed with up to sixteen ingredients. This approach caters wonderfully to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, inviting both malatang novices and dedicated spice lovers alike to craft their perfect meal.

The space itself is a clean, cozy spot that encourages relaxed dining and intimate conversations, making it a great choice for quick lunches, casual dinners, or catch-ups with friends. Friendly staff add a warm, personal touch, reflecting the family ethos behind the brand.

For those who want to complement their meal, the Chinese dumplings offer a delightful textural contrast—the thin yet chewy wrappers encase fillings that burst with flavor and showcase the kitchen’s skill beyond just hotpot.

Strategically located on Union Rd, Smile Hotpot benefits from convenient street parking and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for locals seeking genuine Sichuan flavors without venturing into the city center’s hustle.

Overall, Smile Hotpot - 麻辣烫 stands out for its authentic, artisanal approach to malatang, fresh ingredients, and approachable spice levels. Its straightforward menu and warm environment invite you to explore the essence of Sichuan hotpot—one bowl at a time.

Menu Highlights

See Full Menu

Amenities & Services

Popular for

Popular for lunch

Popular for dinner

Good for solo dining

Offerings

Quick bite

Serves vegan dishes

Serves vegetarian dishes

Atmosphere

Casual

What Customers Say

Foodie Wanderer

Dec 3,2025

4/5

Affordable and yummy. Friendly staff. We came here in the early evening so it was just us in the store. This is great to grab a quick bite or share. Choose your ingredients from a selection of seafood, veggies, noodles, and meat and have this served in your choice of soup or stir fry. We got the mild Sichuan and it was flavourful with the ingredients we selected without needing any extra sauce. The restaurant also serve dumplings with a nice texture pastry; slightly chewy and bouncy.

Blake Thomas

Dec 3,2025

5/5

This place is great, they make the soup base on site and it has a lot of flavour. Choice or ingredients is what you would expect and the quality is good. We got the spicy Sichuan base, we were warned it was very spicy, in reality it wasn't very spicy, maybe "medium" spicy at best, that didn't matter since it tastes very good, don't be afraid to try it!

Ruthy Yang

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Aww hotpot shop in the West?! Yes please such a nice little shop, very clean and the food are so wholesome and fresh. We ordered spicy and tomato based soup - the broth is store made and very tasty we thought we may have ordered too much but we finished all! Will definitely return to support the local store. The spicy broth is on a mild end. If you love spicy food like me, you can go wild and ask for the max level of spicy! And top up some free chilly oil!

Dec 3,2025

5/5

I once shared a booth and a soup with an old friend here. It had been several months since we caught up but I remembered her favourite hot pot ingredients well. I felt so nostalgic sitting in a place I had never been before. That night, we cried while two other best friends pretended to refill their glasses by the booth to overhear us. I didn't care. The only things that mattered were us, love, friendship and soup.

Edmond Kwan

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Unassuming and simple family-run business serving delicious malatang. Less selection than city-based establishments but what it has available it does well. Soup broth is spot on, though I would recommend sticking to mild or moderate spicy, at least on your first time. The location is convenient and there's always street parking nearby. Been multiple times so highly recommend!

Pabi T

Dec 3,2025

5/5

I’m a regular at Smile Hotpot and it’s always such a great experience! The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and comforting. The broth is rich and delicious, and the variety of vegetables, noodles, and toppings always makes the meal so satisfying. The portions are generous, and everything is cooked perfectly. The atmosphere is cozy, and the staff are always friendly and welcoming, which makes every visit enjoyable. Definitely one of my favorite spots to come back to again and again!

malia j

Dec 3,2025

5/5

I’m usually a regular here and it’s an enjoyable experience every time! The hotpot choices and sizing are great value for money. Perfect way to enjoy a delicious meal if you prefer dining in spaces with a quieter atmosphere. The service is always wonderful. I’d recommend the chicken sesame broth paired with chilli oil!