Menu of Smile Hotpot - 麻辣烫 in Ascot Vale, Victoria, Australia

Menu Overview

Nestled in the heart of Ascot Vale, Smile Hotpot - 麻辣烫 offers an authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine that strikes a fine balance between tradition and accessibility. As a Chinese restaurant specializing in the iconic Malatang, it brings a clean, unpretentious ambiance paired with dishes that are both hearty and soulful.

The crown jewel here is undoubtedly the Sichuan Soup Malatang. Crafted in-house, the broth is rich with layers of flavor — aromatic spices, subtle numbing Sichuan peppercorns, and a warm, comforting spice level that can be customized effortlessly. The soup’s depth is a testament to the care given in simmering this complex base, which provides a perfect canvas to elevate the fresh, quality ingredients selected by diners.

Smile Hotpot’s Create Your Own Bowl option invites a personalized experience, allowing patrons to handpick from an array of fresh seafood, crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and tender meats. This modular approach not only satisfies dietary preferences but also showcases the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and variety. The option for up to 16 ingredients in the super bowl is generous, accommodating both solo diners and group meals alike.

For those who prefer their ingredients dry and more intensely flavored, the Dry Pot is a standout. Stirred with a robust Sichuan spicy dressing, it offers an enticing kick that is carefully controlled across portion sizes. Whether you choose small or jumbo, the dish highlights the balanced interplay of spice and texture, a hallmark of skillful Sichuan cooking.

Beyond the main bowls, the addition of delicate dumplings with slightly chewy and bouncy pastry adds a delightful texture contrast and speaks to the restaurant’s attention to authentic Chinese culinary details.

The beverage selection, featuring unique options like Genki Sparkling Water in Lychee, Peach, and Grape flavors, alongside classics like Solo and Wang Lao Ji Herbal Tea, perfectly complements the flavorful dishes without overwhelming the palate.

From a casual solo meal to nostalgic gatherings with close friends, Smile Hotpot crafts an experience that goes beyond sustenance. The friendly staff and family-run atmosphere foster a sense of belonging in every bowl served. Reviews consistently praise the authentic broth, fresh ingredients, and approachable spice levels, making it an inviting stop for both Sichuan newcomers and seasoned spicy food lovers.

In essence, Smile Hotpot - 麻辣烫 delivers a compelling, wholesome Malatang experience that honors its Sichuan roots while embracing the diversity of its local Australian setting. It’s a place where every spoonful tells a story of flavor, warmth, and shared moments — an edible narrative well worth exploring.