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If you’re craving the mind-numbing heat of hotpot institution Dainty Sichuan ’s spicy broths but want something quicker (and smaller) than the full hotpot experience, Little Sichuan is a safe bet.

Malatang, also known as express hotpot or hotpot for one , lets you build your own bowl by choosing your ingredients yourself and paying for them by weight. At Little Sichuan that means selecting from a wall of refrigerated meats, produce and toppings such as thinly sliced beef, cheese-stuffed meatballs, half-shelled mussels, multiple types of tofu or a variety of noodles.

They all get cooked in a broth of your choice: mild chicken soup, pickled vegetables with a hint of spice, rich and creamy laksa, or a burning hot Sichuan base loaded with chilli oil. And there’s an option to get it dry – no broth, but stir-fried in flavoured oil.

If it’s more than hotpot you’re after, there’s a selection of entrees such as pan-fried pork buns, steamed pork belly, egg pancakes, and fried rice served in a pineapple.

At Box Hill Central, only a half-wall separates you from the rest of the shopping centre, but once that kick of spice hits your tongue the hustle and bustle outside fades into the background – it’s just you and your steaming bowl of spicy Sichuan soup.