The mala tang scene in Singapore has truly taken off, with the recent arrival of Yang Guo Fu, a 6000-outlet chain from Harbin. But unbeknownst to many, there’s another new Chinese chain that also set up shop in Singapore in September: Zhang Liang Mala Tang, another Harbin brand. The eatery boasts over 5,000 outlets around the world. The 60-seater outlet at China Square Central serves the Sichuan speciality that’s basically “spicy numbing soup” paired with your choice of ingredients like meat, veg and carbs like noodles. But here’s the difference: their soups are all brewed with beef bones and are rather thick and creamy. There are plans to open two or three more branches next year, says its PR rep.

The restaurant is self-service and the ordering process is easy. Pick out your ingredients, get it weighed at the counter, then choose a soup base and spice level (non-spicy, mild, medium, super spicy). There are more than 40 different ingredients like pork slices, luncheon meat, assorted mushrooms, meatballs and xiao bai cai. Regardless of the ingredients, the standard price is $2.88 per 100g. There’s a minimum order of 300g.

And you can choose from three types of soup:

Spicy rich soup prepared with beef bones, the signature numbing Sichuan peppercorns and chillies.

The tangy tomato soup base is simmered with beef bones and tomatoes. Suitable for all ages.

This one’s also made with beef bones, but mushrooms are included for extra umami.

If you don’t take beef, only the tomato soup and mushroom soup can be replaced with a clear soup base.

Zhang Liang Mala Tang is at #01-36/37 China Square Central, 3 Pickering St, S048660. Open daily except Sun, 11am - 9:00pm. https://www.facebook.com/zhangliangmalatang/.

Photos: Zhang Liang Mala Tang