What is mala tang? For the uninitiated, it’s “spicy, numbing soup”. Think a one-person express version of a Sichuan hotpot where you pick your own ingredients like sliced meat, veg, noodles, then choose your broth and pay by weight. Somewhat like a fiery yong tau foo.

Harbin-born restaurant chain Yang Guo Fu is famous for this dish — the brand has over 6,000 outlets across the globe and boasts queues of up to two hours at some of their branches in China. According to its press release, it's one of the world's largest mala tang chains. The two 60-seater outlets at Singpost Centre and Victoria Street in Singapore, opening later this month, are their first outposts in Southeast Asia.

Both restaurants are self-service. The 60 types of ingredients like sliced pork, meatballs, assorted mushrooms and broccoli cost $2.88 per 100g, regardless of whether you choose meat or vegetables. The ordering process is simple: choose your ingredients, get it weighed at the counter, pick one of three types of soups/sauces, and pay. Also, tell the staff your preferred level of heat: spicy, medium spicy or super spicy.

Here's a look at the food.

A rich soup simmered with beef bones, peppercorns, chillies and other spices.

This is a fiery sauce and not a soup. It’s made with assorted spices which include dried chillies and peppercorns, plus minced garlic, sesame and peanuts.

If you’re a vegetarian, this one’s for you. The tangy broth is made from tomatoes and other veggies, suitable for everyone.

Yang Guo Fu opens late November. Two outlets including 233 Victoria St, S188026. Open daily 10am - 10pm. https://www.facebook.com/yangguofu.sg/.