KEN HUNTS FOOD: Mao Master 川魂帽牌货冒菜 @ The One Mahsuri, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Mao Master 川魂帽牌货冒菜 @ The One Mahsuri, Bayan Baru, Penang.

Mao Master 川魂帽牌货冒菜 at The One Mahsuri is probably the only place that specializes in Mao Cai (冒菜), a popular delicacy originated from Cheng Du. The cooking method is simple- cook all ingredients in a hotpot-like broth and serve various spices and Ma-La ingredients. You get to taste this at Mao Master, there are set meals and ala-carte options as well. On top of that, expect to find an array of China Chinese delights (mostly Sze Chuan-related) like Dumplings, Skewers etc. The restaurant adopts self-service so you are expected to pick up your own eating utensils as well as picking your own orders etc.

Signature Mixed Combo (Rm 26.90)

Sze Chuan Fish Noodles (Rm 19.90)

Prawn and Pork Dumplings (Rm 19.90)

Rich Ice Jelly (Rm 11)

Genki Coca Cola (Rm 5.50)

The Signature Mixed Combo has everything you need, including a serving of noodles or rice. We opted for the former one. The spiciness was bold but bearable, the level of spiciness should be easily acceptable by most Malaysians (not sure if they have toned down a little to suit the local palates). The flavor combo was spot on with a powerful Ma-La aroma. It can be a tad salty towards the end and best to be shared by a few. We have also had their Sze Chuan Fish Noodles, a different rendition of the Spicy and Sour noodles. It was served with the chewy Potato Noodles... so chewy that we found it hard to chew. The flavor combo was good though. Our favorite of the day was their Prawn and Pork Dumplings; the skin was neither too thick nor thin and the filling was generous. The Prawns were fresh and almost perfect to go with a dash of the Black Vinegar. For dessert, we had the Ice Jelly... topped with Raisins, Haw flakes, Sunflower seeds etc. Not shabby but not as exciting as it looks.