Huangcheng Laoma

What is the secret weapon that keeps luring diners into Huangcheng Laoma? Well, the grey building may look like a castle from a distance, but the interior is furnished comfortably enough with traditional tables and chairs. And as soon as you enter Laoma (Old Mum’s Place) your lungs are seduced by the aromatic flavour of Sichuan peppercorn and chillies. The intense spiciness at this Sichuan hotpot restaurant is exhilarating. But please be warned: do not, repeat, do not touch or rub your eyes with your fingers or you’ll ruin the whole experience with burning eyes. The food works as in all hotpot restaurants: you order a variety of plates of thin sliced beef or chicken, and all the usual veg is available, including spinach, cabbage, potatoes, tofu, mushrooms, and beanstarched noodles.