What is it: Perennially popular hot pot destination
When does the kitchen close: Sat–Sun 2.30am; Mon–Fri 1.30am
Arguably the overlord of ma la tang in Melbourne, Dragon Hot Pot has franchised aggressively over the past few years, with 11 stores now open between Springvale and the city. Chief among them is this snug Russell Street outpost that's open till late every day – exactly how late depends on whether it’s a weeknight or weekend. Choose any combination of meat, seafood, noodles, tofu and vegetables to be cooked in broths ranging from the signature ma la tang to the 12-hour-steeped bone marrow broth to the vegan ma la tang. There’s a minimum spend of $12.80 – a steal after midnight.