Yet another hotpot chain from China has opened as a franchise here. And Da Long Yi, which opened about four months ago at Orchard Central, trumps most of its compatriots in food quality.

Its mala broth, which comes with oil ($18) or butter ($22), has a spicy punch, while non-spicy soups such as mushroom and tomato taste natural and delicious from start to finish. The last two come with mala soup for $18. There is also something called Chinese sauerkraut ($16), made with Sichuan pickled vegetable.