What is "mala hot pot," and what are its defining characteristics?

Mala hot pot is a popular Chinese dish from Sichuan cuisine known for its spicy and numbing flavor profile. The term “mala” translates to “numb-spicy” and refers to the combination of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers that give the hot pot its characteristic heat and numbing sensation. In a mala hot pot, diners cook various ingredients such as thinly sliced meats, vegetables, tofu, and seafood in a pot of boiling, spicy broth. The broth is often flavored with ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, garlic, and ginger. Mala hot pot is enjoyed communally, with everyone cooking their own ingredients and dipping them into a flavorful sauce.