Malatang means "numbing spicy hot". It's a spicy broth bowl, where you choose your own ingredients. The price is by weight. $9.05 per 500g
At the back, there is a refrigerated table of various ingredients. You choose your toppings and you put them into a plastic bowl. Bring it up near the cash register so that they can weigh it. They ask you if you would like to add lamb (say yes), and how spicy you want it (I recommend medium unless you have terrific spice tolerance).
The broth is very good to excellent.
My favourite ingredients are: Fish balls, spongy tofu, pigs blood, clear noodles. Add lamb.
Depending on what you like, the price can escalate quickly.
Dumplings are good and reasonably priced. Pork / Chive was solid.
It's a super casual vibe.
Make sure to catch a glimpse of the hologram of Chairman Mao behind the cash register.
BONUS: perfect for a freezing cold winter day.