16 Tongue-Numbing Sichuan Restaurants to Try in Los Angeles | Eater LA

"Maocai is a Sichuan specialty that hails from Chengdu in Sichuan province. It is a stew-like dish made of meat and/or fish and a variety of vegetables, and is topped with a soup stock made with mala sauce and chile oil. Hibiscus Tree allows diners to order from a number of set combinations or build their own version of the dish. Some of the ingredients that can be used in maocai include beef, tofu, beef balls, pork belly, sausage, and fish. For those who enjoy unusual items in their maocai, there’s also duck blood, tripe, pork brain, and even bullfrog. Diners can adjust their spice levels according to their preference — those who favor less spicy flavors might opt for the tomato soup base. When the food is served, the server opens a can of bright red Sichuan chile oil and pours it atop the stew." - Kristie Hang