Before talking about food, I have a question for my foreign friends. Does the
sense of "麻” from Sichuan pepper(please check the picture below) or other
seasonings exist in your country? I really don't know how to describe "麻” in
English, but I want to try explaining this sense to you. If we sit too long, our legs will go numb as we stand up. We also call this feeling "麻” in
Chinese. When patients are going to have a surgery, they will be anaesthetized
first. We call this feeling "麻”, too! You might have felt the feeling in your mind. So, imagine that you eat a seasoning which can give your tongue a
strong feeling like the feeling mentioned above, it's called"麻” in Chinese
culture。 After explaining this feeling, I really hope that the food I introduce
next will make your mouth water. It's called "麻辣烫”(please enjoy the
pictures below, too!)I have explained “麻”. “辣”means spicy。 “烫” is a verb which
means that you put some ingredients into a certain container ( please check the
picture below) and put it into a tasty broth for a while to make sure the
ingredients are cooked thoroughly. Then put the ingredients into a pot and add
the seasoning, which will create the senses of "麻”and "辣”. Stir the ingredients to
let the flavor equilibriate (flavors come together), then enjoy it! I usually eat it every two to three
days. I will eat it for lunch soon, but I am so sad that you, my best friends,
won't enjoy it with me.