‘Spicy, numbing, hot’ delicacy becomes go-to dish for birthdays and dates around the globe; aficionados describe it as a ‘personal hotpot’
The trend has sparked widespread online sharing and lively discussions on mainland social media.
Malatang, which literally means “numbing, spicy and hot”, is a popular Chinese street food originating from Sichuan province in southwestern China.
It consists of various self-selected meats, vegetables and noodles boiled in a broth.
Often described as a “personal hotpot”, diners choose their ingredients by weight or skewer, making it a quick, affordable and comforting meal.
Since 2025, malatang has been going viral worldwide, taking over streets across the globe.
In Japan, visiting malatang shops has become a trendy activity among young women.
