Foreigners flock to Chinese malatang eateries, host birthdays, believe rich soup is healthy
‘Spicy, numbing, hot’ delicacy becomes go-to dish for birthdays and dates around the globe; aficionados describe it as a ‘personal hotpot’
A growing global craze has seen foreigners flock to malatang restaurants to celebrate birthdays and go on dates.
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.
