The spicy Chinese soup malatang is winning a growing following in Japan. The trend is no longer confined to major cities: restaurants specializing in the dish are expanding into more regions, bringing with them a wave of spin-off products — among them a game themed on malatang.
Malatang — a spicy soup in which diners choose their own ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, tofu and noodles — is increasingly becoming a familiar part of Japan's food landscape, according to reports. Its spread is unfolding alongside efforts by specialist restaurant chains to reach diners in areas outside the big urban centers.
Beyond food, malatang is spilling over into entertainment and consumer products. The launch of a malatang-themed game shows that awareness of the dish has moved beyond the restaurant setting.
There are no specific figures yet on the market size or the number of malatang restaurants in Japan, but the trend toward expanding business locations and the emergence of related products suggest the Chinese soup is securing an increasingly solid place in the affections of Japanese diners.
