Glass noodles (multiple varieties)
Diet perspectiveSilky and smooth — the classic choice. Locations stock several types including sweet potato and mung bean varieties
Available at: All locations
CHAIN GUIDE
Ippin Malatang
Ippin Malatang is one of Japan's largest malatang chains with over 30 locations nationwide. The signature is a milky-white medicinal-herb broth made with 30+ herbs — mild and approachable for Japanese palates. Most locations, including Ikebukuro and Toyota, use a flat ¥109-per-topping system, while some stores like Akabane charge by weight. Rules such as a 300g minimum or ¥1,200 minimum spend vary by location. Choose from 4–5 noodle types and spice levels 0–5 (level 4 and above carry a surcharge).
- Base Price
- 367yen〜
- Spice
- 0–5spice
Ordering System
Varies by location
367yen〜
Tax excl.
Flat ¥109 topping system (Ikebukuro, Toyota, and most locations)
Set- Applies to
- Ikebukuro・Toyota
- Includes
- Broth + noodle (medicinal-herb milky broth base)
- ▸ Base set of broth + noodle costs ¥367 (tax included)
- ▸ All toppings ¥109 each — choose from 60+ options
- ▸ Some locations pre-portion toppings in individual bags for extra hygiene
- ▸ Simple, easy-to-understand pricing is a major selling point — great for first-timers
480yen〜
Tax excl.
By-weight pricing + smartphone ordering (Akabane and others)
Hybrid- Applies to
- Akabane
- Includes
- Clear broth (non-spicy)
- ▸ Clear broth ¥480 charged separately; toppings priced individually by weight
- ▸ Sample prices: lamb 40g = ¥210 / scallop 1 pc = ¥210 / wood ear 40g = ¥110 / bok choy 40g = ¥110
- ▸ Minimum order ¥1,200
- ▸ Some locations let you order and select toppings via smartphone
- ▸ Free small rice and free garlic available as a bonus at select stores
Spice Levels
From clear broth to max heat
0 Level 0 (no spice) 1 Level 1 (mild) ★ 5 Level 5 (extra hot — surcharge applies)
- 0 Level 0 (no spice)
All the aroma of 30+ medicinal herbs with zero heat — a gentle, welcoming bowl. Great for families with children or anyone who avoids spice
- 1 Level 1 (mild) Most Popular
A gentle introduction to malatang's signature fragrance. Just a hint of warmth in the milky broth
- 2 Level 2 (medium) Most Popular
The sweet spot between herbal depth and heat. The most popular choice among regulars
- 3 Level 3 (hot)
For spice lovers who want to break a sweat — the highest free tier
- 4 Level 4 (very hot — surcharge applies) +100yen
Surcharge kicks in here. For serious heat seekers; approximately ¥100–150 extra depending on the location
- 5 Level 5 (extra hot — surcharge applies) +150yen
The maximum spice level. A true challenge for advanced spice fans; extra charge applies
Level 4 and above may incur an extra charge.
Popular Toppings
By weight — add as much as you like
Lamb
A natural match for malatang and medicinal-herb broth. About ¥210 per 40g at by-weight locations
Scallop
The seafood umami pick. About ¥210 per piece at by-weight locations
View nutrition info →
Pork
The classic meat staple. Pairs gently with the milky broth
View nutrition info →
Chicken
A mild, family-friendly protein. Safe bet for kids too
View nutrition info →
Beef
The premium meat option at by-weight locations
View nutrition info →Fish ball
Bouncy, juicy fishcake with a satisfying pop
Assorted fishcake
Squid balls, imitation crab, and more — a range of fishcake toppings
Black wood ear mushroom
Crisp and crunchy — the texture topping. About ¥110 per 40g
View nutrition info →
White wood ear mushroom
Crunchy like the black variety; counts as a medicinal-herb topping
View nutrition info →
Tofu
High-protein and great at tempering heat
View nutrition info →Fried tofu
Adds heartiness and depth
Tofu skin (yuba)
Thin soy protein sheets. Low-calorie
View nutrition info →
Bok choy
The go-to leafy green. About ¥110 per 40g
View nutrition info →
Napa cabbage
Great for bulking up the bowl
View nutrition info →
Bean sprouts
Crisp and crunchy — a classic volume-booster
View nutrition info →Quail egg
Adds a creamy, mellow richness to each bite
Glass Noodle Alternatives
Low-carb & diet-friendly picks
Wheat noodles (ramen-style)
Diet perspectiveSpringy yellow noodles with satisfying chew. A reliable option when you want a more substantial meal
Available at: All locations
Dao xiao mian (knife-cut noodles)
Diet perspectiveThick, chewy, wide-cut noodles with real bite. The go-to for anyone who wants maximum volume and fullness
Available at: All locations
Corn noodles
Diet perspectiveGluten-free noodles made from corn. Good for those cutting back on wheat or wanting a lighter feel
Available at: All locations
Beef tendon noodles (chewy texture)
Diet perspectiveUniquely springy and slippery. Pairs beautifully with the milky broth, letting the ingredients shine
Available at: Select locations
Cold noodles
Diet perspectiveA chilled twist for the adventurous — the contrast of cold noodles with a hot, spicy broth is something of an insider move
Available at: Select locations
Soup Variations
Transform the flavor of your bowl
Medicinal-herb milky broth (signature)
A creamy white broth simmered with 30+ medicinal herbs. Mild, rounded, and richly layered in flavor — often praised as the Japanese-friendly face of malatang. This is Ippin's defining offering
Pairs well with: Level 0–3
Dan dan broth
A sesame-forward, dan dan noodle–inspired broth with a satisfying richness. More mellow than straight malatang — hearty even at lower spice levels
Pairs well with: Level 0–2
Dry-style malatang (select locations)
A rare soupless style available at the Toyota location and others. No broth — the flavors of the ingredients and spices come through undiluted
Pairs well with: Level 2–4
Recommended Combos
With calories — great starting point
Spice 2level
Calories not disclosed
Level 2 × Classic (can't decide? start here)
- Toppings
- Lamb・Black wood ear mushroom・Bok choy・Tofu skin
- Arrangement
- Medicinal-herb milky broth (signature)
A well-balanced bowl in the mild milky broth — lamb, mushroom, greens, and tofu skin. The quintessential Japanese-friendly malatang experience and the ideal first visit
Spice 0level
Calories not disclosed
Level 0 × Dan dan (mild, family-friendly)
- Toppings
- Chicken・Tofu・Napa cabbage・Quail egg
- Arrangement
- Dan dan broth
Chicken and tofu take center stage in a heat-free dan dan broth. Easy and welcoming for families with kids or anyone who prefers no spice
Spice 3level
Calories not disclosed
Level 3 × Seafood (for regulars who love heat)
- Toppings
- Scallop・Lamb・Fish ball・Bean sprouts
- Arrangement
- Medicinal-herb milky broth (signature)
Scallop and fish ball bring seafood umami to the highest free spice tier. The rich milky broth and bold heat are a winning combination
Spice 5level
Calories not disclosed
Level 5 × Dry-style challenge (Toyota and select locations)
- Toppings
- Beef・Lamb・Black wood ear mushroom・Bean sprouts
- Arrangement
- Dry-style malatang (select locations)
The soupless malatang available at Toyota and other select stores, pushed to maximum heat. Without broth to dilute them, the toppings and spices hit with full intensity — for experienced eaters only
Sides
Rice, dim sum & desserts
| Small rice (complimentary)
（AkabaneLimited）
Offered free at Akabane and select locations. Perfect for soaking up the bold malatang broth | 0yen |
| Garlic (complimentary)
（AkabaneLimited）
Free service at Akabane and select locations. Stir it into the broth for an instant flavor boost | 0yen |
Store-Exclusive Menu
Only available at this location
Ikebukuro (flagship)
- ▸ One minute on foot from Ikebukuro Station West Exit (North) — JR Yamanote Line and more
- ▸ Open 11:00–23:00, no holidays
- ▸ Flat ¥109 toppings + base set ¥367 — pricing is transparent and easy to follow
- ▸ Toppings pre-portioned in individual bags for hygienic self-selection
Ginza
- ▸ Bright interior with white and natural-wood tones — welcoming for solo women
- ▸ Conveniently close to Ginza-itchome Station
Akabane
- ▸ Lancellinge 1F, 1-4-15 Akabane-nishi, Kita-ku, Tokyo — Akabane Station West Exit
- ▸ Smartphone ordering available; complimentary small rice and garlic
- ▸ By-weight individual pricing (clear broth ¥480 separate); minimum spend ¥1,200
- ▸ Opened October 2024
Toyota City (Aichi)
- ▸ Showa-machi, Toyota City, Aichi — newly opened near Toyota-shi Station
- ▸ One of the few locations offering dry-style malatang
- ▸ Praised as a mild, Japanese-friendly take on malatang
Locations
Listed on 麻辣タベタイ
FAQ
How many locations does Ippin Malatang have? +
As of May 2025, Ippin Malatang operates over 30 locations nationwide. One of the first dedicated malatang chains in Japan, it has built a strong presence in Tokyo (Ikebukuro, Ginza, Akabane) and expanded into Aichi and beyond.
I heard pricing varies by location — is that true? +
Yes. There are two distinct systems. (A) Ikebukuro, Toyota, and most locations: flat ¥109 toppings + broth & noodle base set for ¥367. (B) Akabane and others: toppings priced by weight individually + broth ¥480 separately, minimum spend ¥1,200. Pricing at Ginza and other locations may differ by store and time — check with each location for the latest details.
What makes the broth special? +
The milky-white broth simmered with 30+ medicinal herbs is Ippin's calling card — frequently described as mild and Japanese-friendly with no off-putting intensity. Beyond the signature medicinal-herb milky broth and dan dan variety, select locations like Toyota also offer dry-style malatang, giving each store its own character.
How many spice levels are there, and is there a surcharge? +
Six levels from 0 to 5. Levels 0–3 are free; levels 4 and 5 carry a surcharge of roughly ¥100–150 each. First-timers should try level 1 or 2; regulars tend to settle at 2 or 3.
What noodle options are available? +
The standard lineup includes glass noodles (multiple types), wheat noodles (ramen-style), knife-cut noodles, and corn noodles — four choices at most locations. Select stores also offer beef tendon noodles and cold noodles. Go for corn noodles if you want gluten-free; knife-cut or wheat noodles if you want something more filling.
How many toppings are there? +
Over 60 toppings in total. The range covers meats and seafood (lamb, scallop, beef) through to low-calorie options like black and white wood ear, tofu, tofu skin, bok choy, and bean sprouts. At Ikebukuro and other locations, toppings come pre-portioned in individual bags for easy, hygienic selection.
What sides are available? +
It varies by location. Akabane and select stores offer complimentary small rice and fresh garlic — whether you stir the rice into the broth or add garlic for extra flavor, both make a great addition to the bowl.
Any suggestions for eating here while watching calories? +
Stick to spice levels 0–2 and load up on low-calorie items: bok choy, napa cabbage, black wood ear, tofu skin, and tofu. Swapping to corn noodles (gluten-free) or using a smaller portion of glass noodles keeps the bowl light while still letting the depth of those 30+ medicinal herbs shine through.