CHAIN GUIDE
Lahongbang Malatang

La Hongbang Malatang

Lahongbang Malatang

Lahongbang (辣紅房 / 라홍방) is a Korean malatang chain with over 200 locations, billing itself as Korea's No. 1. In Japan, it runs a straightforward build-your-own-bowl system priced by weight (approx. ¥400/100g), with a complimentary corn noodle. The signature draw is a rich beef-based broth deepened with peanut sauce — closer in feel to tantanmen than traditional Sichuan malatang. Alongside the soup version, a dry-tossed malaguo (麻辣香鍋) is also available. Six spice levels (0–4), 60+ topping choices.

Ordering System

Varies by location

Varies by store

Variable

By weight (buffet-style · all locations)

By Weight
Applies to
All stores
Includes
Price determined by the weight of toppings selected (soup type and spice level chosen separately)
  • Pick your toppings from the refrigerated display case using tongs — buffet style
  • Approx. ¥400 per 100g (Hachioji location uses a per-gram rate of ¥4/g)
  • Minimum order is roughly ¥1,000 or more (varies by location)
  • Orders of ¥1,000 or more often include a complimentary corn noodle
  • At the register, specify soup type (malatang / malaguo) and spice level

Spice Levels

From clear broth to max heat

0 Level 0 (no spice) 1 Level 1 (medium) ★ 4 Level 4 (max)
  • 0
    Level 0 (no spice)

    Mild beef-based white broth with no heat. Great for spice-averse diners and kids. (Note: broth contains peanuts)

  • 0.5
    Level 0.5 (mild)

    Just a hint of spice — the perfect entry point for first-timers

  • 1
    Level 1 (medium) Most Popular

    The standard malatang experience, leaning milder than most Japanese malatang chains — very approachable

  • 2
    Level 2 (hot) Most Popular

    The sweet spot where peanut richness and numbing heat come into balance — a crowd favorite

  • 3
    Level 3 (extra hot)

    For spice lovers who want a real sweat. The tantanmen-style umami stays intact even at this heat

  • 4
    Level 4 (max)

    The highest heat available. A genuine challenge for seasoned spice enthusiasts

Popular Toppings

By weight — add as much as you like

Cheese ball

A fish paste ball stuffed with melted cheese. Consistently described as a standout highlight in diner reviews

Fish roe ball

A fish paste ball that pops with each bite. Soaks up the broth's savory depth

Flat bun moja

The Korean chain staple — wide, chewy starch noodles. One of the must-try picks

Lotus root bun moja

A bun moja variant with lotus root mixed in, adding a pleasant crunch

Panda bun moja

Black-and-white patterned starch noodles that are as fun to look at as they are to eat — great for social media

Flat beef sinew noodle

Wide flat noodles with a hint of beef tendon flavor. A natural match for the tantanmen-style broth

Beef honeycomb tripe (mino)

The first stomach of beef. Its springy texture pairs perfectly with the spiced sauce

Beef book tripe (senmai)

The third stomach of beef. Low in calories and satisfyingly chewy

Quail egg

A classic addition that softens the overall heat and richness

White wood ear mushroom

A crisp, medicinal-herb-style topping that's low in calories

Black wood ear mushroom

The go-to for satisfying crunch. Absorbs broth well

Tofu skin (yuba / fuchu)

Thin sheets of soy protein — high in protein, low in calories

Komatsuna

Mild leafy greens that balance the bowl. The broth's richness draws out their natural sweetness

View nutrition info →

Water spinach (ong choy)

Crisp and refreshing. A Chinese cooking staple that works beautifully here

View nutrition info →

Soybean sprouts

Thick Korean-style bean sprouts — crunchy and filling

Japanese mountain yam (nagaimo)

Soft with a gentle texture. Mellows out when cooked in the broth

Glass Noodle Alternatives

Low-carb & diet-friendly picks

Corn noodle (complimentary)

Diet perspective

Often included free with orders of ¥1,000 or more. Made from corn, naturally gluten-free, and light enough to let the broth shine

Available at: All locations (complimentary with qualifying order)

Flat glass noodles (bansaengmyeon)

Diet perspective

Wide Korean-style glass noodles that soak up the broth beautifully — chewy, filling, and satisfying

Available at: All locations (as a by-weight topping)

Bun moja (flat / lotus root / panda)

Diet perspective

Korean starch noodles in three varieties — flat, lotus root-infused, and panda-patterned. All absorb broth well and are consistently popular

Available at: All locations (as a by-weight topping)

Soup Variations

Transform the flavor of your bowl

Malatang (signature soup)

A rich beef broth layered with peanut sauce for a rounded, tantanmen-adjacent flavor. The numbing heat is gentler than authentic Sichuan-style, while the savory depth and aroma are fully there. Note: the broth contains peanuts — allergy caution advised

Pairs well with: Level 0.5–2

Malaguo (dry-tossed, no broth)

A broth-free style where toppings are tossed in a bold spiced sauce. You get the direct flavor of each ingredient alongside the fragrance of the spices. Only available at spice levels 1–3

Pairs well with: Level 1–3

With calories — great starting point

Spice 1level

Calories not disclosed

Level 1 × Korean chewy classics (first visit, crowd-pleaser)

Toppings
Flat bun moja・Cheese ball・Komatsuna
Arrangement
Malatang (signature soup)

The peanut-sauce broth at level 1 is approachable and flavorful. Pair it with the chewy flat bun moja and fan-favorite cheese ball for a first visit that hits all the right notes

Spice 2level

Calories not disclosed

Level 2 × beef cuts (spice-lover's repeat visit)

Toppings
Beef honeycomb tripe (mino)・Beef book tripe (senmai)・Flat beef sinew noodle
Arrangement
Malatang (signature soup)

Keep it all-beef: rich broth, beef tripe, and beef sinew noodles. Finish with a drizzle of chili oil or ma oil from the table to dial up the tingle

Spice 0.5level

Calories not disclosed

Level 0.5 × vegetable-forward (light and healthy)

Toppings
Komatsuna・Water spinach (ong choy)・White wood ear mushroom・Tofu skin (yuba / fuchu)
Arrangement
Malatang (signature soup)

A low-calorie bowl built around leafy greens, mushrooms, and tofu skin. Level 0.5 keeps the heat easy while the broth still delivers. Diet-friendly — but note the broth itself contains peanuts

Spice 2level

Calories not disclosed

Malaguo × level 2 (dry-toss challenge)

Toppings
Flat bun moja・Fish roe ball・Soybean sprouts
Arrangement
Malaguo (dry-tossed, no broth)

Skip the broth and go dry-tossed at level 2. The bold spiced sauce brings out a smoky intensity you won't find in the soup version — a completely different experience worth trying

Sides

Rice, dim sum & desserts

Complimentary ice cream

Some locations offer a free ice cream after your meal — a welcome cool-down after the heat

Store-Exclusive Menu

Only available at this location

Hachioji

  • Tokyo's first location (opened March 17, 2026)
  • 28 seats: counter (10), 2-tops (3), 4-tops (3)
  • Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00–21:00 / Sat–Sun 11:00–22:00, open daily
  • Pricing displayed per gram (¥4/g)

Kyoto Kawaramachi

  • Japan's second location (opened December 12, 2024)
  • Basement level near Shijo Kawaramachi, Shimogyo Ward
  • Hours: 11:00–23:00, irregular holidays

Osaka (Tenjinbashi / Namba / Sennichimae)

  • Three Kansai locations that opened ahead of the Tokyo expansion; all listed on Tabelog
  • Seat count and hours vary by location — check the official Instagram for details

Locations

Listed on 麻辣タベタイ

FAQ

What is Lahongbang Malatang, and where does it come from? +

Lahongbang (辣紅房 / 라홍방) is a Korean malatang chain with over 200 locations, marketing itself as Korea's No. 1 malatang brand. It entered Japan in 2024 with openings in Osaka and Kyoto, followed by its Tokyo debut in Hachioji in March 2026.

How does ordering work, and what does it cost? +

Grab a bowl and tongs, fill up from the refrigerated case, and pay by weight at the register — approximately ¥400 per 100g (¥4/g at Hachioji). Plan on spending at least ¥1,000, and orders over that threshold often come with a free corn noodle.

What soup types and spice levels are available? +

You choose between the signature malatang (soup) and the dry-tossed malaguo (no broth). Malatang comes in six heat levels: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4. Malaguo is only available at levels 1, 2, and 3.

How does the flavor compare to other malatang chains? +

Lahongbang's broth is built on a rich beef base enhanced with peanut sauce, giving it a tantanmen-like roundness and approachability. The numbing heat is gentler than authentic Sichuan-style chains (like Chipao or Yangguofu), making it a solid entry point for malatang newcomers.

Is it safe for people with peanut allergies? +

Lahongbang's malatang broth contains peanut sauce. If you have a peanut allergy, please avoid the soup or ask the staff whether an alternative broth option is available.

What toppings do you recommend? +

The Korean-style bun moja noodles (flat, lotus root, and panda-patterned), the cheese ball, and the beef cuts (honeycomb tripe, book tripe, and flat beef sinew noodle) are the signatures. For pure flavor compatibility with the broth, the cheese ball and flat bun moja combination is the top pick.

What noodle options are available? +

A complimentary corn noodle (gluten-free, made from corn) is included with qualifying orders. You can also add flat glass noodles, flat bun moja, lotus root bun moja, panda bun moja, or flat beef sinew noodle as by-weight toppings.

Any recommendations for a lighter, diet-friendly bowl? +

Go level 0.5 or 1 and load up on komatsuna, water spinach, white wood ear mushroom, and tofu skin. The complimentary corn noodle is gluten-free and light, making it easier to keep carbs in check. Just keep in mind the broth itself contains peanuts.

Compiled and independently edited from the official Instagram (@lahongbang_japan), a Hachioji location write-up (ramen8.com / Hachioji Journey), a Takadanobaba first-visit report (malatanblog.com), and pre-opening coverage of the Kyoto Kawaramachi location, cross-referenced with Korean chain scale data. Per-gram pricing (¥4/g / ¥400/100g), complimentary noodle eligibility, spice level options, and individual location hours are subject to change — confirm the latest details with each location or the official Instagram. The broth contains peanuts; those with allergies should take note.

Check the official site for the latest info