CHAIN GUIDE
Li Xiaoqi Malatang

Lǐ Xiǎoqī Málàtàng

Li Xiaoqi Malatang

A complete guide to Li Xiaoqi Malatang (operated by Seida Co., Ltd., grown from one Shin-Okubo location to 11 stores in a year): the by-weight pricing model (¥400/100g, free noodles with ¥1,000+ orders), four broth options (savory-spicy beef bone, tomato, mashed potato, and dry-wok malatang), four spice levels, five noodle choices, and dozens of toppings. The creamy mashed potato broth is a one-of-a-kind option not found at other chains.

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 ingredients selected (broth and spice level specified separately)
  • Grab a bowl and tongs, then freely pick ingredients from the refrigerated display case
  • Charged at ¥400 per 100g (tax included)
  • Free noodle of your choice with orders of ¥1,000 or more (approx. 250g+), similar to the Yangguofu model
  • At the register, specify your broth (4 options) and spice level (4 levels), then blend your own dipping sauce at the table

Spice Levels

From clear broth to max heat

0 No Spice (tomato, mashed potato, or beef bone broth) 2 Medium (most popular) ★ 4 Extra Hot
  • 0
    No Spice (tomato, mashed potato, or beef bone broth)

    Choose the tomato, mashed potato, or beef bone broth for a completely non-spicy bowl. Great for families with children or those sensitive to heat

  • 1
    Mild

    You get the aroma of malatang without much heat — the perfect entry point for first-timers

  • 2
    Medium (most popular) Most Popular

    The sweet spot where Sichuan pepper numbness and chili heat are perfectly balanced. A repeat-customer favorite

  • 3
    Hot

    For spice lovers who want to work up a sweat. Retains the richness of the broth while cranking up the heat

  • 4
    Extra Hot

    The maximum spice level. For seasoned chili heads looking for a challenge

Popular Toppings

By weight — add as much as you like

Fried Egg (sunny side up)

A rare find at malatang chains. Break the yolk into the broth for a silky, mellow finish

Fried Bread (youtiao)

Crispy at first, then soaks up broth for an irresistible texture. A classic Chinese pairing

Tofu Skin (yuba / fuzhu)

Thin sheets of soy protein. High in protein, low in calories, and surprisingly filling

White Wood Ear Mushroom

Crunchy medicinal-herb pick. Very low in calories

Black Wood Ear Mushroom

The classic crunchy topping — soaks up broth exceptionally well

Cilantro

Fragrant leaves that amplify the Chinese and Southeast Asian character of the bowl

View nutrition info →

Beef

The natural protein pairing for the beef bone broth

View nutrition info →

Lamb

Its sweet fat is a perfect match for a spicy malatang broth

Pork Cartilage

Satisfyingly crunchy. Slow-simmered to absorb all that umami from the broth

Quail Eggs

A classic addition that adds richness and a subtle creaminess

Fish Roe Balls

Little pops of texture from fish roe encased in a fish cake ball. Adds fun variety to the bowl

Tofu

High in protein and helps temper the heat of a spicy broth

View nutrition info →

Thick-Fried Tofu (atsuage)

More substantial than regular tofu — adds richness and keeps you full

Bok Choy

The quintessential leafy green: crisp texture and a clean flavour that balances the bowl

View nutrition info →

Bean Sprouts

A classic way to bulk up your bowl. They absorb broth and turn beautifully sweet

View nutrition info →

Glass Noodle Alternatives

Low-carb & diet-friendly picks

Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Diet perspective

Silky and slurpable, the classic choice. Soaks up broth beautifully — ideal when you want something light

Available at: All locations (free with ¥1,000+ order)

Corn Noodles

Diet perspective

Gluten-free noodles made from corn. Light in texture, popular with women, and great for those watching carbs

Available at: All locations (free with ¥1,000+ order)

Knife-Cut Noodles (dao xiao mian)

Diet perspective

Wide, chewy noodles with satisfying bite. The go-to for anyone who wants a hearty, filling bowl

Available at: All locations (free with ¥1,000+ order)

Flat Beef-Tendon Noodles

Diet perspective

Chewy flat noodles with a beef tendon flavour. Pair them with the beef bone broth for a perfectly unified bowl

Available at: All locations (free with ¥1,000+ order)

Instant Ramen Noodles

Diet perspective

A firm, wheaty option for those who want something familiar and filling

Available at: All locations (free with ¥1,000+ order)

Soup Variations

Transform the flavor of your bowl

Savory-Spicy Beef Bone Broth (signature)

Slow-simmered beef bones give this broth deep, rounded umami with a fragrant finish. The classic malatang choice — when in doubt, go with this one

Pairs well with: Mild to Hot

Tomato Broth

Bright, tangy, and refreshing with a hint of sweetness. Non-spicy by default, making it approachable for kids and spice-averse diners

Pairs well with: No Spice

Mashed Potato Broth (exclusive)

A rich, creamy broth with a velvety texture — completely unique to this chain. Popular with those seeking something new and with female diners

Pairs well with: No Spice to Medium

Dry-Wok Malatang (no broth)

Sichuan-style dry wok with no broth — ingredients are tossed directly with spices so you taste every flavour up front

Pairs well with: Medium to Extra Hot

With calories — great starting point

Spice 2level

Calories not disclosed

Medium × Beef Bone Classic (the safe bet)

Toppings
Beef・Tofu Skin (yuba)・White Wood Ear Mushroom・Bok Choy
Arrangement
Savory-Spicy Beef Bone Broth (signature)

Lean into the signature beef bone broth with matching beef for a cohesive bowl. Tofu skin and white wood ear keep the calorie count in check, while bok choy adds a fresh green note. Drizzle on the table's Sichuan pepper oil for extra tingle

Spice 0level

Calories not disclosed

No Spice × Mashed Potato (the exclusive pick)

Toppings
Tofu・Thick-Fried Tofu・Quail Eggs・Fried Egg
Arrangement
Mashed Potato Broth (exclusive)

This chain's one-of-a-kind creamy broth paired with soy-based and egg toppings makes for a high-protein, comforting bowl unlike anything at other malatang spots

Spice 3level

Calories not disclosed

Hot × All-Out (for spice lovers)

Toppings
Lamb・Pork Cartilage・Fish Roe Balls・Fried Bread
Arrangement
Savory-Spicy Beef Bone Broth (signature)

Turn up the heat with hot beef bone broth and load in the meats, fish cake balls, and youtiao. Let the fried bread soak up the spicy broth before eating — then finish with a drizzle of the peanut sesame sauce from the table

Spice 2level

Calories not disclosed

Medium × Dry Wok (the broth-free challenge)

Toppings
Beef・Lamb・Bean Sprouts・Cilantro
Arrangement
Dry-Wok Malatang (no broth)

No broth means every bite is pure ingredient and spice. Cilantro punches up the aroma and leans the whole bowl in a boldly Chinese direction

Sides

Rice, dim sum & desserts

Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken

Tender chicken stir-fried with chili heat and aromatic spices. A reliable side

Spicy Braised Pork Offal

Pork offal simmered down in a savory-spicy sauce. A great match with steamed rice

Fried Chicken

Crispy fried chicken pieces — the classic sharable side

Store-Exclusive Menu

Only available at this location

Shin-Okubo (flagship, Store No. 1)

  • Tokyo's first location, opened April 2025
  • 1-11-27 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku, Tokyo — steps from Shin-Okubo Station
  • Hours: 11:00–22:00, open every day of the year

Shibuya · Hongo-sanchome · Kami-ikebukuro · Kawaguchi · Oji

  • Expansion locations across central Tokyo and surrounding areas
  • Select locations offer Uber Eats and Tabelog delivery

Shin-Koiwa (upcoming)

  • New opening announced inside Lumiere shopping street (reported by Gougai NET Katsushika)

Locations

Listed on 麻辣タベタイ

FAQ

Who operates Li Xiaoqi Malatang? +

The chain is operated by Seida Co., Ltd. (1-24-21 Hotoishiki, Edogawa, Tokyo; 03-6696-9431). Founded in Japan, it has grown rapidly from its Shin-Okubo flagship (April 2025) to 11 locations in the Tokyo metro area as of May 2026.

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

Pick up a bowl and tongs, choose your ingredients from the refrigerated display case, and bring them to the register to be weighed. The price is ¥400 per 100g (tax included). Spend ¥1,000 or more (roughly 250g of ingredients) and you get a free noodle of your choice. You then select your broth and spice level at the register and blend your own dipping sauce at the table.

How many broth options are there? +

Four: Savory-Spicy Beef Bone (the signature), Tomato, Mashed Potato, and Dry-Wok Malatang (no broth). The creamy Mashed Potato broth is entirely unique to this chain and is especially popular with those looking for something different.

How many spice levels can I choose from? +

Five options in total — No Spice, Mild, Medium, Hot, and Extra Hot. Medium is the standard recommendation; if you're sensitive to spice, the Tomato or Mashed Potato broth with No Spice is the safest bet.

What noodle options are available? +

Sweet potato glass noodles, corn noodles (gluten-free), knife-cut noodles, flat beef-tendon noodles, and instant ramen noodles — five choices in all. Any of these comes free with a ¥1,000+ order.

What condiments are available at the table? +

You'll find peanut sesame sauce, chopped green onion, and Sichuan pepper oil to mix and match at your own pace. Creating your own dipping sauce is a big part of the authentic experience.

What side dishes are on the menu? +

Spicy stir-fried chicken, spicy braised pork offal, and fried chicken, among others. Ordering a side to share alongside your malatang is a popular choice.

What's a good combination if I'm watching my diet? +

Keep the spice at No Spice to Medium and focus on low-calorie ingredients like tofu skin, white wood ear mushroom, bok choy, and tofu. Corn noodles are gluten-free and light on the stomach, making them a solid pick for anyone keeping an eye on carbs.

Compiled and independently edited from the official website (maratanjp.com), the Seida Co., Ltd. about page, and multiple first-hand dining reports (malatanblog.com / malatang.tokyo / sakurara31.com / newsnext.jp). Pricing (¥400/100g, free noodles at ¥1,000+), broth selection, spice levels, noodle options, toppings, and sides may vary by location and time — always check the official site or your nearest store for the latest details. The mashed potato broth is exclusive to this chain, and the level of customisation it enables is a genuine point of difference.

Check the official site for the latest info