CHAIN GUIDE
Yang Guofu Malatang

Yang Guofu Malatang

Everything you need to know about Yang Guofu Malatang in Japan: how the by-weight ordering system works, spice levels, soup options (malatang, beef bone, tomato), noodle and topping choices, and recommended combos for different tastes and dietary goals.

Ordering System

Varies by location

Varies by store

Variable

By weight (all-you-can-pick buffet style, all locations)

By Weight
Applies to
All stores
Includes
Price determined by the weight of chosen toppings (soup and spice level specified separately)
  • Grab a bowl and tongs, then freely pick toppings from the display case — buffet style
  • Toppings are weighed at the register and charged at 400 yen per 100g (tax included)
  • Orders of 1,000 yen or more (after weighing) come with a free noodle of your choice (80g) — varies by location
  • Adjust quantity in 1g increments, from a light tasting portion to a full feast. Be careful not to overload

Spice Levels

From clear broth to max heat

0 No spice (tomato or beef bone soup) 2 Medium (pǔtōng) ★ 4 Extra hot (jī là)
  • 0
    No spice (tomato or beef bone soup)

    Those who can't handle heat or are dining with children — the non-spicy tomato or beef bone soup is the go-to

  • 1
    Mild (xiǎo là)

    Light on heat. Perfect for first-timers trying malatang

  • 2
    Medium (pǔtōng) Most Popular

    The standard spice level. A crowd favorite for those who want the full ma-la flavor — most popular among regulars

  • 3
    Hot (dà là)

    Seriously spicy. For chili lovers who've outgrown the medium level

  • 4
    Extra hot (jī là)

    An intense heat challenge for seasoned spice veterans. For days when you want to break a sweat

Popular Toppings

By weight — add as much as you like

Crab fish cake

Filled with fish roe for a satisfying pop. A fan favorite among regulars

Lamb

A natural match for the malatang broth. Go-to for those who want a protein-heavy bowl

Pork cartilage

Satisfyingly crunchy. A staple that often headlines the lunch set

Beef tendon

Deep, braised umami that enriches the broth as you eat

Bok choy

Mild leafy green that pairs well with non-spicy broths

View nutrition info →

Napa cabbage

Great for bulking up your bowl. Soaks up the broth and turns wonderfully sweet

View nutrition info →

Mushrooms

Adds natural depth to the broth. Low in calories

Tofu

High in protein. Softens the heat and rounds out bold broths

View nutrition info →

Thick-fried tofu

Adds substance and richness. Reach for it when you need that extra satisfaction

Quail eggs

A classic topping that adds a creamy, mild richness

Wonton

Silky and smooth — an easy way to add volume

Shrimp balls

The pick when you want a hit of seafood umami

Glass Noodle Alternatives

Low-carb & diet-friendly picks

Sweet potato glass noodles

Diet perspective

The classic slippery noodle that soaks up broth beautifully. Great for a lighter meal

Available at: All locations (included in the 80g free noodle offer)

Corn noodles

Diet perspective

Lower in calories and popular with female diners. More toothsome than wheat noodles with surprisingly good satiety

Available at: All locations (included in the 80g free noodle offer)

Knife-cut noodles (daoxiao mian)

Diet perspective

Thick, chewy, and filling. The choice for those who want a hearty, substantial bowl

Available at: All locations (included in the 80g free noodle offer)

Rice noodles (mixian)

Diet perspective

Light and delicate. Won't overshadow the broth — ideal when you want something easy on the stomach

Available at: All locations (included in the 80g free noodle offer)

Beef tendon noodles

Diet perspective

Springy and chewy. Best on days when you want to really dig into every bite with the broth

Available at: All locations (included in the 80g free noodle offer)

Soup Variations

Transform the flavor of your bowl

Malatang broth

The signature classic. Spices sourced from China deliver that addictive ma-la kick; Sichuan peppercorn (the numbing element) can be added to taste

Pairs well with: Medium to extra hot

Beef bone broth

A rich, slow-simmered clear broth made from beef bones. No spice at all — the first choice for those who prefer it mild

Pairs well with: No spice / mild

Tomato broth

A sweet and tangy tomato base with no heat whatsoever. Approachable for children and anyone who steers clear of spice

Pairs well with: No spice

Dry-tossed malatang (no broth)

Toppings tossed in a bold, concentrated sauce instead of broth. Lets the flavor of each topping come through directly

Pairs well with: Medium to hot

Fiery chili oil broth

A rich broth loaded with fragrant red chili oil. For those who want their heat and aroma turned up an extra notch

Pairs well with: Hot to extra hot

With calories — great starting point

Spice 0level

Calories not disclosed

Tomato × vegetables (light, no spice)

Toppings
Bok choy・Napa cabbage・Mushrooms
Arrangement
Tomato broth

Sweet and tangy tomato broth with a veggie-forward lineup. Perfect for spice-avoiders or days when you want something light. Load up on greens for a filling yet gentle bowl

Spice 2level

Calories not disclosed

Malatang × classic (the safe bet when you can't decide)

Toppings
Lamb・Crab fish cake・Mushrooms
Arrangement
Malatang broth

The signature malatang broth at medium heat. Meat, fish cake, and mushrooms balance richness with umami. Add Sichuan peppercorn to taste

Spice 0level

Calories not disclosed

Beef bone × protein (filling, lower-carb)

Toppings
Tofu・Thick-fried tofu・Quail eggs
Arrangement
Beef bone broth

The rich, non-spicy beef bone broth paired with a high-protein lineup of soy and egg toppings. Go easy on the noodles for a lower-carb bowl

Spice 4level

Calories not disclosed

Extra hot × challenge (for veterans only)

Toppings
Pork cartilage・Beef tendon・Shrimp balls
Arrangement
Fiery chili oil broth

A punishing combination of fragrant chili oil and extra-hot spice. Chewy toppings keep the eating experience as satisfying as the heat is intense

Sides

Rice, dim sum & desserts

Pork cartilage set (Monday weekday lunch)

Weekday rotating lunch set served with rice or knife-cut noodles (tax included). The main changes daily

980yen
Spam set (Tuesday weekday lunch)

Weekday rotating lunch set served with rice or knife-cut noodles (tax included)

980yen
Sausage set (Wednesday weekday lunch)

Weekday rotating lunch set served with rice or knife-cut noodles (tax included)

880yen
Fried chicken set (Thursday weekday lunch)

Weekday rotating lunch set served with rice or knife-cut noodles (tax included)

880yen
Pork set (Friday weekday lunch)

Weekday rotating lunch set served with rice or knife-cut noodles (tax included)

880yen

Locations

Listed on 麻辣タベタイ

FAQ

How do I order at Yang Guofu Malatang? +

Pick up a bowl and tongs, then freely select toppings from the display case. At the register, everything is weighed and charged at 400 yen per 100g (tax included). You choose your soup type and spice level at checkout.

What are the recommended combos at Yang Guofu Malatang? +

When in doubt, go with the signature malatang broth × lamb, crab fish cake, and mushrooms at medium heat — the classic choice. For a milder bowl, try the tomato broth with leafy greens. For a filling, lower-carb option, the beef bone broth with tofu, thick-fried tofu, and quail eggs hits the spot.

Does Yang Guofu Malatang offer a lunch menu? +

Yes — on weekdays there are daily rotating lunch sets such as the pork cartilage set (880–980 yen tax included, with rice or knife-cut noodles). The main dish changes by day and varies by location, so check with your local store for details.

Do noodles really come free? +

If your toppings weigh in at 1,000 yen or more, you receive a free noodle of your choice (80g) — subject to location. Options include sweet potato glass noodles, corn noodles, knife-cut noodles, rice noodles, and beef tendon noodles.

Can I still enjoy it if I don't like spicy food? +

Absolutely. The tomato broth and beef bone broth are completely non-spicy. If you choose the malatang broth, you can start at the mildest spice level, and the numbing Sichuan peppercorn can be added on the side to your liking.

How many soup options are there? +

The main options are malatang broth, beef bone broth, tomato broth, dry-tossed (no broth), and fiery chili oil broth. Selection may vary by location and season — check with your store on the day.

Can I eat here while watching my diet? +

Yes. Focusing on leafy greens, mushrooms, and tofu while going light on noodles keeps the meal on the lighter side. Since everything is priced by the gram, it's easy to control your portion down to the last gram.

Independently compiled with reference to official information from the Japan operator Daitengen Co., Ltd. and publicly available information and first-hand reports from individual locations. Prices (100g = 400 yen; lunch sets 880–980 yen), spice levels, soup lineup, and the free noodle service are subject to change by location and season. Please check the official site or your nearest store for the latest details.

Check the official site for the latest info