- Definition and Characteristics
- Malatang is a spicy hot pot soup base with various ingredients
- Name comes from "ma" (numbing) and "la" (spicy) for distinctive flavor
- More casual than traditional hot pot restaurants
- Served in bowls or skewers with pre-cooked ingredients
- Differences from Hot Pot
- Malatang has single spicy soup base, hot pots offer multiple options
- Malatang ingredients are pre-cooked, hot pot ingredients cooked by diners
- Malatang prices based on wood prods, hot pot ordered in portions
- Common Ingredients
- Meat options include beef, lamb, pork, chicken wings
- Seafood choices include shrimp, squid, fish balls
- Vegetables include cabbage, spinach, lotus root, potatoes
- Tofu, noodles, eggs, mushrooms can be added
- Homemade Preparation
- Base made with doubanjiang, chili peppers, and various spices
- Ingredients cooked in wok with oil and seasonings
- Starchy vegetables need blanching before cooking
- Can be made with homemade seasonings or hot pot seasonings