Malatang (Spicy Hot Pot Soup · 마라탕): what it is and how to order it in Korea
A bowl of numbing, fiery broth filled with skewered vegetables, noodles, tofu and your choice of meat or seafood. Malatang is a popular Chinese-style street food in Korea, especially among students, and a fun, customizable meal.
Say it to order
마라탕 주세요
Malatang juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Take a bowl and pick the ingredients you want, then hand it to the staff to weigh and cook. Eat the noodles and vegetables with chopsticks, and sip the broth with a spoon.
Do
- Pick your ingredients and wait for the staff to weigh them before paying.
- Share a bowl with friends and use the serving spoons provided.
Don’t
- Don't expect the broth to be cooked or served freshly like in a traditional hot pot.
- Don't pick out only the broth and leave the solid ingredients in the bowl.
Local tips
- Ask for a lower spice level if you are not used to heat, and remember the numbing peppercorn effect is strong.
- Choose noodles and rice to fill up, since the broth is very rich and salty.
Goes with
- Steamed white rice
- Pickled radish
- Sesame sauce
- Cold beer
- Soju
- Milk tea
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Malatang (Spicy Hot Pot Soup) in Korean?
- Say “마라탕 주세요” (Malatang juseyo).
- Is Malatang (Spicy Hot Pot Soup) spicy?
- Yes — about 4 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Malatang (Spicy Hot Pot Soup) cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩2,000–13,000.
- How do you eat Malatang (Spicy Hot Pot Soup)?
- Take a bowl and pick the ingredients you want, then hand it to the staff to weigh and cook. Eat the noodles and vegetables with chopsticks, and sip the broth with a spoon.
Find Malatang (Spicy Hot Pot Soup) near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.