Mai Aji Mai Kyaku

Hot and spicy malatang is having a moment in Japan, and Tokyo has recently welcomed a new addition: Mai Aji Mai Kyaku, a restaurant from Chongqing in China’s Sichuan province. Serving up authentic flavours from the birthplace of this fiery dish, the restaurant lets you enjoy your own personalised mala soup with over 90 ingredients to choose from.

There are six varieties available, including non-spicy options like tomato soup and beef bone broth, as well as a soupless mala xiangguo packed with Sichuan peppercorns and the shop’s signature youpo malatang, finished with a special aromatic oil.

You’ll want to give yourself enough time to browse the massive display case showcasing those more than 90 ingredients, including a tempting selection of vegetables, meats and even premium seafood such as crab. There’s also a DIY sauce station where you can create your own dipping sauce to enjoy throughout the meal.