Best Malatang Franchises in the US, UK & Australia (2026 Guide)

Malatang, the fiery Sichuan-style spicy hotpot-in-a-bowl, has surged in global popularity over the past decade. Once limited to street food stalls in China, this customizable soup experience now has international restaurant brands and franchise networks spreading across major Western markets. From authentic DIY bowls in the US to flagship openings in London and franchise growth in Australia, this comprehensive guide will help food lovers and potential investors discover the most popular Malatang restaurants and franchise opportunities across key regions.

🥢 Table of Contents

Introduction: What Is Malatang & Why It’s Trending
Top Malatang Franchises & Restaurants in the US
Leading Malatang Spots in the UK Food Scene
Australia’s Emerging Malatang Brands
Global Chains With Growing Western Presence
How to Choose the Right Malatang Franchise Opportunity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Introduction: What Is Malatang & Why It’s Trending

Malatang (麻辣烫), literally “numbing spicy hot,” is a Sichuan street food where diners customize bowls of meats, vegetables, noodles, and other ingredients cooked in a spicy, aromatic broth. Unlike traditional table hotpot, Malatang is typically prepared for individual customers and priced by weight — a format that’s ideal for fast-casual concepts and franchise scaling.

In Western markets, Malatang’s customization, bold flavors, and quick service format have driven growing interest among consumers seeking new Asian food experiences — both dine-in and delivery-ready options.

2. Top Malatang Franchises & Restaurants in the US

Here are some of the most popular Malatang eateries and emerging franchise models across key cities in the United States:

🇺🇸 Must-Try Malatang Restaurants

YGF Malatang (New York) – A highly rated New York location offering authentic Sichuan Malatang with a range of fresh ingredients and customizable spice levels.
YGF Malatang (Arcadia) – Popular Los Angeles area choice with great reviews for robust broth and ingredient variety.
Zhangliang Malatang Westwood – Part of the globally recognized Zhang Liang brand, known for its comprehensive DIY Malatang experience.
Zhangliang Malatang Chicago – Chicago’s hotspot for classic Malatang bowls with vibrant, spicy flavors.
FY Malatang & Mulan Malatang – Highly reviewed regional spots with strong local fan bases for Malatang and hotpot-style dining.
Hey Tang MALATANG – Self-service style restaurant trusted for fresh ingredients and competitive prices.

Why These Matter

Many of these locations — especially those under established brands like YGF (Yang Guo Fu) and Zhang Liang — have adopted replicable operations and menus that support potential franchise growth. Their success reflects rising consumer appetite for spicy, customizable dining options in fast-casual formats.

3. Leading Malatang Spots in the UK Food Scene

Although traditional Malatang concepts are still rare in the UK, authentic styles are gaining traction through flagship openings and international brands:

🇬🇧 Notable UK Malatang Presence

Pot Pot Malatang (London) – A well-reviewed hotpot and Malatang restaurant in central London offering build-your-own bowls with fresh ingredients and customizable soup bases. Pot Pot Malatang
MealTime Malatang (Fitzrovia, London) – A Shanghai-based brand that recently made its European debut in London, focusing on fresh and flavorful Malatang bowls in a casual setting.
Yangguofu Malatang Expansion – The world’s largest Malatang brand has launched flagship locations in Chinatown and other UK hotspots, introducing a broad ingredient selection and authentic Sichuan-inspired broths to London diners.

London’s multicultural dining scene makes it a prime gateway for Malatang franchise growth.

4. Australia’s Emerging Malatang Brands

Australia’s melting pot of Asian cuisine has seen rapid adoption of hotpot and Malatang formats:

🇦🇺 Key Australian Malatang Concepts

Zhang Liang Malatang (Franchise) – A globally established Malatang brand that offers franchise opportunities in Australia, including turnkey support, supply chain systems, and training.
Auntie Tang’s Malatang (Halal) – A unique Australian restaurant focusing on halal-certified Malatang bowls with fresh ingredients and rich broth.
David’s Master Pot Hotpot Buffet – Though primarily a buffet hotpot concept, this brand’s expansion and franchising model reflect strong interest in Sichuan-style soup bowls across Australia.

Australia’s diverse population and strong café culture make it a fertile ground for scalable Malatang and hotpot-style franchises.

5. Global Chains With Growing Western Presence

Some brands have already achieved international recognition and multi-country expansion:

📈 Global Malatang Powerhouses

Yang Guo Fu Malatang – Often cited as the world’s largest Malatang chain with nearly 7,000 restaurants worldwide and ongoing expansion into Europe, North America, and Australia.
Zhang Liang Malatang – With over 6,000 stores across 49 cities in 18 countries, this brand exemplifies how Malatang can become a globally replicated dining model.

These brands are attractive from both a consumer popularity and franchise scalability perspective due to their structured systems and international support networks.

6. How to Choose the Right Malatang Franchise Opportunity

If you’re considering a restaurant franchise — whether Malatang or hotpot — prioritize these aspects:

📌 What to Evaluate

Brand Recognition & Track Record – Established names with proven operations in multiple markets.
Comprehensive Franchise Support – Training, marketing, supply chain, and site selection assistance.
Menu Customization & Local Fit – Ability to tailor offerings to local tastes and dietary trends.
Operational Efficiency – Systems for consistency, fast service, and cost control.

Franchises that balance authentic culinary experience with strong business frameworks tend to perform best in Western markets.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Malatang different from hotpot?

Unlike traditional hotpot — where diners cook at the table — Malatang bowls are prepared by staff after customers choose ingredients; they’re served ready to eat, often priced by weight.

Are there Malatang franchises in the UK?

Yes — brands like Pot Pot Malatang and Yangguofu Malatang have opened flagship locations in London and are building awareness among UK diners.

Is Malatang suitable for franchising?

Absolutely. Its customizability, quick service format, and growing global demand — especially among younger diners — make it well suited for scalable restaurant concepts.

🥄 Final Thoughts

From bustling New York restaurants to flagship openings in London and franchise rollouts in Australia, Malatang has moved beyond niche cuisine to mainstream appeal. Whether you’re a foodie seeking the best spicy broth or an entrepreneur exploring franchise opportunities, this spicy soup sensation offers both cultural richness and commercial growth potential.

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