Mala tang shops in Singapore you should visit
If your taste buds are adventurous and you find the mere thought of a simmering, spicy broth exciting, then you’re in for a treat. We’re diving into the world of mala tang, the customizable, cook-it-yourself soup that’s taken the food scene by storm. With a myriad of ingredients to choose from, you can change up your proportions and choice of meat, vegetables, and carbs to always create a truly unique meal.
Sure, the haters might say that it’s just a spicy yong tau foo, but true connoisseurs know that the sizzling broth-based cousin of the beloved mala xiang guo offers a twist to your fiery feast. Unlike the humble YTF, mala tang generally comes with a more robust broth, often made with a rich bone broth, accompanied with dried chillies, Sichuan peppercorns, spices, and other ingredients.
But which mala tang shall reign supreme? We take a look at the mala contenders.
A Hot Hideout
Homegrown brand A Hot Hideout has humble beginnings. Originally operating out of a single stall at Banyan Hall in NTU, they stand out with their unique offerings such as fluffy scrambled eggs. In addition, some ingredients are separately deep fried for maximum crisp, such as potatoes, lotus root, luncheon meat, and dory fish.
Today, A Hot Hideout has 3 branches: NTU, Sembawang Cottage, and KINEX. Prices start at $2.48 for 100g of ingredients, while bases are charged separately. Mala Collagen and Tomato Collagen cost an additional $2.50 each, while Collagen Soup and Mala Stir Fry are an extra $1.50, and Oriental Stir Fry at $0.50.
Yang Guo Fu
Hailing from Harbin, China, Yang Guo Fu was one of the first mala tang spots that opened in Singapore, all the way back in November 2020. YGF is also one of the largest mala tang franchises around, with more than 6,000 outlets all around the world.
Three bases are available here: a rich milky Spicy Mala Beef Broth, a vegetarian Tomato Broth, and Mala Ban, which is served dry and topped with a signature mala sauce. You also have the option of three spice levels, so you can always get the perfect spice balance.
If you’re one of those sauce fiends who has a secret sauce recipe for everything, you’ll be pleased to know that each outlet has a well-stocked sauce station, featuring all the sauce essentials such as sliced chilli, sesame paste, soy sauce, and more.
Prices here are fixed at $2.88 for 100g, with no extra charge for broths.
Yang Guo Fu’s outlets are located at Northpoint City, Esplanade Xchange, Singpost, Bugis+, Plaza Singapura, Harbourfront Centre, Orchard Gateway, and Westgate.
Zhang Liang
Also hailing from Harbin, Zhang Liang was also one of the first international mala tang chains to open up on our shores. And they’re no slouches either. With nearly 6.000 stores worldwide, Zhang Liang is also one of the bigger boys in the business.
There are five bases here: Mala bone broth, Tomato soup, Mushroom, Tom Yum, and Dry Mala. Each soup base is made with a bone marrow-packed broth bursting with flavour, made by simmering beef bones for 12 hours.
They also have their own sauce station for you to unleash your inner sauce Picasso.
At $3.08 per 100g, Zhang Liang is a pricier option, but it’s said to have one of the best soups.
Zhang Liang’s outlets are located at Tampines 1, Pickering Street, and Bugis Junction.
Gong Yuan
Even if you live under a rock, you’d probably have walked past a Gong Yuan outlet. After all, they’re Singapore’s biggest mala tang chain, with a whopping SEVENTEEN outlets around the island – a major feat for a home-grown brand.
That’s right, Gong Yuan is a 100% Singaporean brand, and is part of the parent brand group as LiHO and Piak’s Bibim.
With no less than 8 bases, Gong Yuan is the place to go for some variety. Apart from the classic Mala Soup, you can also choose from a Pickled Vegetable and a Dry Hot and Sour dressing. Prices start at $3.18 per 100g.
Dragon Mala Tang
Here’s the cheapest of the lot: at just $1.98 per 100g, Dragon Mala Tang is probably the most economical mala tang in all of Singapore! While prices are lower here, their soup bases remain properly epic. Take your pick from the classic Mala, Tomato, Sweet and Sour, and Pumpkin soups.
Conveniently located at Republic Plaza, Dragon Mala Tang is a rare spot in the CBD for some budget eats.
Mala tang for mala fans
Whether you’re a mala maestro or a newbie to the numbing spice, these eateries offer something for everyone. So, next time you’re out and about, craving something both warming and electrifying, you know where to go.
If your favourite mala tang spot isn’t here, reach out to us! Leave us a comment on Rekko’s Instagram and TikTok pages, or join our community on Telegram.
