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Zhangliang Malatang: Where Cold Ends and Soup Begins
The Perfect Comfort Food When the Weather Turns Cold

Written by Marlene Joseph

Wednesday 30 April 2025

A Build Your Own Soup Experience You Won't Forget

Zhangliang Malatang is more than just a meal — it’s a fully immersive, build-your-own hotpot experience rooted in the vibrant street food culture of China. Born in 2008 in the lively city of Harbin, it has grown into a global culinary powerhouse, with nearly 6,000 outlets across over 1,000 cities and countries worldwide. Zhangliang Malatang has redefined fast-casual dining with bold, fiery flavors that warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re craving comfort on a rainy day or a spicy kick to shake off the cold, Zhangliang offers an unforgettable taste of modern Sichuan-style street food, one bowl at a time.

How to Make Your Own Bowl at Zhangliang Malatang

Step 1: Grab a bowl

Start by grabbing a stainless steel bowl and a pair of tongs from the self-serve fridge section.

Step 2: Choose Your Ingredients

Walk through the fridge area and pick from over 100 fresh ingredients:

  • Proteins: sliced beef, chicken, tofu, fish balls, prawns, and more
  • Veggies: bok choy, mushrooms, lotus root, enoki, Chinese cabbage
  • Noodles: instant noodles, glass noodles, potato noodles
  • Add-ons: tofu skins, bean sprouts, seaweed, and more

👉 Pro tip: You pay by weight — $3.88 per 100g, so load up with care (or go all out — we won’t judge!)

Step 3: Choose Your Soup Base

  • Signature Bone Soup Malatang - offers an unparalleled culinary experience with beef bones slow-cooked for hours, creating a rich, profound broth. A perfect balance of heat and flavor, each sip is a journey through layers of spice and warmth.
  • Tomato Soup Malatang - crafted from the finest tomatoes, this soup base offers a refreshing burst of pure tomato flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and sour. A visual delight and a deliciously harmonious blend.
  • Mushroom Soup Malatang - A symphony of freshness with earthy tones from hand-selected mushrooms. Free from artificial additives, this soup base brings the genuine taste of nature to your table.
  • Tom Yum Soup Malatang - A blend of coconut milk, citronella, and Thai herbs, creating a creamy, zesty soup that offers an unforgettable taste experience. A symphony of flavors that tantalize your taste buds

Alternative Option

  • Dry Malatang - Zhang Liang offers a spicier, broth-free alternative with Dry Malatang, where the same delicious ingredients are transformed into a vibrant, bold dish. Instead of broth, the ingredients are stir-fried with a mouthwatering blend of spicy oils, seasonings, and aromatic herbs, creating a flavorful coating that brings out the perfect balance of heat and taste in every bite.

Step 4: Weigh and Pay 

​Zhang Liang Malatang in Australia primarily operates on a pay-by-weight system, where the cost is determined by the total weight of the ingredients you select. The price typically ranges from A$3.50 to A$4 per 100 grams, but they have minimum order depending on the specific ingredients chosen

Step 5: Add Extra Flavour 

Customize your Malatang bowl with optional ingredients like garlic, chili oil, sesame oil, or peanut sauce, etc. Complimentary tap water is offered.

Step 6: Wait for the Bowl to be Ready

The staff will cook your ingredients in the selected broth while you wait. Grab a seat, and your steaming bowl of custom malatang will be ready in just a few minutes.

My Personal Experience

As the days grow colder, I find myself craving the comforting warmth of a hearty meal, and there's no place that satisfies this craving quite like Zhang Liang Malatang. Nestled in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown, this restaurant has become my favorite spot for a bowl of spicy, flavorful goodness.

What sets Zhang Liang apart from other malatang spots is the exceptional quality of ingredients. The meats, proteins, and vegetables are always fresh, ensuring a delightful dining experience with every visit. The broths are rich and flavorful, often requiring no additional seasoning, though the extensive sauce station allows for personalized enhancements.

One of my personal favorites is the Signature Malatang Soup. This rich, complex broth starts with marrow-rich beef bones simmered gently for over 12 hours, extracting every ounce of flavor. It's then enhanced with a carefully selected blend of more than 20 traditional Chinese herbs, resulting in a golden, thick base that's both spicy and aromatic without being greasy

Zhang Liang Malatang offers a welcoming atmosphere with ample seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience even during peak hours. The restaurant's popularity is a testament to its consistent quality and appeal. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or prefer milder flavors, Zhang Liang provides a range of options to suit every palate. For those who enjoy a fiery kick, the spicy broths are a must-try. If you prefer something gentler, the Tomato and Mushroom bases offer a soothing alternative without compromising on taste.​

As winter approaches, I highly recommend visiting Zhang Liang Malatang. It's the perfect spot to warm up, indulge in delicious flavors, and enjoy a comforting meal with friends or family.​

Zhangliang Malatang Locations in Sydney