Xiangfu Malatang, a Chinese restaurant known for its distinctive heat and aroma, opened on the 27th on the east side of the first basement level. Malatang, which originated in Sichuan, is a spicy soup dish seasoned with Sichuan pepper and chili. It has begun to catch on especially among health-conscious young women.
The menu has two items: malatang with a choice of toppings and heat (from 600 yen), and sukiyaki-style lu rou fan (from 580 yen). Ordering malatang means choosing (1) a soup, (2) noodles, (3) heat from 0 to 5, and (4) toppings—so guests can finish the bowl to their own taste.
Founding members of the chain Shangri-La’s Secret opened the shop. The malatang is based on “black soup,” a mushroom broth simmered from more than 30 kinds of dried mushrooms—Shangri-La Secret’s signature.