Malatang Express | 千味麻辣烫
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Quick info
About Malatang Express | 千味麻辣烫
Malatang Express, at Unit 38a in Durham, is a hot pot restaurant built around build-your-own malatang priced by weight. Diners pick their own ingredients, meat, fish balls, tofu, and leafy greens like Chinese leaf, then choose from multiple soup bases, including tom yum and a spicy bone broth. A complimentary condiment bar lets each person mix their own sauce to go with the bowl. Beyond the build-your-own format, the counter offers set dishes such as Braised Chicken, Braised Pork Bones, and Yuxiang Shredded Pork, with Sweet Sour Pork Ribs and baozi available to add on. Vegetarian and non-spicy options sit alongside the spicier choices. Staff work the counter and walk through the malatang process for anyone unfamiliar with it, and seating is walk-in with no reservations taken. The restaurant opens daily, and the full menu runs to 106 dishes.
Good to know
- ParkingPaid parking garage · Paid parking lot · Usually plenty of parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: seating
- Good for kidsHas changing table(s) · High chairs
- DietaryVegan options · Vegetarian options
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Menu & Prices
106 dishes · mains £2–109- Braised Chicken£8.75
- Braised Pork Bones£4.35
- Build Your Own -Signature Malatang£2.50
- Stir Fried Beef With Black Pepper Sauce£8.75
- Yuxiang Shredded Pork£8.75
- Sweet Sour Pork Ribs£8.75
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention pick-your-own ingredients, sauce and condiment bar, spicy bone broth and tom yum soup base.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention pick-your-own ingredients, sauce and condiment bar, spicy bone broth and tom yum soup base.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers return most for the build-your-own bowls, praising the big choice of ingredients such as leafy greens, tofu types, fish balls, beef and Chinese leaf, priced by weight. Close behind are the broths, with the classic spicy bone broth described as having just the right numbing spice and the tom yum called rich and flavorful. Staff are repeatedly called friendly and helpful, including to people unsure how malatang works, and the free sauce bar gets a mention. Several note plenty of vegetarian and non-spicy options, and one says vegetarian friends enjoy it. The main caveat is heat: two reviewers found the bowl mild, and one found the chili sauce not spicy at all, though the condiments let them adjust it. One reviewer also wished for lime at the sauce bar. One reviewer reports finding worms in a delivered order and questions the hygiene. Regulars describe coming back weekly and finding the shop quiet and clean, with the counter staff greeting people as they walk in.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers return most for the build-your-own bowls, praising the big choice of ingredients such as leafy greens, tofu types, fish balls, beef and Chinese leaf, priced by weight. Close behind are the broths, with the classic spicy bone broth described as having just the right numbing spice and the tom yum called rich and flavorful. Staff are repeatedly called friendly and helpful, including to people unsure how malatang works, and the free sauce bar gets a mention. Several note plenty of vegetarian and non-spicy options, and one says vegetarian friends enjoy it. The main caveat is heat: two reviewers found the bowl mild, and one found the chili sauce not spicy at all, though the condiments let them adjust it. One reviewer also wished for lime at the sauce bar. One reviewer reports finding worms in a delivered order and questions the hygiene. Regulars describe coming back weekly and finding the shop quiet and clean, with the counter staff greeting people as they walk in.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“We enjoyed dining at this hotpot inspired restaurant. Plenty of non-spicy and vegetarian options with the option to order extras such as baozi. There is a complimentary condiment section as well.”
- Google user
“My friend and I come here every Wednesday because it’s the best malatang place in durham. Friendly staff, great music and a lot of option. Definitely recommend!”
- Google user
“There are tons of ingredients to choose from here, so you can mix and match pretty freely. I actually enjoyed picking different things for my bowl. For the taste, it was a bit on the mild side for me, but it’s not a big deal since there are condiments on the side so you can adjust the flavor yourself. Portion size feels fair for the price. Staff were friendly, and overall I think it’s a solid malatang spot if you’re around Durham.”
- Google user
“The food is very delicious. There are many kinds of meat which I like to eat. Service is also very good! Recommend!”
- Google user
“Easily the best Malatang in Durham! The ingredient selection is incredibly fresh—lots of leafy greens, different types of tofu, and quality meats. I highly recommend the classic spicy bone broth; it has just the right amount of 'numbing' spice without being overwhelming. The shop is clean, and the staff are very efficient. It’s my new go-to spot for a comforting, authentic Chinese meal”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Malatang is a beloved Chinese dish known for its customisable nature and bold, spicy broth. At Malatang Express, you become the chef as you select from a wide array of fresh ingredients, including meats, vegetables, noodles and choice of broth (spicy and non-spicy), to create your perfect bowl of Malatang. Join us for a culinary adventure like no other, where every bowl tells a unique story of flavour and spice! You can still pre-order sushi to collect via nudosushibox .com and placing an order 1 day before collecting.”
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Popular for solo dining
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Paid parking garage
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Show more amenities
- Vegan options
- Casual
- Onsite services
- Quick bite
- Solo dining
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Dining options· 5
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Seating
- Table service
- Atmosphere· 1
- Trendy
- Crowd· 3
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
- Family-friendly· 2
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Offerings· 2
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Parking· 2
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Location
Restaurants near Malatang Express | 千味麻辣烫
- The Curious Mr Fox4.43750 mi
afternoon tea, mezze buffet, lamb skewers
- 0.1 mi£20–30Outdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
authentic Thai flavors, mango sticky rice, papaya salad
- Cosy Club4.57950.1 mi£20–50Outdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
smash burgers, vegan menu, seafood pasta
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malatang Express | 千味麻辣烫Vegan options · Vegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible | 4.7325 | — | £10–20 | pick-your-own ingredients, sauce and condiment bar, spicy bone broth |
| The Curious Mr Fox | 4.4375 | 0 mi | — | afternoon tea, mezze buffet, lamb skewers |
| Zaap Thai Street Food DurhamOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.8635 | 0.1 mi | £20–30 | authentic Thai flavors, mango sticky rice, papaya salad |
| Cosy ClubOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.5795 | 0.1 mi | £20–50 | smash burgers, vegan menu, seafood pasta |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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