At the table
Choose your ingredients and ask for your preferred chili level before they are cooked and dressed. Mix the bowl and taste a small bite first.
The chili dressing can contain peanuts; broth and add-ins may contain meat or fish. Ask about the complete bowl, not just the vegetables.
Customers choose the contents. Some versions also include fish balls.
A mild bowl without chili oil may suit a child, but this differs from the typical chili-dressed version; offer it only if the vendor confirms that exact preparation.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Customers choose the contents. Some versions also include fish balls.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Chili fragrance, garlic and numbing pepper.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- A mix of noodles and vegetables; texture depends on the selected ingredients.
- How it’s made
- Boil the chosen ingredients, remove skewers and mix with seasonings, broth and chili oil.
Customers choose the contents. Some versions also include fish balls.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Gansu.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有天水麻辣烫吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
When Tianshui put malatang on the travel map
After Tianshui malatang surged online in March 2024, the city held an eight-day food festival at Fengyun Square in Tianshui Old City. Tastings came with local-product stalls, travel-route promotions and cultural performances, while a dedicated “malatang line” was arranged for visitors arriving by high-speed rail. The program placed one bowl at the center of a wider introduction to Tianshui’s food and sights.