There are restaurants you go to for a quick bite, and then there are dining experiences you engross yourself in. Hot pot, by its very nature, is the latter. it’s an exciting gastronomic journey. And in the busy landscape of Pasig, Mala King does just that.
Mala King Hotpot has opened its first branch in Arcovia City, Pasig, bringing with it the bold, authentic flavors of Chongqing, China—the undisputed capital of mala.
Stepping into a hot pot restaurant isn’t just about ordering a meal; it’s making one. The experience begins with the golden pot, the star of it all.
This is where the fun starts, as you choose from a curated list of six different broths. Will you test your palate with the fiery and numbing Mala Original, or perhaps cozy up to the comforting richness of their Premium Bulalo? The choice is yours.
- Mala Original: The true star, infused with authentic Sichuan spices and customizable from level one to five. This is for the spice enthusiast who craves that perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and a signature numbing sensation.
- Premium Bulalo: A Filipino twist on a classic, offering a rich, hearty, slow-simmered beef shank broth with marrow goodness—comforting and familiar.
- Golden Chicken: Delivers a nuanced yet hearty taste, capturing the natural essence of chicken that pairs beautifully with almost any ingredient.
- Spicy Tom Yum: A zesty Thai favorite, bold with sour, spicy, and aromatic herbal notes.
- Signature Tomato: Bright, tangy, and refreshing, carrying the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes.
- Sukiyaki: A sweeter, savory Japanese-inspired broth with deep umami notes.
With such a diverse range, Mala King ensures there’s a flavor for every palate, whether you’re seeking fiery indulgence or soothing familiarity.
Craft Your Masterpiece, Your Way
Then comes the real artistry, the selection of ingredients. Instead of just picking from a menu, you’re building your own edible canvas. Each paper-thin slice of meat, each vibrant green vegetable, and each flavorful fish ball is a deliberate choice, waiting to be cooked in your chosen broth. Each pot is a unique mix of flavors that reflects each ones taste and personality.
Diners simply grab a basket and proceed to choose from a dazzling array of ingredients. The selection is vast and luxurious:
- Meats: Including premium chunk flap slices, marbled beef shank, tendons, and beef belly.
- Seafood: Offering scallops, sea cucumber, bamboo clams, blue crabs, and squid flowers.
- Vegetables: Featuring everything from lotus root and bamboo shoots to water spinach and seafood mushrooms.
- Specialty Balls and Toppings: Think lobster balls, cheese balls, and indulgent extras like luncheon meat and wontons.
What makes Mala King a cut above is this emphasis on premium ingredients. It’s not just about a buffet of choices; it’s about the quality of each item you add to the pot. The flavors meld together, with the broth deepening and evolving with every new ingredient you cook. It’s a taste that builds, one dip at a time, until the last few drops of soup are rich with the essence of everything that has gone before.
For roughly ₱500+, guests can select around 20 toppings (excluding noodles), with the serving already including rice and free ice cream to cool down that fiery palate. You can choose to have your creation as a traditional hot pot with broth, or as a flavorful dry mix or dry noodles.
To perfect your creation, don’t miss the dipping sauce bar. Go bold with gochujang or chili oil, add freshness with confit garlic purée or wansoy purée, or indulge in a touch of sweetness with apple-peach purée.
And for those who seek a little thrill, the restaurant’s “test your spice level” challenge adds a playful twist. It’s a bit of friendly competition, a way to add a story to your meal, and a chance to walk away with a premium ingredient as your prize.
To complete this rich and interactive experience, Mala King offers signature iced teas brewed from imported tea leaves. Always fresh, never powdered. These drinks are specifically designed to be the palate cleanser your meal needs:
- Mala King Signature: A smooth raspberry cooler with a tangy-sweet icy kick, perfect for cutting through the spice.
- Watermelon Breeze: Juicy and summer-fresh, an ideal thirst-quencher.
- Orange Sunrise: Bright, citrusy, and invigorating for a clean, revitalizing finish.
In a city that’s always on the move, Mala King offers a delightful pause. A chance to slow down, savor each bite, and truly connect with the people across the table. It’s more than just a hot pot; it’s a memorable experience worth sharing.
