Regina Troy Barrios

Sichu Malatang, The Restaurant That Started Manila's Mala Craze, Opens At SM North

Article (news)

Seven years after introducing malatang to Manila diners, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sichu.malatang/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sichu Malatang</a> is expanding with its 11th branch at The Block at SM North EDSA, marking another milestone for the restaurant known for its customizable Sichuan-style bowls.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782955133532Sichu Style_Malaxiangguo Drypot.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Malaxiangguo crypt | Photo: Sichu Malatang</div>Malatang, which literally means &quot;spicy, numbing, hot,&quot; is a popular Sichuan street food where diners build their own bowls by choosing from a selection of meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles before the ingredients are cooked in broth and priced by weight. The customizable format has become increasingly popular in Metro Manila in recent years.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782954995535SICHU MALATANG 1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Build-your-own Sichuan hotpot | Photo: Sichu Malatang</div>Founded in 2019 by Jeff Li, Sichu Malatang has built its reputation on preparing its broths and sauces from scratch with its in-house Chinese chefs. According to the restaurant, this approach has remained part of the brand since it opened.Li, who combines his formal culinary training with his Chinese heritage, said the restaurant has focused on adapting traditional Sichuan mala flavors for the local market while staying true to their origins.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782955061073Chef Chao (In-house Chinese Chef)_2.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Chef Chao | Photo: Sichu Malatang</div>&quot;As pioneers of this concept, we take immense pride in setting the standard. Every single one of our signature sauces is crafted entirely from scratch by our expert, in-house Chinese chefs,&quot; Li said.At the new SM North EDSA branch, guests can choose from Sichu&#x27;s four signature styles: Malatang (hotpot), Malaxiangguo (drypot), Malapan (mixpot), and the newly introduced Malaxiangguo Light, a lighter, less-greasy version of the brand&#x27;s drypot that is also vegan- and vegetarian-friendly.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782955099213SICHU MALATANG 3.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Chinese comfort food | Photo: Sichu Malatang</div>The SM North EDSA store is also the first to debut several new menu items, including Lao Gan Ma Fried Rice and an expanded gelato line with flavors such as Vanilla, Matcha, Mango, and Hojicha.The 45-seat branch features Sichu&#x27;s updated design, inspired by the atmosphere of late-night food districts. A circular ceiling installation, moodier lighting, and a graffiti mural by artist AC Bautista combine traditional Chinese elements with a contemporary street aesthetic.<div>Sichu Malatang&#x27;s newest branch is at The Block, SM North EDSA. For more information, follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sichu.malatang/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@sichu.malatang</a> on Instagram or call 0960 601 1961</div>

Sichu Malatang, the restaurant credited with introducing malatang to the Philippines, has opened its 11th branch at SM North EDSA, bringing its signature customizable Sichuan bowls, four dining styles, and exclusive new menu items to Quezon City.

Sichu Malatang, the restaurant credited with introducing malatang to the Philippines, has opened its 11th branch at SM North EDSA, bringing its signature customizable Sichuan bowls, four dining styles, and exclusive new menu items to Quezon City.

Sichu Malatang, The Restaurant That Started Manila's Mala Craze, Opens At SM North

People

Fashion

Beauty

Wellness

Travel

Culture

Living

Food

Weddings

Food

Sichu Malatang, The Restaurant That Started Manila's Mala Craze, Opens At SM North

Metro.Style,

with reporting support from Sophia Ancheta

Published June 30, 2026 09:25 AM PHT

|

Updated July 02, 2026 09:27 AM PHT

Read More:

sichu malatang

sm the block north edsa

mala hotpot

sichuan cuisine

chinese food

quezon city restaurants

new restaurants metro manila

manila food guide

jeff li

foodbymetro

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Metro.Style is your go-to destination for all things chic and stylish—featuring the latest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, celebrity news, and inspiring stories. It's your curated guide to living your best life.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.