Helsinki visit | Malatang Mala master

🏃♂️ The Great Ingredient Hunt: The self-serve bar was a sensory overload in the best way—rows of fresh veggies, marinated meats, and chewy noodles glistening under warm lights. I went a bit overboard (no regrets!) and loaded my tray with over 600g of goodies—think tender beef slices, crunchy bok choy, springy enoki mushrooms, and a handful of quail eggs. 🥢 After applying the opening discount, the total came to under €16—a steal for the mountain of food! When ordering the broth, I defaulted to "spicy" without a second thought. The owner smiled and warned, "This is our spiciest level!" 🔥 Moments later, a Finnish diner next to us asked for "mild," and I realized there were actually four options: mild, medium, spicy, and tomato. Note to self: ask for custom spice levels next time! Each order comes with a complimentary drink 🥤 (I picked lychee soda), a nice touch that rounds out the meal. 🥘 Flavor Breakdown: The spicy broth had a deep, numbing kick from Sichuan peppercorns, though I secretly wished for a tad more umami. The real MVP? Pork tripe I nearly did a happy dance seeing this rare find in Finland—it was chewy, cleaned perfectly, and absorbed the broth like a champ. The sesame paste dipping sauce was a game-changer. I asked the staff to mix it with soy sauce and minced garlic, creating a creamy, nutty dip that elevated every bite. 🍜 Post-Meal Coma: Let’s just say 600g is way too much for one person. I waddled out of there feeling like a stuffed dumpling, so full that dinner was completely off the table. To counter the grease, I headed straight to Teemaa for a pot of oolong tea 🍵 and a slice of matcha mille-feuille cake 🎂—the delicate, layered sweetness was the perfect palate cleanser. ✨ Final Thoughts: The hype is real, and the discount makes it even better. While the broth didn’t blow me away, the sheer variety, friendly staff, and cozy vibe make it a solid spot for a casual lunch. Just remember to pace yourself at the ingredient bar… or bring a hungry friend to share the feast! #HelsinkiFood #Finland #RestaurantReview #SpicyHotPot #FoodieAdventure