About this spot
Malvafou in Gulou (Drum Tower) does hotpot — a bubbling pot of broth at your table where you cook raw meats, vegetables, and noodles yourself. Chengdu-style is mouth-numbingly spicy and absolutely addictive.
💡 Tips before you go
- Get the yuanyang (half-and-half) pot — spicy and mild broth sides
- Sichuan mala (numbing-spicy) is the signature flavor
- Mix your own dipping sauce at the sauce bar — sesame paste + garlic + cilantro is the classic
- Thin-sliced meat cooks in 10-15 seconds. Don't overcook it.
Common Questions
Where is Malvafou?
It's in Gulou (Drum Tower), Beijing.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
Very little English outside international hotels. Photo menus, Google Translate camera, and pointing are essential. Learn "zhè ge" (this one).
What should I order?
Yuanyang pot (half spicy, half mild). Sliced lamb, beef, tofu skin, mushrooms, and hand-pulled noodles to finish.
About this page
Restaurant: Malvafou
Cuisine: hotpot
Location: Gulou (Drum Tower), Beijing, China
Source: Curated from local review platforms