The Chinese soup dish malatang is gaining popularity in Japan, with specialty restaurants expanding beyond major metropolitan cities and spin-off products such as a malatang-themed game being offered.A total of 273 new malatang specialty restaurants opened between January and June 2026, surpassing last year's figure, according to data provider Review Inc.Among those benefiting from the growing popularity of the dish is malatang specialty chain "Cheepao Malatang," where a basic set consists of soup and glass noodles, with customers able to choose their favorite toppings from more than 50 var…READ FULL ARTICLE