Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    YGF Malatang

    3.4 (37 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:30 pm

    Order YGF Malatang Takeout or Delivery

    YGF Malatang Photos

    Business Info

    YGF MALATANG ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - YGF Malatang

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Tomato sweet and sour malatang
    Jackie D.

    3.5 Overall. It's what you'd expect for malatang. The price can easily add up with adding a little bit of everything into a jumbo bowl. Everyone in my party spent anywhere between $25-40 / bowl before tax and tip. I liked the yam and green noodles (in package) that you can add to your bowl. Wish there were more seafood options for pescatarians - that I believe other malatang joints in Allston/Boston have. For the marinated meats, it would've been more sanity to have separate tongs just for those to ensure no downstream contamination. I get everything gets cooked in an extra hot broth prior to eating, but still! Service was fine, nothing to write home about but also no complaints. Lots of students and hungry young folks eating here. Not the worst or best, but decent choice if everywhere else is packed on a weekend night!

    Jane D.

    The first time I went here, it seemed nice and I came back 2 more times after that but I have since noticed that the service has worsened after every visit. The first thing I noticed was that there were no more aprons. Then, I noticed that you have to pay before the food is made. The worst part though is that you have to not only pay before getting your food but leave a tip if you want to dine in. This place barely has any seats in it. It's quite loud and there is a make your own sauce bar. I most likely won't be going back though because my food was terrible last time and I had to tip and pay before the food even got made.

    Outside

    The food (MalaTang hot pot) was very delicious. The services was great and fast. I enjoy this self pick your ingredients of meats, vegetables, noodles and broth and they cooked for me. My first time in the City and at this location.

    Beef bone broth with some spice
    Joy S.

    First time here. We just randomly found this place. You just grab the bowl, pick whatever item you like (variety of meat, veggies, seafood, and noodle). They will wait it and give you number. Once it's ready, they will serve at your table. My hot pot was perfect (I asked for little spicy but it's more like medium to me). My husband's one was super spicy. Be prepared if you want to order spicy.

    Alice D.

    The food isn't bad, but service and pricing were not the best. This is a pay as you weigh spot so how much food you put into your bowl determines the price; the price per pound is honestly way too high in my opinion for the quality and quantity of food, but maybe that's just me. The bowl I got was almost $50 - definitely more than I expected given the quantity of food! Service was difficult to work with as well - people are rarely walking around so it was hard to finally get our check as they said they would bring it to us, but they never really appeared until we asked again. The place was also not that clean - I don't think they wipe the tables down every single time between parties. Overall, I probably wouldn't come back, but I think this is an okay spot for malatang-esque food.

    Beef bone broth
    Kimberly D.

    One of my favorite malatang places. The broth is delicious and rich, and there is wide variety of ingredients to choose from: bok choy, potato, a number of mushrooms, a number of noodles, beef, lamb, the list goes on! But be warned: you must get at least 1lb of food. At the time of this review, 1lb is $14.99. You can also pair your meal with a custom sauce, as there is a sauce counter to the side of the restaurant. Seating can get tough to find when it is a busy hour, but it's easy to get a seat if you're 1-2 people. Music isn't too loud, so it's a great solo eating spot.

    Build-your-own malatang counter
    Kasey H.

    We were excited to try New England's first YGF Malatang, as we've heard good things about the ones in California. There is limited seating available, and it was quite busy ~5:30pm on a Sunday. Thankfully, the servers are efficient, and there's relatively quick table turnover. This restaurant is a build-your-own malatang with a variety of vegetables, meats, and noodles to choose from. They had a large selection of high quality options including enoki mushrooms, beef, lamb, konjac noodles, wide bean noodles, frog legs, multiple types of tofu, beef and fish balls etc. You pay per pound and then choose a soup base (tomato broth, beef bone broth, or dry spicy mix) for the kitchen to prepare your ingredients with. They also have a free self-service sauce bar with scallions, hosin sauce, sesame sauce, orange slices, and more. We tried the beef bone broth and dry spicy mix. Both were fragrant but notably salty. The weight of your items quickly adds up, and everyone I came with spent ~$28 to $50 on their individual bowls. The ingredients are fresh and it's a unique dining experience, but for the price of dining here, we could've gone to an all-you-can-eat hot pot place or have a big Sichuan meal together instead, so I probably won't be returning anytime soon.

    Celine T.

    Absolutely not coming back to this place. Servers expected tips, saying it's necessary when dining in, and won't let you finish paying until you do so. Although we planned to tip in cash, it made us not want to tip them. Bone broth was not very flavorful and lacked depth. It tasted like water with a hint of savoriness. We had to add more of the sesame peanut sauce in order to save the broth. Noodles were overcooked and fell apart before you can pick it up. They had a good selection of add-ins and a decent sized sauce bar so it's unfortunate that this location missed the mark.

    Mimi C.

    In the area and decided to stop by and see what the malatang hype is all about. The service wasn't great and the place looks very casual and slightly close to run down. I like the idea of picking whatever you want to eat and pay by weight. The turnaround was quite quick and maybe for that reason, the soup was not steamy. I actually wondered if it was cooked because there were no signs of steam. But it was and the flavor was decent. Nothing impressive but does the job. The dessert was pretty good though. Overall, this place is great for a quick meal.

    Malatang
    Elizabeth K.

    Food: authentic mala flavor with medium spicy broth. The flavorful broth went well with all the veggies and fresh meat. To order, you have to pick ingredients you self and the staff with weigh them - has to be over 1 pound Staff: kind and friendly I take off a star because it was hit pricy for malatang - 1 pound was around $~18-20. But the food was good and ambience was clean

    Hot pot options
    Sierra H.

    We were excited to visit YGF since we've been to their locations in California before. We went shortly after opening and could tell that the staff was having trouble keeping up with the business (lots of the items were running low). We tried the beef bone broth and the spicy mix flavors. The spicy mix comes with the sauce on the side and you mix it in yourself. The beef bone broth was quite flavorful. Overall we enjoyed both though we were a bit disappointed by the lack of options. It also seemed a bit pricey for the amount of food we got (each bowl was ~$30) since it's charged by the pound. The dining space is quite small so it might be hard to come here with a larger group.

    Hursuong V.

    Hot pot without the hassle! I've been to the one in Bellevue, WA and was so excited for it to open here. You grab all of your ingredients (meats, fish/meat balls, veggies, noodles), choose your broth, and they cook it in the back for you! You can build your sauce while you wait and find a table (which can be challenging given the limited seating). Once it's ready they bring it out to you. Overall fast and easy process, delicious, and at a good price point (~$15/lb of ingredients). I thought they had a good selection of ingredients, American and Chinese drinks, and the sauce station was pretty good.

    Menu

    See all

    Photo of Sun c.
    98
    22
    4

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jane D.
    4
    34
    105

    27 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nicole W.
    1
    409
    10127

    13 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joy S.
    21
    125
    1874

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    wonderful place, amazing food, this pace was so great. good food and great service. food is very fresh

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    I love this place I always come here when I'm feeling down and I feel comforted. Especially with such good food:)

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 4
    Photo of Grier F.
    356
    151
    140

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mimi C.
    251
    454
    2441

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Loved the idea of choosing your own topics and customizing! Great customer service and good food

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liz Y.
    0
    11
    0

    1 year ago

    Very friendly workers and great fast-casual hotpot option. Lots of variety and good flavors. Highly recommend.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    I love their beef bone broth medium spicy soup. Good price and amazing soup. i come here every week.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Luna
    0
    1
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    YGF Malatang Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - YGF Malatang

    Review Highlights - YGF Malatang

    This place quickly became my go to for vegan food (it also has non vegan options if you prefer that).

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Chinese 29,625 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns - Shanghai Classic Pan Fried Buns (4 pcs)

    Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns

    4.3(94 reviews)
    0.6 miFenway

    Recommended by my friend, this pan-fried bun生煎 place isn't far from MFA Boston. The little place is…read moreincredibly popular and well-known among Boston's Chinese student community. Shanghai Classic Pork Pan-Fried Buns上海生煎饅頭: I was instantly hooked! It's hard to imagine finding such good pan-fried buns in the US. Almost every table ordered them, so they were all freshly made, piping hot. The bun was made with unleavened dough, making it chewy and refreshing, with a light, crispy bottom--not oily or hard. The meat filling was substantial and tender, with plenty of broth (see picture). It was sweeter than salty, incredibly umami. The chili oil was also very fragrant, and dipping it in Zhenjiang vinegar enhanced the flavor and cut through the greasiness. Shredded Pork & Preserved Vegetable Noodle Soup雪菜肉絲麵: The noodles were thin and round, with a soft, mushy texture. While the noodles were clearly machine-made, this isn't a problem in the Yangtze River Delta region; the issue was likely overcooking. The shredded pork were well-stirred, with tender meat, but the noodles lacked flavor. They had to be eaten with the pickled mustard greens雪菜 to be slightly salty, and the umami flavor was severely diluted. The tableware is all disposable, and tipping is not mandatory. It's quite affordable.

    First time seeing authentic Shanghai pan fried buns in US, I must say! From the look to the taste,…read moreI couldn't stop smiling, that's how it was supposed to be made! Highly recommend.

    Photos
    Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns - See in kitchen

    See in kitchen

    Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns - Shanghai Classic Pan Fried Buns (4 pcs)

    Shanghai Classic Pan Fried Buns (4 pcs)

    Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns - Shanghainese Pan Fried Buns

    See all

    Shanghainese Pan Fried Buns

    LiYin Rice Roll Master - Shrimp Rice Roll / Egg

    LiYin Rice Roll Master

    4.0(69 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    Walking to the St. Mary's St station to wait for the train, I looked up and saw Li Yin Rice Roll…read moreacross the street! I instantly teleported to the shop to show my support. Both Cantonese and Mandarin were seamlessly spoken. Shrimp Rice Roll / Egg: It looked very appealing. However, the soy sauce was ridiculously sweet, much sweeter than in China, completely exceeding the standard "umami and sweet" of the authentic Cantonese cheung fun腸粉 (rice roll) soy sauce. The cheung fun skin was somehow overcooked, so some parts without egg at the bottom were soggy from soaking in the soy sauce, making the whole roll quite greasy. I have to admire my culinary acumen: I managed to preserve most of the skin's basic texture with the extra egg. Fortunately, the shrimp were fresh enough, six in a serving, with a crispy texture. Oh well, since I'm in America, it's tolerable. I must say, I would never have come here specifically for this, never in my life. Spending $10+ on a plate of cheung fun after traveling so far, will make me feel more like a sucker than ever before!

    Great Hong Kong dining experience!…read more Located in Brookline on Beacon Street with abundant street parking, Liyin is a great walk-in option for breakfast lunch or dinner. They specialize in rice rolls with different fillings as well as porridge with a variety of toppings. We tried multiple items and I especially enjoyed the Shrimp Rice Roll! We also tried the Beef Chow Fun which was great and very flavorful. We also tried the Pineapple Fried Rice which was incredible! I don't usually like fried rice or pineapple but I really loved this dish--highly recommend. My friends also loved the Soybean Milk which comes out piping hot and sweet. Overall would definitely come back for a quick and yummy meal.

    Photos
    LiYin Rice Roll Master - Interior

    Interior

    LiYin Rice Roll Master - Pork & Preserved Egg Porridge

    Pork & Preserved Egg Porridge

    LiYin Rice Roll Master - Scallion Pancake

    See all

    Scallion Pancake

    Cubist Circle - Yu hsian shredded pork (鱼香肉丝)

    Cubist Circle

    4.2(25 reviews)
    1.9 miBrookline Village

    The best of the best!! The fish in a pot (干锅鱼)is the best!! It was crispy outside and very juicy…read moreand tender inside, the flavor was perfectly balanced with salty, peppery, and chili seasoning. Beef and tripe was very well seasoned and no weird taste at all. The duck blood is the best duck blood in Boston, very tender and delicious. The cost of the dishes surprisingly a little bit cheaper than other restaurants. Even though the restaurant was super super busy, a lot of people waiting for a seat, and there was only one server, a very friendly man, we had water refilled and all the dishes arrived quickly. The service was great. Because the food was so good, many people willing to wait for a seat. I love the small busy restaurant kind of ambience. I will definitely go back soon!

    A solid Chinese restaurant for the area. I have been to its Weymouth location. Not sure if this…read morelocation is newer than Weymouth or not. Limited street parking out front, but there are more street metered parking on the side street (next to the green line). The restaurant is much smaller than the Weymouth location, and the menu selection is also different. The server asked me to scan the QR code on the table for the menu, so I'm not sure if they have a paper menu. You can place the order directly via the QR code. I requested one dish to be non-spicy, and they were able to accommodate that. The only thing was that both dishes were a little bit too salty than my liking. I came here during a weekday lunch, and it wasn't super busy. I would return again.

    Photos
    Cubist Circle
    Cubist Circle - Chongqing noodles (重庆小面)

    Chongqing noodles (重庆小面)

    Cubist Circle - Mellow lunching

    See all

    Mellow lunching

    YGF Malatang - chinese - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...