Mala-no-Tora Opens in Katsushika: Experience Authentic Sichuan Flavors

Exciting Opening of Mala-no-Tora in Katsushika

A new chapter unfolds in the culinary scene of Katsushika, Tokyo, with the highly anticipated opening of Mala-no-Tora, a specialized restaurant for Mala Soup (麻辣湯) and Mala Ban (麻辣拌). This remarkable establishment is managed by Mala-no-Tora Co., Ltd., headed by CEO Hitoshi Kakizaki. Opening its doors on September 1, 2026, the restaurant is part of a franchise that promises a true taste of Sichuan cuisine in Japan.

Mala-no-Tora's Katsushika branch follows in the footsteps of its successful Takeshita location, which boasts a stellar Google Review rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 419 reviews. In addition to the Katsushika branch, plans are underway to open another outlet in Kokubuncho, Sendai, catering to the growing demand for authentic Chinese flavors.

Special Opening Event

To celebrate the grand opening, a unique promotional campaign will take place from September 1 to September 7. Customers visiting during this period will receive a receipt that can be used to avail a 50% discount on their next Mala Soup or Mala Ban order from September 8 to September 15. This is an excellent incentive for first-time visitors to enjoy their authentic dishes at a reduced price.

Commitment to Authenticity

What sets Mala-no-Tora apart in a crowded market is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. Unlike many eateries that rely on pre-packaged soup bases, Mala-no-Tora prepares its own beef bone broth daily. This is complemented by spices imported directly from Sichuan and a secret recipe chili oil that contains over ten different seasonings. According to the management, deviating from this painstaking process would undermine the very premise of replicating the flavors of authentic Sichuan cuisine in Japan.

The Katsushika outlet will uphold this traditional preparation process, ensuring that every bowl served is a true representation of the flavors that originated from Sichuan.

Create Your Own Mala Experience

The highlight of a visit to Mala-no-Tora is the unique opportunity to craft a personalized meal. With more than 100 ingredients available, customers can weigh their selections at 380 yen per 100 grams. The ordering process engages diners in a four-step experience:

1. Choose a base: Options include various noodles such as Spring Onion Noodles and Wide Noodles.
2. Select toppings: Choose from a wide array of vegetables, meats, and seafood, picking as many as you like.
3. Pick your spice level: Customers can choose from 0 to 10 on the spiciness scale, accommodating both those who prefer milder flavors and spice aficionados.
4. Receive your dish: The final result is served steaming hot, enriched with the homemade beef broth and signature chili oil.

This innovative model allows diners the flexibility to control the amount spent based on their appetite or mood for the day, down to the gram. For those who may not enjoy spicy food or are dining with children, options like the Mala Ban, a non-soup dish tossed in their special Mala sauce, are readily available.

Expanding Offerings

But the menu doesn't stop at Mala Soup. The Katsushika branch also features several side dishes, allowing guests to enjoy a complete dining experience:

- Juicy Shumai: Steamed dumplings packed with flavor.
- Taiwanese Lu-Ro Rice: Featuring tender braised pork on rice.
- Crispy and Juicy Giant Fried Chicken: Seasoned with a house special spice blend.

Whether opting for a single dish or a combination of delightful offerings, customers will find the menu well-balanced to satisfy various cravings. Takeout is available, making it easy for locals to enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of their home.

Location and Accessibility

Mala-no-Tora Katsushika is located at 6-5-9 Higashi-Katsushika, Edogawa, Tokyo, just a three-minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line's Katsushika Station. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with last orders at 9:00 PM, the restaurant suits both lunch crowds and late-night diners. It also provides takeout services for added convenience.

This latest addition to Katsushika aims to merge health-conscious dining with authentic Chinese cuisine, reflecting the growing recognition of Mala soup as a burgeoning culinary trend in Japan. Through its expansions and franchise model, Mala-no-Tora is set to pave the way for bringing genuine Sichuan flavors to even more diners.