Tianshui malatang, a spicy hot pot dish from northwest China’s Gansu Province, has recently taken social media by storm. The viral sensation has attracted tourists from across the country, eager to savor the unique flavors of this regional specialty.
Malatang, meaning “numbingly spicy soup,” is a hearty one-pot noodle soup infused with the rich taste of hot pot. The distinctive “soul flavor” of Tianshui malatang comes from local specialty ingredients—Maiji peppercorns and Gangu chili peppers—which impart the dish with its signature numbing spiciness.
The surge in popularity is reflected in travel data. According to TongCheng Travel, a major online travel agency in China, searches for trips to Tianshui have increased by 186 percent over the previous week as of Thursday, and the trend continues upward. Similarly, Trip.com reported on Tuesday that bookings for hotels and attractions in Tianshui have risen by 40 percent year-over-year in the past month.
The local culinary delight not only showcases the rich food culture of Gansu Province but also boosts tourism and the local economy. As more visitors flock to Tianshui to experience malatang firsthand, the city is embracing its newfound fame while sharing its traditional flavors with the world.
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Northwest China's Tianshui spicy hot pot goes viral on social media
cgtn.com
