FOB Poke Bar build your own bowl sibling Old Street Malatang arrives on Broadway CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News

Old Street Malatang has launched on Broadway, right next to FOB Poke Bar, introducing a fresh take on Szechuan cuisine to Capitol Hill. The restaurant offers a distinctive "build your own" hot pot experience, allowing customers to select various fresh toppings and spices tailored to their preferences. With ingredients priced at $12. 99 per pound, patrons can enjoy a customizable meal that retains the authentic flavors of Szechuan cooking. Co-owner Tommy Lay notes that their broths are infused with 50-80 different spices, contributing to the unique "mala" flavor profile that Szechuan cuisine is renowned for.

In addition to traditional broth options, Old Street Malatang features a stir-fry dish called "dry hot pot," which has been highlighted as a likely favorite among diners. The owners are hopeful that their location, chosen for its foot traffic, will draw in customers and help revitalize the neighborhood's food scene post-COVID. As part of their soft opening, they plan to expand their menu based on customer feedback, aiming to increase the number of available ingredients from 48 to 60. Old Street Malatang is positioned not only to cater to the local community but to introduce the joy of malatang dining to a broader audience beyond just the Chinese population.