Craving Greens in Barcelona: A Malatang Delight
It might sound a bit strange, but anyone who's traveled extensively through Europe from Vietnam will understand that intense craving for fresh vegetables. My friend, upon arriving here, exclaimed, "The food here doesn't have a lot of vegetables, and when it does, it's simply seasoned with salt and pepper, not the rich flavors we're used to." His declaration spurred our search, and thankfully, I have a fantastic find to share with you all!
Discovering MAO MASTER: Your Sichuan Malatang Fix
MAO MASTER is a charming little spot in Barcelona specializing in malatang – a delightful personal hot pot experience originating from Sichuan. It's wonderfully straightforward with just three simple steps:
- Step 1: Select Your Ingredients. Dive into a vibrant array of choices, from seasonal greens like chrysanthemum greens, bok choy, and water spinach, to an assortment of mushrooms, seaweed, lotus root, and beans. You'll also find plenty of meat and seafood options. Feel free to add noodles or rice to complete your meal!
- Step 2: Weigh and Pay. The beauty of malatang is its pay-by-weight system. You're charged based on the total weight of your chosen ingredients, priced at €2.35 per 100 grams. This means you can truly tailor your meal to your appetite and budget – eat a little or eat a lot!
- Step 3: Choose Your Broth and Wait. Select your preferred broth from their enticing menu, and then simply find a table and anticipate the deliciousness to come.
A Flavorful Broth Selection
MAO MASTER offers a range of signature broths to tantalize your taste buds. Naturally, you can expect the classic Sichuan spicy broth. For those seeking something different, they also serve dry mixed hot pot, pickled vegetable broth, tomato broth, the zesty Thai Tom Yum, and a nourishing, non-spicy chicken broth – perfect for younger diners!
Visit Information
Address: Carrer d'Aribau 47, Barcelona
Opening Hours: 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM. This place is consistently bustling with Chinese patrons, a testament to its authenticity and quality. When the locals approve, you know you're in for a treat!
Pro Tip: If you find yourself craving this style of meal in other European cities, try searching for malatang. I've discovered fantastic spots in Rome and Paris during my travels!
