Mala Fever: The Current Widespread Popularity
It’s safe to say that almost everyone has heard the term ‘Mala’ before. Currently, Mala has become a trendy item on the menu. However, many people might not know what Mala actually is or where it originated from. In this article, we will introduce you to Mala—what it is and why it has become so popular in Thailand that it has turned into today’s Mala Fever phenomenon.
Getting to Know Mala
Mala is a popular dish in Thai society that has its origins in China’s Sichuan province. Initially, Mala referred to a particular type of chili known for creating spicy and numbing sensations. It was commonly used to season skewered meats and vegetables. Over time, Mala chili was incorporated into a variety of dishes, including hotpots and instant noodles, which we enjoy today.
The term “Mala” combines two Chinese characters: “Ma,” meaning spicy, and “La,” meaning numbing. This combination perfectly describes the tingling and numbing sensation experienced after eating Mala.
Health Benefits of Mala
Beyond the numbing spicy heat of mala, many people may not be aware of the significant health benefits that Mala offers. The main ingredients of Mala are predominantly plants and herbs known for their beneficial properties. The health benefits of Mala include:
– Stimulating good blood circulation
– Increasing fat metabolism
– Strengthening the body’s immune system
– Relieving pain
Mala can offer numerous benefits, but it should be consumed in moderation. Avoid eating it in excessive amounts. Additionally, drinking the broth from Mala soup is strongly discouraged. The Mala chili is extremely spicy, and the soup contains a high amount of oil. This could lead to fat accumulation in the body, resulting in various health issues.
Mala Ingredients
In China, each household typically has its own unique method and recipe for making Mala, which varies based on personal preferences. However, the common preparation method involves simmering herbs and various chilies with beef bone broth and vegetable oil for several hours. Once prepared, the mixture is bottled in jars to be used as a seasoning in future cooking. The main ingredients in Mala include:
– Sichuan peppercorns
– Dried chilies
– Chili powder
– Doubanjiang (a bean sauce similar to Thai chili paste)
– Cloves
– Garlic
– Star anise
– Black cardamom
– Cumin
– Ginger
– Cinnamon
– Salt
– Sugar
Additionally, other herbs and spices such as sand ginger (fingerroot), Chinese white cardamom, or black sesame seeds can be added to create unique and distinctive flavors based on individual taste preferences.
What Started the ‘Mala Fever’?
Mala first gained popularity in northern Thailand before gradually spreading across the entire country, as we see today. However, when talking about Mala’s origins in Thailand, we need to look back approximately 5-6 years. The first official establishment to bring Mala to Thailand was ‘Haidilao,’ China’s number one famous Mala hotpot restaurant chain.
With its unique, intense flavor combining spiciness with the numbing sensation of Mala, many Thai people fell in love with this distinctive taste profile. It’s no surprise that Mala has become extremely popular today, leading to what is now known as the ‘Mala Fever’ phenomenon
Conclusion
Mala consumption has gained immense popularity today, with its origins linked to China. Its intense and unique flavor has particularly appealed to Thai people. However, it’s important to consume Mala in moderation to avoid potential health issues and other drawbacks associated with excessive intake.
For those looking for an exceptional Mala hotpot in bangkok experience with guaranteed flavors and high-quality ingredients, Shu Daxia is the perfect choice. For more information, please visit our website or make a reservation by calling 094-491-3900 or through other Shu Daxia contact channels.
