Mei Wei Mei Ke (毎味毎客), an authentic Chongqing malatang chain with over 400 locations worldwide, is set to open its first Japan location on the 8th floor of the Yodobashi Ikebukuro Building (1-28-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo) on Friday, July 3, 2026.
About Mei Wei Mei Ke
Mei Wei Mei Ke is a malatang brand with over 400 locations, primarily in China. The name reflects the philosophy of respecting each individual's tastes and dining style, and offering a new flavor encounter with every visit. Guests choose their preferred ingredients from a wide selection to create their own personalized bowl — a format that has made the brand popular with a broad range of customers.
Japan's First Location: Authentic Chongqing Malatang
In Japan, malatang has become well known as a healthy glass noodle soup dish, particularly popular among younger women. In its home city of Chongqing, however, malatang is an everyday soul food that people of all ages and genders visit multiple times a week. The authentic Chongqing style involves cooking ingredients in broth and enjoying them with a special sauce or soup. A distinctive part of the experience is the entertainment of selecting ingredients from a lined-up display — a cultural element unique to the region. The Ikebukuro location aims to bring not just the flavors, but the everyday food culture and lively atmosphere of Chongqing to guests in Japan.
Four Key Features of Mei Wei Mei Ke
① Authentic Soup Directly Imported from China
The restaurant offers six types of soup — the heart of any malatang — directly imported from China to recreate the taste of authentic Chongqing. Based on original recipes from the home country, each soup is crafted using a blend of carefully selected spices, delivering a rich, layered flavor that goes well beyond simple heat, with a vibrant aromatic quality from the seasoning blend.
② Authentic Chongqing-Style "Individual Pot" Malatang
Unlike most malatang served in Japan — which tends to resemble a glass noodle soup — Mei Wei Mei Ke introduces the "individual pot" (一人一鍋) style that is hugely popular in Chongqing. This cooking method involves pouring hot oil infused with unique spices over the ingredients, offering a malatang experience not available elsewhere in Japan.
Youpou Malatang (spice level selectable / served with rice)
Mala Shanguo (spice level selectable / served with rice)
③ 90+ Ingredients and a Large Mist Showcase
One of the most striking features of the restaurant is its large mist showcase. Constantly filled with a fine mist, the display holds over 90 carefully selected ingredients — among the largest selection in Japan. Staples such as vegetables, meats, and mushrooms, as well as more unusual items, are kept at peak freshness at all times.
The mist showcase keeps all ingredients fresh.
④ A Complete Chongqing Experience
The restaurant recreates a Chongqing Mei Wei Mei Ke location in Japan in its entirety. From the spice-rich aromas of the directly imported soups and the 90+ ingredients displayed in the mist showcase, to the interior designed to reflect the energy of local Chongqing venues — the space is designed so that stepping inside feels like visiting an actual Mei Wei Mei Ke in Chongqing.
Chongqing Malatang (spice level selectable)
Beef Bone Soup
Rich Tomato Soup
Pea Soup
Overview
Restaurant name: Mei Wei Mei Ke Ikebukuro
Opening date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Website: https://www.meiweimeike.jp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maiajimaikyaku/
