Starting Tuesday, March 17, 2026, a highly anticipated new product will be released at 7-Eleven stores across Japan. Making its debut is the “Seven Premium Chibao Malatang Supervised Malatang,” the first-ever frozen food product supervised by “Chibao Malatang” (Qi Bao Ma La Tang), a popular restaurant that has been leading the Malatang boom in Japan. Malatang is a dish rooted in China’s Sichuan Province, consisting of spicy, spice-infused soup filled with vegetables and glass noodles. Since 2025, it has become an explosive trend in Japan, particularly among Gen Z, and the authentic flavors of the shop that sparked this craze can finally be enjoyed at home.
What is “Chibao Malatang,” the Icon of Japan’s Malatang Boom?
Currently, “Malatang” is the most talked-about genre in Japanese “Konbini” (convenience store) gourmet. This dish is characterized by the numbing heat of Sichuan pepper (hua jiao), the spicy kick of chili peppers, and the aromatic blend of various “Yakuzen” (medicinal) spices. It has gained immense support from health-and-beauty-conscious consumers who value its “detox effects.”
At the center of this boom is the soup glass noodle specialty shop “Chibao Malatang.” Founded in Shibuya, Tokyo, in 2007, the restaurant was produced by Hideyuki Ishigami, a man famous as Japan’s “Ramen King.” Mr. Ishigami traveled across China, eating at over 200 Malatang establishments and training at local shops himself to perfect a soup unique to Japan.
The concept of “Ishoku Dogen” (the Eastern philosophy that “food and medicine share the same source”)—the idea of becoming healthy from the inside out while eating—perfectly matches the needs of modern Japanese people, making the shop a popular destination with constant queues. This legendary flavor is now being rolled out nationwide as the first supervised product in collaboration with 7-Eleven.
The “Cookick” Series: Pursuing “Taipa” (Time Performance)
This product is released under 7-Eleven’s new concept series, “Cookick.” Launched in November 2024, this series emphasizes not only the convenience of “easy and fast” but also the value of “recreating professional flavors with just a little extra effort.”
Instead of typical microwave cooking, it adopts a style where you “heat it in a pot at home for about 8 minutes.” By heating it in a pot, the aromas of the 14 types of spices bloom more vibrantly, and the texture of the ingredients improves significantly. This experience of obtaining professional-quality flavor in “just 8 minutes” makes it the perfect “Taipa Gourmet” for busy seasons. Seven Premium’s latest freezing technology reproduces the deep richness and authentic aroma just like eating at the restaurant.
An Authentic Experience of “Numbing” and “Heat” Created by 14 Spices
The greatest appeal of “Seven Premium Chibao Malatang Supervised Malatang” lies in its meticulously crafted soup. It uses a luxurious blend of 14 different spices, filling the room with their aromatic scent as you cook.
With the first bite, a pleasant numbing sensation pulses through your mouth, followed by the heat of the chili and the savory depth of the soup. The feeling of your body warming from the core is like a detox experience that refreshes you from daily stress. It surpasses the level of typical frozen food, offering complex flavors reminiscent of “Yakuzen Hinabe” (medicinal hot pot) served in specialized restaurants.
The ingredients included in the set are also very generous:
- Natural sweetness from Napa Cabbage (Hakusai)
- Crunchy texture of Wood Ear Mushroom (Kikurage)
- Rich aroma of Maitake Mushroom
- Fluffy Chicken Meatballs
- Flavorful Pork
- Smooth Glass Noodles
Since these ingredients are pre-packaged, you can complete a satisfying bowl without preparing extra items. Furthermore, as an arrangement, you can enjoy your own “Customized Malatang” by adding tofu, vegetables, or extra spices you have at home.
Product Details and Launch Schedule
This product will be available at 7-Eleven stores throughout Japan, making it easy to purchase even for those traveling. It will surely be a lifesaver during the busy end-of-the-fiscal-year period, allowing you to easily enjoy professional flavors.
- Product Name: Seven Premium Chibao Malatang Supervised Malatang
- Price: 548 yen (591.84 yen including tax / approx. $3.65 USD)
- Release Date: Sequential release starting Tuesday, March 17, 2026
- Sales Area: Nationwide Japan
- Cooking Method: Heat in a pot for approximately 8 minutes
- Note: Prices may vary by store, and some locations may not carry the product.
A Luxurious Reward at Home Without the Queues
According to the developer, the project started in response to many earnest requests from people who “want to eat authentic Malatang but don’t have time to go to a restaurant.” Combining the dedication of Japan’s most famous Malatang specialty shop with 7-Eleven’s advanced freezing technology, this product is set to become a new standard for Konbini gourmet.
You can now recreate that taste that draws crowds in Shibuya right in your own kitchen. Please experience this harmony of 14 spices in a healthy yet satisfying bowl. On March 17, be sure to check the frozen food section of your local 7-Eleven!
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