7-Eleven Japan has formed a powerful partnership with Haidilao, a massive hot pot brand operating over 1,700 stores across 16 countries and regions. Starting April 14, a series of four authentic glass noodle soups, including “Malatang” (a numbing spicy soup that gained explosive popularity among Japanese youth in 2025), will be pre-released at 7-Eleven stores across Japan.
In recent years, the term “Gachi Chuka” (Authentic Chinese cuisine that replicates local flavors) has become firmly established in Japan. This new lineup is the definitive version of that trend. The stimulating flavors, using a generous amount of authentic spices, have an impact that rewrites the common sense of Japanese convenience stores (Konbini). Based on healthy glass noodles, these bowls are packed with ingredients for a highly satisfying meal. They are also garnering intense attention from the beauty and health-conscious crowd as a “beauty food” that promotes metabolism.
The Ultimate Authentic Sting! The Appeal of “Malatang” Numbing Spicy Soup
The highlight of this release is “Malatang,” which has become a major trend in Japan. Based on a deep, rich soup, it features the sharp heat of chili peppers and the vivid numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns (Hua jiao). Once you try it, you will likely fall under the spell of its addictive numbing spiciness.
Haidilao Malatang Glass Noodle Soup
- Price: 250 yen (tax included: 270 yen / approx. $1.78 USD)
- Release Date: Rolling out from April 14
- Sales Area: Nationwide in Japan
Note the luxury of the ingredients. It features a rich variety of textures, including bok choy, corn, cilantro (coriander), green onions, chili peppers, and tofu skin (yuba) that soaks up plenty of soup. With its substantial volume, it works perfectly as a main dish for lunch.
Haidilao Malatang Glass Noodle Soup Mini
- Price: 135 yen (tax included: 145.80 yen / approx. $0.96 USD)
- Release Date: Rolling out from April 14
- Sales Area: Nationwide in Japan
A mini size is also available, perfect for when you want “just a little bit of a kick.” The key point is that you can easily enjoy the same authentic flavor as the regular size. While it’s great as is, we also recommend arranging it by adding milk or cheese to create a “mellow and savory” version.
Rich Sesame and Sour Accents! Choose Your Variation
It’s not just Malatang. Further flavor variations will add color to Japanese dining tables.
Haidilao Sesame Dan Dan Glass Noodle Soup
- Price: 250 yen (tax included: 270 yen / approx. $1.78 USD)
- Release Date: Rolling out from April 14
- Sales Area: Nationwide in Japan
The biggest feature here is the rich depth of the toasted sesame paste. It is finished as a spicy soup where the sweetness and umami of the sesame perfectly intertwine with the numbness of Sichuan peppercorns. Ingredients like bok choy, cilantro, and tofu skin add flair to the rich soup. For an even more authentic taste, adding chopped green onions or oyster sauce can replicate the deep flavors of a specialty restaurant.
Haidilao Hot and Sour (Suanlatang) Glass Noodle Soup Mini
- Price: 135 yen (tax included: 145.80 yen / approx. $0.96 USD)
- Release Date: Rolling out from April 14
- Sales Area: Nationwide in Japan
This “Suanlatang” (Hot and Sour Soup) offers an exquisite harmony of acidity and spiciness. It is an addictive soup where the mellow acidity of black vinegar merges with spicy stimulation. Containing a variety of ingredients such as soy protein, sesame, and cilantro, you can enjoy a different texture with every bite. Adding peanuts is another great way to enjoy the atmosphere of authentic Sichuan cuisine.
Chewy Extra-Thick Glass Noodles and Carefully Selected Ingredients
The reason the “Haidilao” series is so well-supported isn’t just the soup. The star of the show, the glass noodles, are made using sweet potato starch. Extra-thick glass noodles were chosen for their characteristic chewy and elastic texture.
These glass noodles are resistant to becoming soggy over time, maintaining a solid bite until the very end. They have a presence that can stand up to the powerful authentic spices of the soup, and the numbing spicy liquid clings perfectly to the thick strands. With ingredients unique to “Gachi Chuka” like tofu skin and cilantro, you can experience the quality of a specialty shop right in your office or home.
What is “Haidilao,” the King of Hot Pot Enthralling the World?
Haidilao Hot Pot, which supervised the products pre-released at 7-Eleven, is the world’s largest directly-managed hot pot brand, founded in 1994. As of 2026, it operates over 1,700 stores in 16 countries and regions, making it an iconic presence in Chinese cuisine.
In Japan, it opened its first store in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, in 2015. Currently, it operates 8 stores in major cities such as Osaka and Yokohama. Besides its signature Mala, Tomato, and Paiton (white broth) soups, it is famous for unique services like the “Face-Changing Show” (a traditional art where masks change in an instant) and “Kung Fu Noodles” (a performance involving swinging noodles around).
Haidilao’s stance is to provide world-class taste while respecting “local Chinese flavors and styles” rather than adapting too much to Japanese preferences. This commitment to “authenticity” is concentrated in this glass noodle soup series as well.
“Malatang,” a Trend in Urban Areas, Now Available Nationwide
Currently, Malatang specialty shops are rapidly increasing in Japan’s urban centers, with lines forming daily. However, in rural areas, it was difficult to visit these specialty shops, and long wait times were a challenge.
This 7-Eleven release solves that problem. At 7-Eleven stores across Japan, you can now easily purchase the authentic taste of “Haidilao” anytime.
This series is excellent as a beauty food that makes it easy to consume vegetables and promotes metabolism through the power of spices. Whether as a lunch during work breaks or a “late-night snack” during your relaxing time at night, please enjoy the numbing stimulation. We can’t wait to see them on the shelves at 7-Eleven.
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