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oChef » Mulan Malatang – San Francisco
Mulan Malatang - San Francisco
Photo from Mulan Malatang
Mulan Malatang at a glance
San Francisco Seacliff
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 46 of the guests
#238 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Chinese Restaurant out of 276 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
271
Reviews
89.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Kind service
- Fresh ingredients
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Limited options
- Cleanliness issues
- Salty broth
The restaurant Mulan Malatang, a Chinese restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Seacliff neighborhood, offers you a delightful culinary experience. You’ll find it’s an excellent spot for a quick bite, perfect for those moments when you crave authentic flavors without a long wait.
Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, this casual eatery provides a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your meal.
Overview: Introducting Mulan Malatang
Mulan Malatang offers a build-your-own soup experience with generally fresh ingredients and a selection of broths. Many appreciate the kind owner and helpful staff who guide you through the process, making for a pleasant visit.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding limited food options at times, and a few instances of dirty serving dishes. Despite these points, the overall atmosphere is often described as clean and spacious.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
271
Reviews
89.7%
Satisfaction
19
negative
9
neutral
243
positive
Mulan Malatang earns a solid 8.5 overall, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 89.7%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 271 customer remarks, with 243 positive observations outweighing the 19 negative ones. The Service (9.6) truly shines, frequently praised for its hospitable staff.
Food (8.3) also performs well, with many enjoying the customizable options and flavorful broths. The Ambience (8) is considered good, often described as clean and pleasant, while Value (8.3) is seen as reasonable, especially with current promotions.
What people like
- Exceptional, kind service
- Customizable, fresh food
- Good value, promotions
What people don't like
- Limited ingredient choices
- Occasional cleanliness concerns
- Broth can be salty
Mulan Malatang generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially if you appreciate a build-your-own meal concept. With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, it’s certainly a place to consider for a casual and customizable meal.
If you’re seeking a friendly atmosphere and enjoy selecting your own ingredients for a flavorful soup, this spot is worth a visit. Just be mindful that ingredient availability can vary, and some broths might lean salty for certain palates.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mulan Malatang
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
It seems the food here is a real hit with many, boasting a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 87.4%. Out of 183 total remarks, a whopping 160 praise the delicious and flavorful broths, especially the black garlic and pork bone options. Guests consistently highlight the fresh ingredients, varied selection of veggies, and ample protein choices, making for a satisfying meal.
However, a few of the 15 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found the overall food quality disappointing, noting limited ingredient variety and a lack of a proper sauce bar or condiments. There were also mentions of the pork bone broth being too salty or the soup not tasting like traditional malatang, which could be a miss for some palates.
Food
183
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
15
negative
8
neutral
160
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, varied ingredients
- Delicious, flavorful broths
- Great veggie, protein selection
What people don't like
- Limited ingredient variety
- Missing sauce bar
- Inconsistent broth taste
Often praised
- foodThe owner is so kind and the ingredients are fresh and hella yummy. Great vibes and great food. I got the black garlic broth but others I was with got the tomato broth and pork broth.
- brothHoly Moly I'm In Love 🤩 I didn't know this was a thing but it instantly became my new favorite spot. You get to fill up a bowl a la carte with all your fave veggies and meats and a noodle type, then you give it to them and pick a broth and spice level, and it returns to you later as it's fully formed evolutionized mega evolved brothy yummy self. It was delicious.
- pork bone brothThe pork bone broth with black garlic with plenty of fresh vegetable, egg, tofu, seafood, and meat options! Omg!
- ingredientsWe loved the pork bone broth, which was SO flavorful. There is a pretty nice selection of ingredients to choose from. We found the lamb and beef very flavorful, and the varieties of baby bok choy refreshing.
- malatangmost affordable malatang restaurant I’ve ever eaten at
- black garlic brothblack garlic broth medium spicy. So flavorful
- soupSo good. We went on a rainy night and I consumed my weight in soup. Happy to have them in the neighborhood.
- vegetarian optionsGood vegetarian options as well
- FoodFood:5
- black garlicThe pork bone broth with black garlic with plenty of fresh vegetable, egg, tofu, seafood, and meat options!
Frequently criticized
- chili piecesMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the extremely limited food options. They only had pork broth, and the chili pieces were just thrown on top of the meat and veggies. Both the meat and veggie options were very limited, with many baskets empty.
- condimentsmore condiments available
- food qualitythe food quality, rated a 2 out of 5, was disappointing
- mala tang5. However, it didn't taste like the mala tang I'm used to in Korea. Korean mala tang typically has a peanut sauce base with a distinct spicy kick, but this version, likely due to the meat broth, tasted more like Vietnamese cuisine than mala tang.
- meata lot of what I put in my bowl to cook doesnt come back to me in my soup
- meat and veggie optionsMeat and veggie options were extremely limited
- poor variety of ingredientsIt's pathetic to have these issues as a new establishment. The restaurant also offered a poor variety of ingredients and an impersonal and vapid eating atmosphere. I would advise taking your hunger elsewhere.
- pork bone brothPork bone broth with black garlic was too salty
- pork brothMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the extremely limited food options. They only had pork broth, and the chili pieces were just thrown on top of the meat and veggies. Both the meat and veggie options were very limited, with many baskets empty.
- potatoesI wish the potatoes were not so mushy
If you're looking for a malatang spot with fresh ingredients, a great selection of veggies and proteins, and particularly delicious, flavorful broths, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that the ingredient variety might feel a bit limited to some, and you might miss a dedicated sauce bar for customising your flavors.
Service (9.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
It looks like the service here is truly top-notch! With an excellent score of 9.6 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, guests consistently rave about their experience. Based on 45 positive comments, you can expect kind staff , prompt friendly service , and helpful staff who go above and beyond.
What's truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding service. Out of all 45 customer remarks, not a single one mentioned a downside, indicating an overwhelmingly positive and consistent experience for everyone who walks through the door.
Service
45
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Kind, helpful staff
- Prompt, quick service
- Friendly, hospitable owner
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceI'm so happy to have a malatan place near me now. The ambiance was great and the food was delicious, complemented by amazing service and friendly staff. It's a must try!
- staffI'm so happy to have a malatan place near me now. The ambiance was great and the food was delicious, complemented by amazing service and friendly staff. It's a must try!
- ownerthe owner is very kind and easy going
- ServiceService:5
- workerthe worker told us how it worked
- experienceOverall, a great experience!
- family-runfamily run
- free tea/waterOwner also offered free tea/water
- helpful staffExtremely kind, helpful & hospitable staff!
- hospitable staffExtremely kind, helpful & hospitable staff!
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you value exceptional service, this place is a must-visit. The staff and owners are consistently praised for their kindness and efficiency, ensuring a smooth and pleasant dining experience from start to finish. You can confidently expect a warm welcome and prompt attention here.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 88.5%, many guests rave about the pleasant atmosphere, great ambiance, and positive vibes. Out of 26 total remarks, 23 positive comments specifically highlight the restaurants cleanliness, spacious layout, and convenient parking, making it a welcoming addition to the neighborhood.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. A few voices, 3 to be exact, pointed out some areas for improvement. Concerns included dirty serving dishes and an impersonal, vapid eating atmosphere.
There was also a wish for reusable silverware, suggesting some minor details could enhance the overall experience.
Ambience
26
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Clean and spacious
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Dirty serving dishes
- Impersonal atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereThey have a large selection of seafood and vegetables. It is very pleasant to be there.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessFood items were clean
- neighborhoodWe went on a rainy night and I consumed my weight in soup. Happy to have them in the neighborhood.
- restaurantThe restaurant clean and spacious
- ambianceThe ambiance was great
- cleanotherwise clean when we went
- clean insideThe owner was very kind and even gave us free drinks. The place is newly opened, so there weren't many customers, and it was very clean inside. I encourage everyone to visit them!
- parkingParking:Worth finding a spot for this delicious food.
- parking spacePlenty of parking
Frequently criticized
- impersonal and vapid eating atmosphereIt's pathetic to have these issues as a new establishment. The restaurant also offered a poor variety of ingredients and an impersonal and vapid eating atmosphere. I would advise taking your hunger elsewhere.
- reusable silverwareWish they used reusable silverware
- serving dishesserving dishes were still wet and DIRTY
If you're looking for a place with a generally pleasant and clean environment, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. While a few minor issues like dirty serving dishes or an impersonal feel were noted, the overwhelmingly positive feedback on its atmosphere and spaciousness suggests a good experience awaits.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a solid score of 8.3 and an impressive 88.2% customer satisfaction, its clear guests feel theyre getting a great deal. Based on 15 positive remarks out of 17 total, patrons consistently praise the good price, great bang for your buck, and especially the pay-by-weight system, not to mention the fantastic $1 beer promotions.
However, its not entirely without a tiny hiccup. There was one comment regarding prices and the pay-by-weight system, suggesting a concern about ensuring customers receive everything theyve paid for. It's a minor point, but worth noting for transparency.
Value
17
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Affordable prices
- $1 beer promo
What people don't like
- Weight accuracy concerns
Often praised
- priceI do wish the potatoes weren't so mushy, as I prefer them crunchy. Overall, it was a great experience, and the price is reasonable. I will definitely go back again.
- $1 beerCurrently doing $1 beer right now too!
- $1 beer promowhich is a delight
- beerBeer is going for $1 only
- good pricegreat protein choices good price
- great bang for your buckGreat bang for your buck
- pay-by-weightPaying by weight is refreshing
- price pointgreat price point
- price rangerelativr price range you want
- valueGreat value
Frequently criticized
- pricesIf you are charging for the prices by weight you should be giving every piece of that bowl back to your customers
If youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. With its excellent pricing and special deals like the $1 beer, youre likely to leave feeling like you got a fantastic deal. Just keep an eye on your portion when paying by weight to ensure you get everything you've selected.
How are the prices at Mulan Malatang?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 46 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in this sweet spot, with a good number also exploring options in the $21–$30 range, showing a nice balance of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 46 reviews.
A peek at how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Chinese Restaurant. It offers good value without compromising on quality, making it a solid choice for a satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mulan Malatang
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Good Food, Interesting Pricing
The restaurant calculates the total weight of vegetables, meat, and skewers without individual itemization. I visited in the evening and there was a promotion for 1 can of Sapporo beer for $1 (limit 1 can per person). I enjoyed the meal.
- total weight calculation6
- Sapporo beer8
- meal7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
New Restaurant with Dirty Dishes and Poor Atmosphere
My experience at this new restaurant was disappointing. Upon arrival, I noticed that the serving dishes were still wet and DIRTY from their dishwashing process, with food bits still on them. It's pathetic to have these issues as a new establishment.
The restaurant also offered a poor variety of ingredients and an impersonal and vapid eating atmosphere. I would advise taking your hunger elsewhere.
- serving dishes1
- poor variety of ingredients2
- impersonal and vapid eating atmosphere1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Good Soup Base, Great Price
My experience at the restaurant was positive, particularly with the soup base. While the ingredients were limited, they were sufficient for the meal. I did feel the sauce section could be more extensive, but the overall price point was great!
- soup base8
- ingredients6
- price point9
- sauce section4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Interesting Broth, Good Service and Price
I chose the pork bone broth with black garlic and selected a spice level of 3. 5. However, it didn't taste like the mala tang I'm used to in Korea.
Korean mala tang typically has a peanut sauce base with a distinct spicy kick, but this version, likely due to the meat broth, tasted more like Vietnamese cuisine than mala tang. Despite this, the taste was good. I also appreciated the service and price, which were excellent, leading to a high rating for them.
☺
- pork bone broth with black garlic6
- taste7
- service9
- mala tang4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Kind Owner, Fresh & Delicious Malatang!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The owner is very, very kind, and the food is consistently fresh and delicious every time I visit. It's definitely my favorite place to go for malatang, and I highly recommend it!
- owner10
- food10
- malatang10
What Mulan Malatang offers
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What are the parking options when visiting Mulan Malatang?
When you plan your visit to Mulan Malatang in San Francisco’s Seacliff, be aware that finding a parking space can sometimes be somewhat difficult. However, you’ll have access to both free street parking and paid street parking options nearby for your convenience.
What service and dining options are available at Mulan Malatang?
Mulan Malatang offers flexible service options including curbside pickup, takeout, and dine-in, catering to your preference. You can enjoy a delicious meal for both lunch and dinner, and it’s considered a good spot if you’re dining out with kids.
How does Mulan Malatang score overall?
Mulan Malatang achieves a good overall score of 8.5. Its **Service** (9.6) is excellent, while **Food** (8.3), **Value** (8.3), and **Ambience** (8) are all rated well by customers.
What do customers enjoy most about Mulan Malatang?
Customers frequently praise the **helpful staff** and **kind owner**, highlighting the excellent service. They also appreciate the **fresh ingredients** and the ability to customize their flavorful malatang bowls.
Are there any common concerns at Mulan Malatang?
Some patrons have noted occasional **limited ingredient choices** for their malatang. A few also mentioned concerns about **cleanliness** of serving dishes or the broth being too salty.