By India Pemberton
Bold, complex flavour and satisfaction can make up for more than you’d think.
If elegant décor and sophisticated ambience is what you’re looking for, then keep looking.
If you’re looking for comfort in simplicity, Yang Guo Fu Malatang does it best.
Malatang is a Chinese street food originating from Chengdu in the Sichuan province.
It’s as customisable as you can get; the main feature being an expansive wall of veggies, proteins, fungi, and carbs.
You can fill your bowl to be as adventurous or reserved as you wish.
Over the past few years, it’s boomed in popularity across Sydney. It’s particularly popular among young people in Sydney, becoming a beacon for students, night owls, and picky eaters alike.
Recently, my favourite Malatang restaurant shut down, following a slew of beloved restaurants in Chinatown that have closed their doors.
On the search for a new staple malatang restaurant, I expanded to George Street.
Unsurprisingly, YGF was one of the few places open after 1am, with an inviting orange glow.
The layout of the restaurant was disconcerting, to say the least. Narrow and harshly lit.
It’s certainly no place for romantic dates or private conversations.
However, that is all negligible. It’s about a quick, satisfying meal and the “classic spicy soup” that is so good you have to eat in silence.
YGF stays open the latest of many malatang spots in the CBD, until 2am.
Consequently, it drew an eclectic mix of people that made it all the more charming.
My considerably large bowl came out in under 10 minutes, even amid the late-night peak hour.
As if it couldn’t get any more customisable, you can garnish to your heart’s content at the sauce station, which isn’t at every malatang spot, so it was greatly appreciated.
Every ingredient was cooked perfectly.
They also offer a selection of popular Chinese drinks – another hallmark of an authentic Sichuan meal.
Overall, Yang Guo Fu Malatang is the place to go if you want a fast, easy, and flexible meal that makes your heart happy too.
Featured image caption: YGF Malatang comes alive after midnight.
