YGF Malatang: From Street Stall to Global Empire, The International Expansion of Nearly 7,000 Stores

The YGF MalaTang Story: From a Street Cart to a Global Empire

In China’s restaurant industry, YGF MalaTang is a true legend. It started as a small street food stall and has grown into a global giant with nearly 7,000 restaurants. Today, YGF MalaTang is not only a leader in China but is also becoming a household name in over 20 countries, setting a new standard for Chinese fast food around_ the world.

Humble Beginnings

The founder, Yang Guofu, started his journey on the streets of Harbin. At first, he sold grilled squid from a small cart to support his family. That cart is now displayed in the company’s museum—a reminder of the brand’s humble roots.

But the squid business wasn’t enough. Looking for a new opportunity, Mr. Yang decided to try making MalaTang, a popular spicy hot soup.

In 2003, he opened a small MalaTang shop in a basement in Harbin. His shop quickly became a local favorite due to his focus on high-quality ingredients and a secret soup base recipe. In 2007, he officially named the brand “YGF MalaTang” and began offering franchise opportunities. As more stores opened, he created a standardized system. The headquarters controlled everything from ingredient sourcing to soup base production, ensuring every MalaTang bowl tasted the same. This made it much easier for franchise owners to run their stores; soon, more entrepreneurs joined the YGF family.

Going Global

In 2017, YGF MalaTang opened its first international restaurant in Canada. This was the start of its global journey. Soon after, the brand expanded to Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and many other countries. YGF MalaTang became so popular in Japan that it caused long lines, and news reporters were sent to cover the phenomenon.

The Secret to Success: A Commitment to Quality

The success of YGF MalaTang comes from its relentless pursuit of quality. To guarantee the quality of his soup base, Mr. Yang built a modern factory in Chengdu. He traveled to a global equipment expo in Germany to find the world’s best machines.

He didn’t hesitate to purchase top-of-the-line German equipment for 80 million RMB. “To be the best, you must invest in the best,” he often says. This dedication to quality has kept YGF MalaTang ahead of the competition.

Today, YGF MalaTang has the most stores in the industry, but Mr. Yang is not stopping there. He plans to invest more in research, improve the brand’s store design, and build a second factory to increase production.

From a street food stall to a global restaurant giant, YGF MalaTang has won over the world one bowl at a time. Behind this incredible success is the founder’s innovation and a deep, unwavering commitment to quality and service.