Malatang Market Analysis: Specialty Store Openings Grow Tenfold, Claiming 21% Share of New Chinese Restaurants

A report from Review Inc. utilizing its YOROZU DATA platform reveals a significant surge in Malatang specialty restaurant openings in Japan, increasing from 21 stores in 2022 to 225 in 2025. While overall Chinese restaurant startups declined by 22% due to rising labor and ingredient costs, Malatang's share within the genre jumped from 1.5% to 21.2%. This growth is driven by the industry's simple operational requirements and its alignment with modern consumer preferences for customizable, health-conscious, and satisfying dining options, indicating its transition from a temporary trend to a staple market segment.