Hongdae Hot Spot Mala Skewer New World! The Street Mala Soup Experience at Xiaomara

The Restaurant I Kept Seeing on Instagram, I Finally Visited!

The red cup that's been filling up my Instagram feed lately! I was so curious about Xiaomara, which recently opened in Yeonnam-dong, Hongdae. A friend mentioned, "There's a street-style mala soup," and I was skeptical, but I finally went on a Saturday afternoon.

As I walked from Exit 3 of Hongik University Station towards Yeonntral Park, I saw it right away! The red sign really stood out, and seeing people already lined up made me think, "Oh, this is really a hot spot."

Unusual Popularity from the Waiting Line

I arrived around 4 PM on Saturday, and there was about a 30-minute wait. But the turnover was quick, so I got in faster than I thought. While waiting, I saw people coming out with their hands full, and it was really funny.

The store isn't that big, so 1-2 teams go in at a time to order. That's why there's a bit of a wait, but since Yeonntral Park is right in front, it's nice to take a walk while waiting.

The Ordering Method Was So Interesting

Finally, I got in! I was a bit flustered by the new system, but the staff kindly explained it. Depending on whether it's for mala soup or mala skewers, the basket is different.

Wow, the variety of ingredients is amazing! There are so many skewers that are hard to find in regular mala soup places, and they all looked fresh. I decided on mala skewers and picked a variety, and with skewers starting at just 500 won each, the value for money is incredible.

Finally, the First Taste! It Exceeded Expectations

My mala skewers came out shortly after ordering! The visual was amazing. They said it's seasoned with 14 different ingredients, and the aroma was incredible. Thanks to the freshly made mala chili oil, it tasted clean and rich without feeling greasy.

Especially the king prawn skewer! I thought it was a bit pricey at 3,000 won, but after tasting it, I totally understood. The prawns were plump and had a popping texture, with a subtle blend of mala flavor that was really delicious. Even those who don't usually like mala would enjoy it.

The Cup Mala Soup Was a Whole New World!

The price of 1,000 won for the cup mala soup was surprising, but the generous amount of ingredients was even more so. Sausages, tofu skin, bean curd, bean sprouts, wood ear mushrooms, and tofu pouches! The value for money was insane, making me wonder how it could be just 1,000 won.

The broth was really good too. I ordered level 1, and it was tingly yet savory, so I drank every last drop. The quality was so high that it was hard to believe it was street food.

A Healing Time Eating at Yeonntral Park

There's a small dining area next to the store, but we moved to Yeonntral Park to eat. It's really convenient to carry around and eat since it's in a cup. Eating mala skewers while walking felt really different.

On a nice day, eating on a bench at Yeonntral Park is pure healing. I understood why so many couples come here.

Practical Tips

After finishing the skewers, there's a designated trash can in front of the store for clean disposal. It felt really well-managed in terms of hygiene.

Honest Overall Review

At first, I thought, "What's so different about street mala soup?" but after trying it, it was a completely new experience. The best part was the affordable price, allowing me to try various things without any burden.

The taste exceeded expectations, and the atmosphere of eating at Yeonntral Park was really nice. It's a must-visit for mala lovers, and even those unfamiliar with mala can enjoy it starting at level 1.

If I have a reason to go to Hongdae again, I definitely want to visit again. Next time, I want to go with friends and try more varieties!

I sincerely recommend it to those looking for a date spot in Hongdae or a hot spot in Yeonnam-dong! Especially for mala enthusiasts, it's a no-brainer ㅎㅎ