Australia’s famous hot pot chain Dragon Hot Pot has officially opened its door on October 18, 2025 at Low Yat Park in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, introducing its globally-viral, custom-made malatang concept to the local market.
Operated by Taste of Malaysia Hot Pot Sdn Bhd, the restaurant, occupying 2,600 square feet of dining space, serves ‘malatang’ (spicy numbing hot soup) allowing customers to customize their hotpot with lots of ingredients and soup base options to go with.
At the event, Dragon Hot Pot Malaysia achieved a major milestone after receiving the ASEAN Records recognition for the “Most Hotpot Ingredient and Soup Base Variety by an Australian Mala Hotpot Brand.”
The brand impressed with an extensive selection of 162 ingredients from its signature self-service rack and 10 distinctive soup bases, cementing its position as one of the most diverse and customizable hot pot experiences in the region.
The grand opening was officiated by Samuel Lee, deputy director-general (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, recognizing Dragon Hot Pot as a valuable addition to the country’s dynamic dining and tourism sector.
In his speech, Lee said the grand opening came at a meaningful time, coinciding with Visit Malaysia 2026, the nation’s largest tourism campaign.
“This grand opening couldn’t be more timely. Under the recently tabled Budget 2026, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced over RM700 million to boost tourism nationwide, including a RM500 million fund dedicated specifically to the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign,” he said.
“This major investment reflects strong confidence in the industry’s potential to drive growth, and calls for renewed efforts to spotlight our vibrant food scenes, one of Malaysia’s greatest tourism assets.”
Lee added that Budget 2026 also introduced an initiative that has generated much excitement among Malaysians: a special individual income tax relief of up to RM1,000 for expenses related to entrance fees to local tourism attractions and cultural programs.
He described the move as “a smart way to channel spending back into our local economy,” noting that it not only encourages domestic travel but also supports the broader tourism value chain.
“When people explore our museums, parks and cultural spots, they’re not only enjoying what our country has to offer, but they’re also supporting small and medium-sized businesses in accommodation, transport, local food and cultural activities,” Lee said.
“These are the real heartbeat of Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem. And of course, after a full day of exploring Kuala Lumpur’s many attractions, visitors will turn to the city’s diverse dining scene to complete the experience, with comforting spots like Dragon Hot Pot adding to the capital’s growing reputation as a food lover’s haven.”
Dragon Hot Pot Malaysia brand founder Louis Kuo said, “We want to redefine how people experience hot pot. Traditionally, hot pot is seen as a long, sit-down affair, but in a fast-paced city like Kuala Lumpur, we want to make it more accessible for everyone. Whether it’s a quick lunch break, a casual dinner with friends, or a late-night craving, our concept is designed for people on the go without compromising on quality or flavor.”
Dragon Hot Pot’s signature broths, including the renowned Malatang, are crafted from century-old Sichuan recipes and slow-cooked for over 12 hours using old chickens, more than 20 traditional Chinese herbs, and authentic Sichuan pepper.
In Malaysia, the brand has made its entire menu pork-free, lard-free and alcohol-free to create a Muslim-friendly dining experience that stays true to its original flavours.
The company is also in the process of pursuing halal certification from Jakim as it strengthens its presence locally.
The grand opening featured traditional performances, including lion dance, dragon dance and Chinese Fan dance. Popular artistes Steady Gang and Diana Danielle entertained with special performances and interactive game sessions, attracting a large turnout.
The celebration kick-started a special three-day promotion (Oct 18-20) where hot pot fans get to eat for free for the first 300g portion of hot pot, paying only for the weight exceeding that complimentary portion.
From October 21- 31, 2025, customers spending RM25 or more will receive a scratch card for a chance to win major prizes, including an iPad, exclusive Labubu collectibles, AirPods, dining vouchers and the grand prize of one year of free Dragon Hot Pot.
The Malaysian debut outlet marks the first step in Dragon Hot Pot’s regional expansion, following its success in Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with Japan set to follow next year.
Over the next two years, the brand aims to open five to six new outlets across the Klang Valley and other major cities, while inviting local entrepreneurs to join its growth through franchising opportunities.
For more information, visit Dragon Hot Pot Malaysia’s official Instagram, Facebook, and Rednote (@DragonHotPot_MY).
