Boba tea. Korean barbecue. Yangnyeom chicken. Tteokbokki (spicy sweet rice cake). A5 Wagyu beef. Recently, malatang joined the Asian street food scene in Southern California.
Translated to “spicy and numbing soup,” malatang originated centuries ago in China and became a sensation among South Korean teens and young adults in the late 2010s for its bold, customizable flavors.
Joining the few restaurants in Fullerton and Buena Park that serve meals prepared in the malatang style is SORIMMARA, 7802 Orangethorpe Ave. in Buena Park, across the street from The Source OC indoor mall.
Originally a popular franchise from South Korea, SORIMMARA had its official grand opening on July 19, 2024, bringing the authentic street food, prepared and cooked experience straight to diners’ table.
This place offers a meal priced from $16.99 and a fun and interactive dining experience. From the moment customers walk in, the service team greets them and ushers them toward the counter that contains a wide selection of fresh ingredients to build a perfect malatang bowl.
At the end of the counter, those who’ve put their ingredients into their clear, plastic bowls and see hung from the sealing a banner that explains what to do with their bowls next.
But what really sets SORIMMARA apart is the unique way it serves its dishes.
After selecting the mandatory one minimum pound of ingredients — beef, seafood, fresh vegetables or tofu — the servers then weigh the bowl on the counter. At the same time, customers choose between four broth types ranging from mild to spicy.
That’s the last step before paying according to the weight ($16.99 per pound). Then servers bring the ingredients to the chef inside the kitchen, and that person cooks them in a pot.
In the meantime, customers return to their seats and wait for their server to return with the cooked ingredients in the broth flavor they ordered. The meal comes in a smaller steel container above a square-shaped, gas-fueled warmer where flames can be adjusted from low to high.
During a Friday, Oct. 11, visit, a pound of ingredients such as thinly sliced beef, fishcake, napa cabbage, and enoki mushrooms cost approximately $20. Beef broth was selected as the soup base, with a mild spice level ordered.
At the register, diners can see what the chef does with the bowl, a positive aspect of the experience. It adds a layer of transparency, as guests can watch their ingredients being carefully prepared and cooked in the flavorful broth.
The wait time for the steel bowl to come out of the kitchen took about 10 minutes.
Another positive aspect of SORIMMARA is the hands-on experience that lets guests simmer their soup to perfection, adjusting the heat as they please. This offers the chance to experiment with how long customers want each ingredient to cook.
It’s the perfect way to customize meals exactly to one’s liking, adding an exciting element to the dining experience.
The broth was rich and well-seasoned, providing a perfect base for the fresh ingredients. The customizable spice level allowed for a dish that suited individual preferences. The variety of protein options and vegetables was impressive, ensuring something for everyone.
Beyond the ordering process, the restaurant’s decor significantly shapes the overall experience. The Korean train station theme creates a unique atmosphere that draws you in with its vibrant, retro elements and attention to detail.
For visitors from Korea, the theme likely serves as a reminder of the country’s vibrant public transportation system and busy city environments. The setting feels familiar yet modern, making it an inviting space for Koreans to enjoy their food.
Combining fresh, high-quality ingredients, delicious broth and interactive cooking makes SORIMMARA an unforgettable place to enjoy authentic Korean malatang.
It satisfies not just the seasoned spice lovers but also those who prefer to take things slow with the heat.
