YANGON, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- In recent years, the bold and fiery flavors of Chinese cuisine, especially mala foods, have captured the hearts of young people in Myanmar. Known for its spicy, salty, and mouth-numbing taste, mala has quickly become a culinary trend that blends cultural connection with culinary excitement.

Lin Latt Wathan, 14, said she almost always chooses Chinese food over other cuisines. "Among them, mala dishes are my favorite. I like the spicy and sour taste. It's not just a trend, the flavor is truly good, and the prices are affordable."

Yin Shwe Zin, 47, said she eats soup-like Malatang once or twice a month. "Rather than Western cuisine, I prefer Chinese cuisine, especially mala dishes, because of its mouth-numbing and spicy taste."

Rina, 25, shared that she has Malatang two or three times per month. "I like Chinese food, and among them, I prefer stir-fried Mala Xiang Guo and Malatang."

"All my children enjoy it even though they are young. In the past, my husband didn't like mala, but after joining me a few times, he now enjoys it as well," she said.

Khin Myat Noe Khin, 19, explained that she eats Malatang once a week. "There are many restaurants that sell Malatang, but Ko Ko Fu is my favorite. I especially like the bone soup. I usually eat here with my friends or family."

Wai Phyo Aung, 25, came to Ko Ko Fu with four co-workers. "My office is nearby, and although there are many restaurants around, I chose this one because I like Malatang and often come here for lunch."

The growing appeal of mala reflects not only the appetite of a younger generation but also the growing cultural ties that food continues to strengthen between the two neighboring countries, he said.

Ko Ko Fu, one of Myanmar's well-known Malatang shops, was established in 2020. The business began online and later expanded into walk-in shops.

The shop manager from the Ko Ko Fu branch located in Junction Square, a shopping center in Kamaryut township of Yangon, told Xinhua that around 300 people visit the restaurant on weekdays, with even more customers on weekends.

While Myanmar now offers a wide variety of international cuisines, Chinese food remains especially popular because its flavors are closer to the Myanmar palate, the shop manager said.