Our first visit to the restaurant left us hoping for a delightful experience. However, our excitement turned to disappointment when we encountered issues with the service. Initially, we ordered both tomato soup and a spicy variant. The spiciness of the latter was overwhelming, so we stuck to the tomato soup, which had an unusual smoky flavor from the start. Uncertain if this was normal, we tried to ignore it until I noticed burnt residue on my chopstick after stirring the soup. When I brought this to our waiter's attention, she brushed it off, attributing it to something burning underneath, without offering a solution and left. We tried to finish the food we took but couldn't shake off the burnt flavor. When the same waiter offered us a refill for the soup, I reiterated the problem with the soup and even showed her the burnt flakes we had scooped up. However, her response was dismissive, questioning why I was bringing it up after we had finished eating. I told her I mentioned this to her a while back and she refused to do anything. She said i should have told her from the beginning. Then I explained to her it was our first time; we did noticed a strange flavor at the beginning but not sure if it was normal. And we mentioned to her as soon as we noticed it was burnt. This lack of concern for our experience was disheartening. It was not something we caused because the flavor seemed strange from the beginning, we suspected the pot is not cleaned thoroughly. Even when I raised the issue again with another waiter who brought the check, it was met with indifference. As customers, we expect attentive service and a willingness to address concerns, but sadly, our experience fell short. This lack of acknowledgment and resolution left us with a sour taste, and regrettably, we won't be returning. read more

Stopped by Malubianbian for their weekday $20 AYCE hotpot lunch special, and while there were definitely some trade-offs, it's still a solid deal if you know what you're walking into. The ambiance feels like a legit hotpot spot straight out of Asia--from the signage to the layout, it really gives you that bustling, no-frills vibe. Ordering is done through a QR code, and the service was quick and efficient, with food coming out promptly. Now, about that $20 price tag--yes, it's a steal, especially in this economy. But there are some strings attached: - You can only order meat every 10 minutes, and you're limited to 3 meat items per round. On top of that, the portion sizes are small, so if you're rolling in with an appetite, expect a bit of a wait between rounds. - The meat selection for lunch is extremely limited--maybe 5 or 6 options total. No fancy cuts or seafood, just the basics. That said, what they do have is pretty good. My favorites were the beef-wrapped enoki mushrooms and the beef-wrapped cilantro--flavorful, satisfying, and fun to eat. The sauce bar was just okay--not as expansive or well-stocked as some other spots, but it gets the job done. Overall, Malubianbian is a great value option for hotpot lovers who want something fast, casual, and affordable. Just go in knowing the lunch deal is more about the price point than variety, and you'll leave satisfied. read more

Very good :) I recently visited a hotpot restaurant and had an absolutely satisfying experience. The variety of ingredients was impressive -- from fresh vegetables and thinly sliced meats to handmade noodles and seafood. The broth options were flavorful, especially the spicy Sichuan one, which had just the right level of heat and numbing spice. What really stood out was the dipping sauce bar, where you could create your own mix with sesame oil, garlic, cilantro, chili, and more. The service was fast and attentive, and the atmosphere was cozy but lively. I especially appreciated how clean and organized everything was, including the individual pot option, which made it easy to cater to everyone's tastes. Prices were reasonable considering the quality and amount of food. Overall, it's a fantastic spot for a group dinner or a fun date night. I'll definitely be coming back -- and next time, I'm bringing more friends! read more

We've been a customer here for a long time, bringing our group of six multiple times. Every visit, they've combined two tables for us without any issue. But this time? Unbelievable. We arrived at 8:30 PM - they close at 11 PM - and they flat-out refused to combine tables, claiming that "this section is closed for cleaning." Seriously? At 8:30 PM? For a place that's open for another two and a half hours? So here we are, six adults forced to squeeze around one tiny pot. It's absurd and feels like a total joke. And honestly, if you don't want to work until closing time, maybe reconsider the business hours. You still have customers here! This was ridiculous, frustrating, and disappointing. read more

Visited Malubianbian Tustin on a Wednesday evening and was impressed by the swift service and relaxed atmosphere. For $35, the all-you-can-eat option offers a vast selection of fresh skewers and ingredients. The tomato soup base was particularly flavorful, complementing the variety of meats and vegetables available. Ordering is streamlined through a QR code system, and the well-stocked sauce bar allows for personalized dipping sauces. The staff were attentive and ensured our dining experience was enjoyable. Highly recommend for a satisfying hot pot meal in Tustin. read more

We went here late from Disney last Friday and arrived at 9:50 which is really late. The waiter informed us in advance of the last call at 10:15 and closed at 11:00 because we had a lot of people. After eating at 11:30, the service was still great and the food was particularly delicious and no one rush us. We kept adding soup and water during the meal and specially prepared a children's set meal for the baby. It was very thoughtful and recommended their skewers, which are rich in variety and fresh in meat, I will definitely go there frequently in the future! read more

MLBB's Hot Pot was an unforgettable experience, bursting with fiery flavors lots of selection. Known for their fiery Mala spice, each bite was a thrilling dance of heat and zest that left my taste buds in agonizing desert like heat. On their last day, we were lucky to snag the cozy karaoke room, adding a delightful and intimate charm to our evening and long talks of throwback songs. The atmosphere was electric, and the food was a blazing symphony of spices that I'll crave forever. A bittersweet farewell to a spicy haven that will be deeply missed. read more

I would love giving my first review at Yelp to Malubianbian. I've been looking for so long for a wonderful Chinese spicy hot pot with "chuan chuan" in Irvine and there comes the MALUBIANBIAN!!!! I just LOVE this place soooo much!!!!! I'll definitely recommend tomato hot pot and spicy hot pot!!!! The spicy pot isn't very hot so it's friendly to EVERYONE! If you're looking for something that burns your mouth you may ask your server to add more pepper. Will definitely come again and recommend this place to everyone!!!!!!!! read more

I had a great experience at this buffet hot pot restaurant! The ingredients were impressively fresh, and there was an incredible variety to choose from. Whether you're craving different cuts of meat, a wide range of proteins, or fresh vegetables, this place has it all. One of the highlights for me was the selection of traditional Asian snacks -- the lamb, beef, and fish options were flavorful. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a satisfying and interactive meal with friends or family. Highly recommend for hot pot lovers! read more

I thought I would like the skewer type hotpot, however after the second time eating there I started thinking that the skewer is a waste of resources and it's such a hassle lol, that's just my own opinion. The broth here is pretty good and they are generous with it. At first glance the price doesn't look bad but it adds up realllllly quickly. I think I prefer the traditional hot pot better than the skewer hotpot. Overall, food is not bad, its too expensive for what it is. read more

This restaurant uses incredibly high-quality ingredients -- everything tastes so fresh and natural. You can really tell they care about where their food comes from. The flavors are clean, vibrant, and absolutely delicious. Every bite reflects the freshness of the produce, the quality of the meat, and the attention to detail. If you're someone who values top-notch ingredients, this place will blow you away. Truly one of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time. read more

I regret to say that my experience at the restaurant was disappointing on multiple fronts. The food quality was subpar, and given the portion sizes, the prices felt unreasonably high. Adding to my disappointment, the service was notably lacking - slow and inattentive. Collectively, these issues left me with a negative impression of the restaurant, and I wouldn't recommend it to others looking for a satisfying dining experience. read more

We went there with a friend for the first time. it was great i love the spicy soup base. The meat quality is great. I love rhe sauce bar which i can create my own. My server oliver is the best! He lead us to the table and get the high chair ready before we sat down. He is so nice and keep checking on us as well. We never had to ask for anything. We appreciate you. read more

I recently visited a hotpot restaurant called malubianbian, and it was fantastic experience! The food was incredibly delicious, with a wide variety of the fresh ingredients to choose from, the broth was flavorful! The staff were so friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed! I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to try something new! read more

Malubuanbia is hands-down the best Chinese hotpot I've had in ages. The broth is insanely flavorful, the ingredients are super fresh, and the dipping sauces? Next level. Service is fast, friendly, and they keep everything clean and organized--even when it's packed. Perfect spot for a cozy meal or a fun group dinner. Can't wait to come back! read more

Just had the most amazing hot pot experience ever! Shoutout to Oliver and Wei for being super helpful and recommending some mouthwatering dishes. The food was top-notch, the vibes were perfect, and I'm already planning my next visit. This place is a gem--I'll definitely be back soon! read more

I had a wonderful time at this hot pot restaurant. The food was delicious and fresh, especially the marinated meats and the variety of skewers -- all very flavorful and well-prepared. Everything looked clean and hygienic, from the table setup to the presentation of the ingredients. read more

Absolutely loved this place! The ingredients were fresh, the broth was flavorful, and the service was fast and friendly. A great spot for both first-timers and hot pot lovers. Will definitely be coming back--five stars all the way! read more

I cant praise this hot pot place enough! The atmosphere is inviting, and the staff are attentive, making you feel valued. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique, delicious, and value-for -money dining experience. read more