If food safety can be ensured and the ingredients are reasonably combined, Malatang can be considered a rather decent fast food option. It is much healthier and more environmentally friendly than fried foods.
First, Malatang in Beijing is not spicy, if you don't ask for extra chili. Here, sesame paste is often used, which is a very healthy condiment rich in calcium and vitamin E. Garlic juice is also frequently added, which has antibacterial properties.
Second, Malatang typically includes a wide variety of green leafy vegetables, various soy products, seaweeds like kelp, fungi like mushrooms, tubers, fish, eggs, and more. In comparison, plant-based ingredients are dominant. With proper combination, it is easier to meet the requirements for acid-base balance and adheres to the principle of dietary diversity compared to general fast food dishes.
Third, the heating temperature for Malatang is not high, and it does not produce smoke oil or the problem of high-temperature fat oxidation. Compared to high-temperature stir-frying, it causes less air pollution.
Fourth, during the process of blanching the ingredients, some oxalic acid, nitrites, and pesticides from the vegetables can be removed. Although some vitamin C is lost, it also reduces anti-nutritional factors and toxic substances. As long as you change the blanching water regularly and use less salt during the process, it is a very good cooking method.
Finally, the seasonings for Malatang can be made healthy and low-fat. No oil is used during the blanching process, and the amount of oil added during mixing can be reduced according to customer preference. Overall, the ingredients contain little fat and are relatively low in calories. In contrast, stir-frying often involves three oil-addition processes: stir-frying with oil, cooking, and finishing with oil, and customers cannot choose the amount of oil used in their dishes.
Special reminder: People with liver diseases should not eat Malatang.
When eating Malatang, paying attention to the following points can achieve better results in terms of nutritional balance:
—— Maintain a 2:1 ratio of fresh vegetables to items like meatballs, sausage slices, and eggs to promote acid-base balance. This is actually quite easy to achieve.
—— Increase the variety of foods by choosing items you don't usually eat, such as mushrooms, kelp, soy products, etc.
– Use less salt and MSG, and use chili in moderation.
– Replace chili oil or sesame oil with sesame paste to increase calcium intake.
– Add some garlic juice and vinegar, which have antibacterial properties, or eat some raw garlic to help prevent intestinal infections.
As for other precautions, you should pay attention to the hygiene of the stall! The vendor should ideally wear a mask and a work uniform, and handling money and serving food should be separate tasks. You should also remember to wash your hands and rinse your mouth before eating.