Malatang one RMB each. Customers keep the used wooden sticks by their plates, and when a customer finishes eating, the price to pay is determined by counting the number of empty sticks. In the mid-2010s "malatang" shops became popular in North China, especially Beijing. In these shops the ingredients are usually displayed on shelves, and customers pick their desired ingredients into a bowl. Behind the counter the selected ingredients are cooked in a spicy broth, usually at very high temperature for 3–4 minutes. Before serving, "malatang" is typically further seasoned with lots of garlic, black pepper, Sichuan pepper, chili pepper, sesame
Gejang and ground Korean pear, onions, ginger and garlic, as well as whole sesame seeds, and sesame oil. In general, the "gejang" can be eaten a half day after the preparation and consuming the dish within two or three days is best to have its intact spicy and sweet and sour taste. If crabs are first marinated in a boiled and chilled mixture of "eakjeok" (액젓, filtered "jeotgal") and soy sauce before mixing the spicy sauce, the "yangnyeom gejang" can be well marinated with the latter sauce, and can be preserved longer. Types are divided by crab species, region, and cooking