Imagine walking into a restaurant where the experience begins long before you’re seated. As you wait, you can indulge in a complimentary manicure, enjoy a soothing massage, or have your shoes polished to perfection. Your kids are entertained in a playroom, complete with a nanny, while you relax with a refreshing drink. This isn’t a five-star resort—it’s Haidilao, a hot pot chain that has turned dining into an art form, where customer service is not just a promise but a spectacle.
Inside The World Of Haidilao Hot Pot
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Haidilao is not just another restaurant chain; it’s an experience that redefines dining in ways few others have dared to imagine. Haidilao, founded in 1994 by Zhang Yong in Jianyang, Sichuan Province, started as a humble hot pot restaurant. Fast forward to today; it’s a global phenomenon with over 1,400 locations across China, Japan, the United States, Australia, the UK, and more.
At its core, Haidilao is a hot pot restaurant where diners cook their own ingredients—meats, vegetables, and noodles—in a bubbling pot of flavourful broth right at their table. This interactive style of dining has long been a beloved tradition in China. But Haidilao has taken this concept and elevated it to an art form.
From the moment you step into a Haidilao restaurant, it’s clear that this is no ordinary dining experience. As you wait for your table, you can enjoy a free manicure, a massage, or even have your shoes shine. For families with children, there’s a playroom staffed with nannies, ensuring that the little ones are entertained while you relax.
Once seated, the exceptional service continues. Each table has aprons and mobile phone covers to protect your belongings from splashes. If you have long hair, the staff will even provide hairpins to keep your hair tidy as you cook. Celebrating a special occasion? Haidilao has you covered with personalised gifts and festive surprises.
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From Robot Chefs To Plushie Companions
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But the entertainment doesn’t stop there. Haidilao restaurants are known for their live performances, including the mesmerising face-changing acts of Sichuan opera and the dynamic hand-pulled noodle shows, where skilled chefs turn dough into long, silky strands of noodles right before your eyes. For solo diners, Haidilao goes the extra mile by offering giant plushie companions to keep you company at your table, ensuring that no one feels lonely.
Haidilao is also at the forefront of integrating technology into the dining experience. In 2019, it opened its first robot-aided restaurant in Beijing, where robots handle food delivery and assist in the kitchen. The company even offers a video conferencing service that allows customers to connect with friends and family dining at other Haidilao locations.
In essence, Haidilao is not just about serving hot pot; it’s about creating an environment where every meal becomes a celebration.
Cover Image Courtesy: Hadilao US/Instagram
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