Discover Haidilao 海底捞 : the famous hot pot where the service is as spicy as the broth! From noodle dances to birthday, here’s why you must visit.
1. What is Hot Pot? Meet the King: Haidilao
If you haven’t tried 火锅 (huǒguō)—or Hot Pot—you haven’t truly experienced Chinese dining culture.
It’s a communal feast where you simmer a variety of ingredients like thinly sliced meats, leafy greens, and tofu in a boiling pot of flavored broth right at the center of your table.
Among the thousands of places to get your fix, one name stands above the rest: 海底捞 (hǎidǐlāo). Founded in 1994, it has grown from a small shop into a global empire. Whether you are in Beijing, Seoul, or London, Haidilao is the gold standard for what a modern Chinese dining experience should look and feel like.
It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a cultural phenomenon.
2. The Secret Sauce: Why Haidilao is Honestly Unbeatable
You might be wondering, "It’s just soup and meat, right?" Wrong. What makes Haidilao special isn't just the food—it’s the legendary 服务 (fúwù), or service.
If you search for Haidilao on Reddit or TikTok, you’ll see why people go crazy for it. It’s famously lively—sometimes bordering on chaotic in the best way possible!
The Noodle Dance: You can’t leave without ordering the 甩面 (shuǎimiàn).
A "noodle master" comes to your table and performs an incredible rhythmic dance, swinging a long strand of dough around your head (sometimes inches from your nose!) before dropping it into the pot.
The staff is trained to be incredibly attentive. If you’re dining alone, they might even put a giant stuffed animal across from you so you don't feel lonely.
It’s this level of hospitality that makes it impossible not to walk out with a smile.
As well as personal experience, Haidirao's service is just as famous. It takes a lot of effort to create the atmosphere, but it's a very pleasant experience for the person receiving the service.
3. My Take: It’s a Party You Can Eat
In my opinion, Haidilao is the perfect representative of the modern Chinese spirit—energetic, welcoming, and high-quality.
You can see their commitment to quality in my photo; that 鲜切嫩肉 (xiān qiē nèn ròu)—fresh-cut tender beef—is labeled as being delivered to the store within just 4 hours. You can really taste that freshness in every bite.
The reason I personally like Hydirao is because I can eat delicious hot pot.
Of course, the taste is basic.
I usually use four different flavors of hot pot broth, and I especially like beef and lamb. And I also enjoy beef and lamb in spicy mara hot pot as much as I like its spicy taste.
What I love most, though, is the atmosphere. If it’s someone’s 生日 (shēngrì)—birthday—prepare yourself!
The staff will swarm the table with neon signs, singing a high-energy birthday song that gets the whole restaurant involved. It’s hilarious, a bit embarrassing, and incredibly fun.
It was my experience on my friend's birthday and it was a lot of fun. It creates a bright atmosphere, and the way the employees celebrate together makes the atmosphere more pleasant.
Watching the noodle dance live is always a highlight for me.
It turns a simple dinner into a theatrical performance. If you find yourself in China (or near any of their global locations), you absolutely have to go.
Go for the spicy 麻辣 (málà) broth, but stay for the memories. It’s a delicious, loud, and joyful experience that you won't find anywhere else.
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