Ultimate Guide to Haidilao Hot Pot: Dishes, Tips, and More

Hello everyone! I’m Emma Lee, an expatriate food blogger living in China. My passion is exploring the vast array of Chinese cuisine, from bustling street snacks to upscale restaurants. Today, I’m excited to share insights into one of my favorite hot pot brands—Haidilao. Join me as I delve into some personal ordering tips and tricks that will enhance your dining experience.

Haidilao – Brand Introduction

• Chinese Name: 海底捞
• Cuisine: Hot Pot
• Recommended Dishes: Tomato Soup Base, Haidilao-style Fatty Beef, Shrimp Paste, Haidilao Noodles
• Best Times to Visit: Lunch and Dinner
• Ideal Seasons: Year-round
• Average Cost: Approximately $18 (120 RMB)
• Ideal For: Individuals, Couples, Families, Business Meals, Birthday Celebrations. Haidilao is famous for its birthday celebrations, where staff will sing for the celebrant. If you’re planning a birthday meal here, remember to bring your cake in advance, and the staff will prepare additional surprises!
• Cities with Locations: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Harbin, Zhangjiajie, Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu
• Store Details: Find detailed addresses on the Haidilao Website.

How to Make a Reservation

• WeChat Booking:
  • Search for Haidilao on the WeChat Mini Program.
  • Select ‘Book a Seat’.
  • Enter the number of diners, date, and time.
  • Choose which branch to dine at.
  • Specify any special requests in the comments section, such as birthday celebrations and other notes.
• Walk-in: You can also queue at the restaurant. Popular locations may have a wait time of about 40 minutes.

Ordering Guide

• Pot Base Recommendation: Opt for the quad-section pot with one or two bases of your choice.
• Vegetables: Start with half-portions of vegetables to enjoy a variety and order more if needed.
• For One: A cost-effective yet delicious combination would be a fragrant pot base + 3 plain water bases; free noodle refills; also try the luncheon meat, fatty beef, and the flagship nine-section grid.
• For Two: Choose 1-2 quad-section bases; order about 6-7 half-portions, recommended 5 meat and 2 vegetable dishes.
• Universal Sauce Formula: 1 spoon minced garlic + 1 spoon cilantro + 1 spoon chopped green onions + 1 spoon shrimp paste soy sauce + a dash of oyster sauce.

Menu

Must-Try Dishes for First-Timers

Soup Bases

• Tomato Soup Base: A savory tomato beef broth, perfect to sip as soon as it’s served.
• Classic Spicy Soup Base: A traditional spicy flavor that enhances the taste of any meat.
• Pure Ghee Hot Pot: Rich ghee flavor that gets better as you eat.

Meats

• Haidilao-style Sliced Beef: Delicious and tender, perfectly marinated.
• Haidilao-style Fatty Beef: Thinly sliced, suitable for any soup base.
• Duck Blood: Tastes great dipped in dry sauce.
• Mini Sausages and Spam: Fry briefly, then dip in ketchup or chili powder for extra flavor.

Vegetables

• Kelp Knots: Fresh, tender, and smooth, delicious no matter how long they’re cooked.
• Green Bamboo Shoots: Cook briefly to maintain their crunchiness.
• Mock Tripe: Tastes excellent mixed with tribute vegetables.

Staple Foods

• Crispy Onion Fried Rice: Add a bit of spicy broth (debris removed) for an amazing flavor.

Money-Saving Tips

• Choosing Soup Bases: Opt for a four-grid pot with one favorite base + 3 plain water bases—much cheaper than a two-grid or a large pot! You can also DIY your bases at the sauce station with options like Tom Yum, Sukiyaki, or Spicy Pot.
• Order Half Portions: It’s more cost-effective as two half portions are slightly more than a full portion.
• Free Steamed Egg: Ask the staff; recommended toppings include beef bits, fish cake sauce, and seaweed.
• Free Manicure: Book a manicure/hand care session upon seating. If unavailable, get a manicure card for next time!
• Free Photo Printing: Print two photos for free at the entrance; ask boldly for a free frame too.

For more guides on Chinese cuisine, visit Chinese Food Guide.