Haidilao Hot Pot: The Ultimate Service Experience (2026 Guide)
Discover why Haidilao is famous for its legendary service—free snacks, manicures, noodle performances, and of course, excellent hot pot.
Haidilao: Where Hot Pot Meets Hospitality
Haidilao (海底捞) isn’t just a hot pot restaurant—it’s a service phenomenon. China’s largest hot pot chain has built its reputation on hospitality so over-the-top it feels almost absurd: free manicures while you wait, complimentary fruit platters, phone cases to protect your device from splashes, and staff who seem genuinely delighted to help.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Shanghai Locations | 50+ |
| Hours | 10:00 AM - 7:00 AM (some 24-hour) |
| Average Cost | ¥140-200/person |
| Booking | App or WeChat mini-program |
The Famous Free Services
While Waiting
| Service | What You Get |
|---|---|
| 🍉 Fresh fruit | Watermelon, melon, grapes—unlimited |
| 💅 Manicures | Free nail care (select locations) |
| 🎮 Entertainment | Board games, video games, mahjong |
| 📱 Phone charging | Portable chargers available |
| 👶 Kids zone | Supervised play area |
During Your Meal
| Service | What You Get |
|---|---|
| 🍜 Noodle performance | Hand-pulled noodles show at your table |
| 👓 Glasses cleaning | Prevent steam fogging |
| 📱 Phone protection | Waterproof pouches provided |
| 🎂 Birthday celebration | Cake and singing for birthdays |
| Hair ties & aprons | Practical touches for diners |
💡 Pro Tip: Ask for the “手工面 (hand-pulled noodle)” performance. A staff member will perform acrobatic noodle-stretching moves right at your table. Great for photos and videos.
Recommended Locations
Near Tourist Areas
| Branch | Location | Metro | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimao Plaza | Nanjing East Road | Nanjing East Road Station | Near The Bund |
| Pudong Zhangyang | Pudong | Dongchang Road Station | Near Lujiazui |
| Xujiahui | Xujiahui | Xujiahui Station | Shopping district |
24-Hour Locations
Several branches operate around the clock—perfect for late-night cravings or jet-lagged travelers.
💡 Pro Tip: The 10 PM to midnight window often has the shortest waits while still having all services available.
How to Book
Method 1: Haidilao App (English Available)
- Download “Haidilao” from App Store/Play Store
- Register an account
- Select location, date, time, and party size
- Receive QR code confirmation
Method 2: WeChat Mini-Program
- Search “海底捞” in WeChat
- Open mini-program
- Allow location access
- Book desired slot
Wait Time Expectations
| Time Slot | Expected Wait |
|---|---|
| Weekday lunch | 10-30 min |
| Weekday dinner | 30-60 min |
| Weekend dinner | 60-120 min |
| Late night | Minimal |
💡 Pro Tip: Walk-ins between 3-5 PM or after 10 PM typically have the shortest waits.
What to Order
Soup Bases (Essential)
| Base | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Mala (麻辣锅底) | ¥78 | Must-try, numbing and spicy |
| Tomato (番茄锅底) | ¥68 | Mild, tangy |
| Mushroom (菌菇锅底) | ¥68 | Savory, earthy |
Most tables order a split pot (鸳鸯锅) with two different broths.
Ingredients to Add
| Item | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sliced beef (肥牛) | ¥68 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sliced lamb (羊肉) | ¥68 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shrimp paste (虾滑) | ¥48 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Quail eggs (鹌鹑蛋) | ¥18 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hand-pulled noodles (手工面) | Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Sauce Station
Haidilao’s self-serve sauce bar is legendary. Build your own dipping sauce from dozens of options.
Classic Combination:
- Sesame paste + garlic + cilantro + scallions
- Chili oil + vinegar + garlic
Ordering Tips
Solo Dining Welcome
Haidilao happily accommodates solo diners. Some branches even provide a stuffed animal “companion” to keep you company. Single-portion pots are available.
Portion Guide
| Party Size | Soup Base | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | 1 split pot | 4-6 items |
| 4 people | 1 split pot | 8-12 items |
Payment
| Method | Accepted |
|---|---|
| WeChat/Alipay | ✅ |
| Visa/Mastercard | ✅ |
| Cash | ✅ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they have English menus?
Yes, many locations offer English menus. The app also has English support. Even without English, photo menus make ordering straightforward.
Is it vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely. The mushroom broth is excellent, and there’s a wide selection of vegetable ingredients.
Good for families?
Very. The kids zone keeps children entertained, and staff are attentive to families’ needs.
Will my clothes smell like hot pot?
Inevitably yes—it’s part of the experience. Haidilao provides aprons and plastic covers for your jacket to minimize the damage.
Hot Pot vs Lamb Skewers
Both are popular Shanghai dining experiences. Here’s how they compare:
| Aspect | Haidilao Hot Pot | Lamb Skewer BBQ |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Clean, service-focused | Lively, social |
| Price | ¥150/person | ¥125/person |
| Wait | 30-120 min | 40 min - 3 hours |
| Hours | Nearly 24/7 | Evening focused |
| Best for | Late night, families | Dinner, groups |
💡 Pro Tip: Many visitors do lamb skewers for dinner (around 6 PM), then Haidilao as a late-night second meal.
Related Guides
- Shanghai Food Trio Guide - Complete food experience
- Lamb Skewer Guide - The other must-try
- WeChat Pay Setup - Essential for booking
Official Information
- Haidilao Website
- Haidilao App: Available on App Store/Play Store
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Prices and services may vary by location.
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