Finally, I came to this superb raving hotpot place, Hai Di Lao 海底捞火锅. And because reservation was made, no need for us to queue up for hours, just to have hotpot a.k.a steamboat. Though you will be occupied by the drinks and snacks provided while waiting for a table, plus free manicure. I saw free ice cream and free poncho too. And a small corner for kids to play. That is just for those at the waiting area outside the restaurant.
When you are seated at your table, you will be provided with a cover to shield your bag from the splashing from the hotpot. And apron for yourself too, to shield your clothes. Then a zip-lock for you to put your phone and even wet wipes to wipe your phone or whatever applicable. With kids around, baby chair provided plus a free toy to entertain them. The servers are quite meticulous to their customers, seeing to their needs. Like providing a mobile phone stand for the kids to watch their show on mobile phone. And then, there is those usual topping up your water, clearing and changing your plates/bowls, serving you by adding the ingredients you ordered to the pot. And even asked if you want it in smaller pieces (like cabbage and oyster mushrooms in big pieces) so that they can tear it for you before adding in. They are quite engaging with customers. Never fail to appear at the table to check on us, even when the restaurant is full house. Seriously. Everybody is crazy over HDL that they are so willing to wait.
There are desserts and fruits for your consumption. Sauces for you to mix as dip. Some Chinese appetizers before you start the ball rolling. We ordered Laksa (left) and Tomato (right) soup bases, quite a bit of meat items, noodles and vegetables that comes later part. You can choose 2 or 4 soup bases.
In my opinion, we are really paying for their service. Expensive. Overall, it was an average experience, just like other hotpot places we go before. Okay, HDL stands out on their service. That's it. Not really worth the wait.
Since they sell the hotpot seasoning pack at supermarkets, I think is pretty good idea to buy a pack around $4+ - $5+ and cook at home. Quite economical. But if you want to personally experience Hai Di Lao in their restaurants, you can do so and please expect your bill to be expensive.
So enjoy the 2 clips from above, esp the guy who serves up the noodles along with the stretching noodles stunt. They bring along a mini speaker or radio to add to the mood while doing the stunt. Hahaha... very entertaining. Cheers.
Hai Di Lao Hot Pot
1 Harbourfront Walk
#03-09 Vivo City
Singapore 098585
Tel: 6250 7557 / 6250 7667 (Call for reservation, if you don't want to wait)
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (NEL/Circle Line)