Exploring the Haidilao Menu: A Tasty Hot Pot Adventure

If you've ever wanted to enjoy a fun, delicious, and interactive meal with friends or family, Haidilao is the place to be. Famous for its hot pot and over-the-top service, Haidilao isn't just a restaurant it’s an experience. But if you’ve never been before, the menu can look a little overwhelming. Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Haidilao menu in the easiest way possible.

1. Start With the Soup Base
At Haidilao, everything begins with the soup. This is the hot broth your food will cook in, right at your table. You get to choose the flavor, and there are plenty to pick from:

Spicy Sichuan broth: If you love bold and fiery flavors, this one’s for you. It’s full of chili oil and numbing peppercorns.
Tomato broth: A sweet and tangy option that’s very comforting.
Mushroom broth: Earthy and mild, perfect if you want something vegetarian.
Pork bone broth: Rich and creamy, this one has a deep flavor and is super satisfying.
Can’t decide? No problem you can choose two or even four soup bases in one pot so everyone at the table is happy.

2. Meat, Please!
Once your soup is bubbling, it’s time to start cooking. One of the best things about Haidilao is the wide range of meats you can order. Everything comes sliced thin so it cooks fast in the hot broth.

Popular choices include:

Beef slices   Juicy and tender, especially the marbled ones.
Lamb slices   Slightly stronger in flavor, but so good.
Pork slices   Milder and perfect with dipping sauces.
Meatballs   From beef to pork to cheese-stuffed, they’re all super tasty.
3. Seafood Lovers, You’re Covered
If you’re a seafood fan, Haidilao won’t disappoint. You’ll find:

Shrimp   Fresh and fun to cook.
Fish fillets   Usually mild white fish, thinly sliced.
Squid rings   Slightly chewy but full of flavor.
Crab sticks, mussels, and clams   They add so much depth to the soup.
Seafood cooks fast, so don’t drop it in and forget about it!

4. Veggie Goodness
Hot pot isn’t just about meat. Vegetables are a huge part of the experience, and they help balance out the meal.

You’ll see:

Leafy greens like spinach, cabbage, and lettuce
Crunchy items like lotus root, potatoes, and corn
A variety of tofu options   soft tofu, fried tofu, tofu skin. all great at soaking up the soup
Different mushrooms, such as enoki and shiitake
Even if you’re not a veggie person, these are surprisingly tasty in hot pot.

5. Noodles & Rice: The Fillers
To finish off your meal or make it more filling, you can order:

Hand-pulled noodles   Sometimes the staff will pull them fresh at your table in a fun little show!
Glass noodles and rice noodles   Slippery, light, and perfect for soaking up flavor.
Steamed rice   A classic side that goes with anything.
6. The DIY Sauce Bar
One of the coolest parts of Haidilao is the sauce station. You get to make your own dipping sauce from a huge selection of ingredients. Choose from:

Soy sauce, sesame paste, garlic, chili oil, green onions, vinegar, and much more.
Not sure what to mix? Don’t worry the restaurant usually has tips and sample combos to help you get started.

7. Small Snacks & Sides
While your hot pot is cooking, you can enjoy some small dishes. Think of them like appetizers:

Pickled veggies
Cold tofu dishes
Fried buns or dumplings
These help tide you over until your hot pot creations are ready.

8. Sweet Treats & Drinks
Don’t leave without trying a little dessert. Haidilao menu offers:

Fresh fruit platters
Tofu pudding
Ice cream or herbal jelly
As for drinks, you can enjoy hot tea, juice, or even milk tea to cool your tongue if the soup gets too spicy.

9. Good for All Diets
Haidilao does a great job of offering choices for different diets. If you're vegetarian, you’ll have plenty to eat. Some locations also provide halal options and separate utensils for customers who request them. It’s always a good idea to check with the staff—they’re super helpful and friendly.

10. More Than Just a Meal
Besides the food, Haidilao is known for its amazing service. Depending on the location, you might get:

Free snacks while waiting