Haidilao is a Sichuan hot pot chain with locations across Asia, North America, and Europe

Haidilao (also written as Hai Di Lao) is a table-cooking hot pot restaurant where you order raw ingredients, broth, and dipping sauces, then cook everything yourself in a pot of simmering liquid at your table. The chain started in Chengdu, China, in 1994 and now operates hundreds of locations worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, Australia, and multiple Asian countries. Unlike some hot pot restaurants that are small or casual, Haidilao locations tend to be larger, sit-down establishments with table service and a full menu of proteins, vegetables, noodles, and prepared dishes.

The core experience is the same at every location: you sit at a table with a built-in heating element, order from a menu of raw and cooked items, and cook your selections in broth while you eat. The restaurant provides the pot, broth, utensils, and dipping sauce stations. You control the heat and cooking time. Most locations also serve non-hot-pot dishes like noodle soups, rice bowls, and appetizers for people who don't want to cook at the table.

Key Takeaways

  • You cook raw meat, seafood, and vegetables in a pot of broth at your table, and the restaurant provides all equipment and utensils.
  • Most Haidilao locations charge per person or per item, and prices vary significantly by location and ingredient type.
  • The restaurant supplies dipping sauces and sauce-making stations, though you can customize your own combinations.
  • Reservations are strongly recommended at busy times, as tables fill quickly and wait times can exceed one hour.
  • Haidilao is known for attentive table service, including staff who help refill broths, clear plates, and information with cooking questions.

How the ordering and pricing system works

Haidilao uses different pricing models depending on the location. Some restaurants charge a per-person base price that includes unlimited broth, vegetables, and noodles, with additional charges for premium proteins like wagyu beef or seafood. Others charge per item, where you order individual plates of meat, vegetables, and other ingredients and pay for each one separately. A few locations use a hybrid model. Check the specific restaurant's website or call ahead to understand their pricing before you go.

Proteins are typically the most expensive items on the menu. Thinly sliced beef, lamb, and pork cost more than mushrooms or leafy greens. Seafood like shrimp, squid, and fish cakes usually cost the most. Vegetables, tofu, noodles, and prepared items like meatballs or fish balls are generally cheaper. Most locations offer a range of broth options—mild, spicy, or a divided pot with both—and broth is usually included in the base price or charged as a small per-pot fee.

What to order and how to cook it

A typical Haidilao meal starts with choosing your broth. The most popular option is the spicy Sichuan broth made with chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns, but most locations also offer a mild or savory broth. Many tables order a divided pot with spicy broth on one side and mild on the other. Once the broth is heating, you order raw ingredients: thinly sliced meats (beef, lamb, pork), seafood (shrimp, squid, fish), vegetables (bok choy, mushrooms, spinach, cabbage), noodles, and prepared items like tofu puffs or fish cakes.

Cooking times vary by ingredient. Thin-sliced meat cooks in 5 to 15 seconds—you swish it in the broth and it's done almost when ready. Seafood takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on thickness. Vegetables take 1 to 3 minutes. Noodles take 3 to 5 minutes. The restaurant provides a small strainer or mesh spoon for fishing cooked items out of the broth. Most people cook a few items at a time rather than dumping everything in at once, so the meal stretches over 45 minutes to an hour.

Dipping sauces and flavor customization

Every Haidilao has a sauce station where you can mix your own dipping sauce from sesame oil, soy sauce, cilantro, garlic, scallions, and other condiments. Most people make a straightforward mix of sesame oil and soy sauce, though some add chili oil, vinegar, or fresh herbs. The restaurant also provides pre-made dipping sauces if you prefer not to mix your own. You dip each cooked piece into your sauce before eating it.

The sauce station is self-serve and unlimited, so you can refill or adjust your sauce as many times as you want during the meal. Some locations offer specialty sauces or additional ingredients at the sauce bar. Ask your server what options are available at your specific location.

Table service and what staff will do for you

Haidilao is known for high-touch table service. Staff regularly check on your table, refill your broth when it gets low, clear empty plates, bring new ingredients you've ordered, and help with cooking questions if you're unsure how long something should cook. Some locations have staff who will cook certain items for you if you ask, though most people cook their own. Servers typically visit your table every few minutes, so you don't have to flag someone down if you need something.

The level of service can vary by location and how busy the restaurant is. During peak hours, refills may take longer. During slower times, staff may check on you even more frequently. If you have dietary restrictions or cooking questions, tell your server when you sit down.

Reservations, wait times, and what to expect on arrival

Most Haidilao locations accept reservations through their website, phone, or third-party reservation apps. During lunch and dinner rush hours—typically 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.—the restaurant fills up quickly and walk-ins may face waits of 30 minutes to over an hour. Weekday afternoons and late evenings usually have shorter waits. If you don't have a reservation and there's a wait, you can add your name to the list and wait in the lobby or nearby area.

When you're seated, the server will bring you menus, water, and explain the ordering process if you're new. You'll order your broth first, then browse the menu for ingredients. Most restaurants give you a paper menu to mark items on, or you order through a tablet or app at some locations. The server will bring your broth and any pre-cooked appetizers first, then bring raw ingredients as you order them.

Locations in North America and how to find your nearest restaurant

Haidilao has locations in multiple North American cities, with the largest concentration in California, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Other U.S. locations include cities in Texas, Washington, New York, and other states. Canada has locations in Toronto, Vancouver, and other major cities. The number and location of restaurants changes, so check the official Haidilao website or use Google Maps to find the nearest location to you and confirm current hours and reservation options.

Some locations are in shopping malls or strip centers, while others are standalone restaurants. Parking availability varies by location. If you're visiting a new location, arrive a few minutes early to find parking and get oriented, especially during busy times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to eat at Haidilao?

No. The staff expect first-time diners and will explain how to order and cook. Start with a mild broth if you're unsure about spice level, order a few items at a time, and ask your server how long to cook something if you're not sure. Most people figure out the rhythm within the first 10 minutes.

What if I don't want to cook at the table?

Most Haidilao locations have a separate menu of pre-cooked dishes like noodle soups, rice bowls, and stir-fried items. You can order these instead of or in addition to hot pot. Ask your server what non-hot-pot options are available.

Is the broth reused from other tables?

No. Each table gets a fresh pot of broth. The broth is prepared in the kitchen and brought to your table. Once your meal is done, the pot is discarded and cleaned.

How much should I budget for a meal?

Prices vary widely by location and what you order. At most U.S. locations, expect to spend $25 to $50 per person for a full meal with proteins, vegetables, and noodles. Premium proteins and seafood push the cost higher. Check your specific location's menu online for exact prices.

Can I make a reservation for a large group?

Yes. Most locations accept group reservations, though very large groups (15+ people) may need to call ahead to confirm they can accommodate you. Some restaurants have private dining areas for large parties. Contact the restaurant directly to discuss your group size and needs.