In March, Haidilao Hot Pot is celebrating its 31st anniversary and sharing its 31 interesting stories about the brand and introduces a limited-edition blind box and blind bag overseas, adding fun and cultural charm to the celebration. So, let’s learn 31 Stories about Haidilao at below:
The Company Story
From Humble Beginnings
Haidilao started its story in 1994, from a small humble four-table restaurant, in Jianyang, the Sichuan Province of China.
Worldwide Presence
Today, guided by the simple philosophy of cooking up only the freshest and crispest ingredients, it now has served over 1 billion customers and operates more than 1,500 locations worldwide, spanning 18 countries and regions across four continents. It is highly recognized across Southeast Asia, East Asia, North America and the Middle East.
What’s In A Name
Haidilao derived its name from the Sichuanese mahjong term that players often refer to when they win with the last tile. It is a name synonymous with success and good fortune.
A Global Favourite
Haidilao is ranked among the world’s most valuable food service brands since 2019. In 2024, it achieved a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 90.8, becoming the world’s strongest restaurant brand, according to Brand Finance.
Harvard-Approved Business
Haidilao’s worldwide success has made it a featured business case in Harvard Business School in 2011 as a model of business innovation.
Behind Haidilao’s Success
It continues to have its ingredients and soup flavourings produced and supplied by Yihai across all its restaurants and retail shops worldwide.
The Employees Happiness
The Power Is In Your Hands
Haidilao believes in fostering autonomy and responsibility among all its employees. Guided by its motto of “Changing your future with your hands”, it believes that passion fuels purpose and allows them the decision-making power to make their best calls to encourage a sense of responsibility and consequently, exceptional customer service.
Go For Gold
To retain the best of the best, Haidilao proudly rewards employees with gold ingots for every five years of service. To foster camaraderie, it hosts an annual Talentime event for employees to unwind and get to know one another outside of work. Overall, Haidilao has awarded over US$100,000 to outstanding frontline staff, including waiters, dancing noodle masters, face-changing artists and more.
Career Potential
Employees have great career growth opportunities with Haidilao, who practices a unique internal promotion system. Many Haidilao managers started as waiters and worked their way up the ranks following a unique internal growth structure.
Mentors and Apprentices
New employees are welcomed to the family through a mentorship where they are assigned their own mentors, known as “shifu”, to help their apprentices or “tudi” adapt to the company culture.
Global Employee Benefits
As part of the Haidilao family, all Haidilao employees enjoy a 50% discount off their bill at any Haidilao locations worldwide.
The Customer Experience
Smoke-Free Secret
Every Haidilao promises a smoke-free dining experience, made possible by powerful built-in exhaust systems. They are cleverly hidden away in the signature sloped entrance of every Haidilao restaurant.
Membership Perks
It pays to be a Haidilao member, a circle that connects you to a worldwide network of Haidilao lovers. Earn growth points by logging into your accounts every time you eat at Haidilao restaurants worldwide and receive unbeatable promotions.
Exclusive Regional Services
When you dine in Haidilao in different countries, keep an eye out for exclusive features found nowhere else. Haidilao Japan offers Dyson hand-dryers in the washroom; Haidilao Singapore adds to the dining experience with sound and light technology; Haidilao Vietnam and Malaysia welcome diners with hair-washing services.
Complimentary Treats While Waiting
On top of the specialty services, all diners can help themselves to complimentary snacks, drinks and bouts of mini games as they wait for their meals.
Diverse Menu Offerings
Catering to local palates, Haidilao customizes its menu in each country, offering an extremely wide variety of dishes and beverages favoured by local tastes and preferences.
Internal Quality Check
Before the start of every service, internal personnel do daily rounds to check on fruit freshness and sweetness at every outlet.
Unforgettably Unique Services
Every meal at Haidilao promises to be an unforgettable treat for all the senses, featuring noodle dancing shows, face-changing performances and more in the midst of the meal.
The Extra Mile
Solo Dining
Select Haidilao outlets offer personal hotpots for those who prefer their own portions. There is also the option to be seated alone away from the crowds for those who prefer privacy.
Wedding Bells
A growing number of couples have chosen Haidilao as their wedding venue, celebrating their love story where it all began—over a bubbling hotpot. The brand accommodates these special moments with customised decorations, special menus, and heartwarming service.
Happy Birthday!
If it’s your special day, those celebrating a birthday can enjoy complimentary celebrations including a round of birthday song from the staff, a cake – sometimes complete with performances – and more.
Late Night Dining
Many outlets are open past midnight, attracting night owls and late-night food lovers. Haidilao is known to host after-concert parties to keep the music going on.
Kid-Friendly Experience
Haidilao is a place for the whole family, offering dishes that appeal to diners young and old. While the adults dine, dedicated play areas make great spots for the little ones to keep busy.
‘MBTI’ Seating
Following the famed Myer-Briggs Type Indicator based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological type, select outlets have designated seats for customers with certain requirements and personal preferences.
The Haidilao Promise
DIY Sauce Station
To perfect your meal, Haidilao offers DIY sauce stations at every outlet, boasting a myriad of sauces and ingredients complete with guidelines to mix the perfect combination.
Trendy Secrets
Many Haidilao diners have come up with their own preferred ways to enjoy Haidilao, resulting in many customer-generated viral content on social media on novel methods and recipes.
Celebrity-Endorsed
Haidilao is well-loved by some of the world’s top influencers and celebrities, who are spotted enjoying Haidilao all over the world.
Free Essentials
Haidilao strives to take care of every step of your dining journey. You’ll never be left for want with free essentials such as glass-cleaning clothes, napkins, hair ties and aprons to make you feel like you’re dining in the very comforts of your home.
Secret Code
At any time a diner is feeling unwell from the flu or just under the weather from that time of the month, they are entitled for a free Ginger Coke with the secret code: “I need something to warm my heart”.
Extra Birthday Surprise
On top of the regular birthday song and cake, those celebrating another year around the sun can look forward to small joyful surprises and tasty treats to add to the memories.
The Future
Beyond Hotpot
More than just a hotpot chain, Haidilao has also expanded and introduced brands like Hi Noodle, Hi Hot Pot and Hi BBQ for exciting new dining experiences.