Boiling pots of broth, some so spicy your nose already burns from the smell alone, right in the middle of the dining table, with raw meat and seafood on the side waiting to be cooked? That doesn’t exactly sound like a kid-friendly picture does it? And yet, hotpot is such a great group dining experience it’s hard to leave the kids out of it here in Beijing. So is there a safe, kid-friendly hotpot restaurant? The answer is a resounding Yes!
With over 1,300 stores in China, Haidilao Hot Pot is a ubiquitous brand across the nation. But in the last decade, Haidilao has spread its name far and wide beyond these shores – their stores can be found in Asian countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, all the way to United Kingdom and the United States. Though I have yet to step into a Haidilao in Los Angeles to see what it’s like, I can definitely attest to the family appeal of Haidilao here in the capital city.
Firstly, Haidilao restaurants usually have a dedicated kids’ playroom which is completely enclosed with a security door. From our experience, it’s spotless and well-maintained. There may not be many toys, but service staff have been known to get down on their hands and knees to engage the kids themselves – part of the incredible service culture that Haidilao is so famous for. On top of all that, the playroom is under CCTV supervision, where parents can survey what their kids are up to via a digital app.
The playroom isn’t the only place that you can spy on with that powerful digital – the kitchen is also available for you to ensure that nothing untoward is taking place to your food. That’s how transparent Haidilao wants to be with its customers.
While its food is hygienic and tasty enough, it’s really the least memorable part of the Haidilao experience, in my opinion. What I really recall is the staff performer who spins, twirls, stretches, and whips the noodle dough in a nifty little show. Having once caught the team of noodle-pullers practicing in a park nearby, I know that they definitely spend lots of time training. If you’re game, they are happy to let you try your hand at it too!
Last but not least, birthday celebrations are kind of a big thing at Haidilao. Not only will the staff and the Haidilao mascot come and sing an original birthday song (not the Chinese version of Happy Birthday), the birthday person will also enjoy a colorful plate of fresh vegetables and fruit – which is a nice, healthy change from yet another sugar-filled cake. The whole birthday spectacle is certainly quite an experience to top off a kids’ birthday party after playing all day, and perfect for a couple of families and friends.
It’s easy to find the nearest Haidilao to you by searching Haidilao in Dianping. While you’re in the app, don’t forget to follow Jingkids International’s Dianping account for English reviews of more family-friendly restaurants, sights, and places! Or simply scan the QR code below.
For more family friendly restaurant recommendations, add TBJButler on WeChat and ask to join the FamFriendlyEats WeChat group.
Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush, Mina Yan
