This Steamboat Restaurant Gives You Free Manicures And Other Amazing Stuff While You Wait
This restaurant needs to come to Malaysia RIGHT NOW.
By Samantha Khor — 15 May 2017, 07:36 PM
Hai Di Lao Huo Guo (海底捞火锅), a popular hotpot chain from China, is not just well-known for their flavourful soup stocks and food. They're also pretty much legends when it comes to customer service!
Walk-in customers can expect a queue lasting a few hours to get a table, but here's where the exceptional service comes in. Instead of having to starve, the restaurant offers complimentary snacks so you can isi perut while you wait!
The restaurant's waiting area boasts a snack bar that offers popcorn, chips, fresh fruit, and even beverages... and everything's free! Just make sure you don't eat too much of the snacks, you want to leave more than enough space in your tummy for the hot pot. ;)
Boardgames and newspapers are also available for you to entertain yourself with while you wait. PRO TIP: Take the paper crane challenge (fold 30 paper cranes) or solve the Rubik's cube to get a free SGD6 (RM18) dish!
You can even get your nails done while you wait for your table, although there might also be a waiting list for the free manicure service
In the event that you didn't manage to get a manicure before your number is called, don't worry about missing out! The staff will present you with a manicure card which can be used to redeem a free manicure on your next visit. You could even call ahead to book your slot in advance if you're thinking of dropping by from Monday to Thursday (regular queues resume from Friday to Sunday).
If you have children with you, there's designated play area for them to entertain themselves with while you munch on some snacks or are getting your nails done
The pampering does not stop there. When you finally get a table, you will be given a hot towel as well as an apron and a hairband to wear so you don't dirty your clothes or ter-eat your own hair.
Don't worry about accidentally splashing soup on your phone or bag, the staff will also give you a screen protector (which they will apply for you) as well as a plastic baggy for your phone and handbags/backpacks. How's that for extra? :p
As for the food, take note that all orders are à la carte, including the soup stocks, fresh premium ingredients, and the variety of homemade sauces
Soup stocks come in flavours like chicken, mushroom, tomato, seafood, laksa, and the restaurant's spicy Sichuan pot. While most hotpot restaurants lets you have a choice of two soups, you can opt to have four soup flavours at the same time.
All ingredients are freshly-made in-house, including the shrimp paste, sauces, and of course, the gong fu mian - noodles artistically handmade and pulled right before your very eyes.
Unfortunately for us, Hai Di Lao has yet to open a Malaysian outpost. 'Til then, you'll have to head over to one of their outlets in our neighbouring country Singapore:
Hai Di Lao (Clarke Quay)
Address: 3D River Valley Road, #02-04, Singapore 179023
Tel. No.: +65 6337 8626
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 6.00am
Hai Di Lao (313@Somerset)
Address: 313 Orchard Road, #04-23/24, 313@Somerset, Singapore 238895
Tel. No.: +65 6835 7227
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 6.00am
Hai Di Lao (IMM)
Address: 2 Jurong East Street 21, #03-01, IMM, Singapore 609601
Tel. No.: +65 6896 4111
Opening Hours: 10.30 am – 4.00am
Hai Di Lao (VivoCity)
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-09, VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Tel. No.: +65 6250 7557 (for reservations) +65 6250 7667 (for enquiries)
Opening Hours: 10.30am – 6am