Cuisine: Chinese (Sichuan hot pot)
English Menu? No. It’s best to bring a phrasebook or Chinese-speaking friend to help order.
Kids’ menu? No
General kid friendliness of menu: Plenty of fresh ingredients to choose from. The DIY sauce bar has some snacks and fruit. Lemonade is available too. Be careful of the steam, boiling water and fire though.
Staff: Patient, polite and attentive, but their English is very limited.
Bathroom: Clean bathrooms with sit-down toilets.
Best dishes for kids: Beef, or fish balls. Ask for hand-pulled noodles, which are done at your table as a noodle dance performance.
Kids play area: This branch has a small play room on the second floor. Toys are sparse though, so bring your own.
Seating: Standard tables and chairs for four to six people.
Price: RMB 200
Accepts credit cards? Yes
Must order item: The DIY sauce bar has garlic, hot peppers, celery, green onions, sesame oil and more. Choose from the freshest ingredients for leafy greens, meats, potatoes, mushrooms and tofu. Broths range from spicy to non-spicy.
In a nutshell: One of the best service restaurants in China, Haidalo ensures everyone leaves happy. Food is fresh, portions are generous and there is an option to order half dishes, so diners can explore the variety of offerings. This chain, however, is notorious for long waits for a table (even with a reservation). Good thing they offer Wi-Fi, Chinese checkers, an endless snack supply, free manicures and shoe shines while you wait.
Daily 24hrs. 2A Baijiazhuang Lu (next to No. 80 Middle School), Chaoyang District (6595 0079)
海底捞,朝阳区白家庄路甲2号 (八十中学西侧)