Haidilao, a prominent hot pot restaurant chain founded in 1994 in Jianyang, Sichuan, China, has expanded its operations internationally, including to the United States. The brand is recognized not only for its customizable hot pot meals but also for its extensive array of complimentary services and freebies designed to enhance the customer experience. Based on available information, Haidilao offers a variety of free amenities, ranging from practical services like phone charging to promotional items obtained through specific verbal codes. This article details the complimentary offerings available to customers, the methods for accessing them, and the official promotional structures in place.
The complimentary services at Haidilao are often integrated directly into the dining experience. For instance, customers can access free Wi-Fi and phone charging stations at their tables, allowing them to stay connected while dining. For those with long hair, free hairbands are provided to keep hair away from the hot pot. Additionally, Ziploc bags are available upon request to protect personal devices like phones from splashes and sauces. Some outlets also offer complimentary shoe polishing services while customers wait for their table.
For families dining with children, certain Haidilao locations feature playrooms stocked with toys, games, and slides to keep children entertained. While waiting for a table, customers can visit dedicated waiting areas where a variety of snacks are available for free, with no limit on quantity. The restaurant also celebrates customer birthdays with a complimentary package that includes a cake, a fruit platter, a personalized photo card, and a staff performance. In selected outlets, complimentary gel manicure services are offered while waiting for a table, and gloves are provided to protect the nails during the meal.
Haidilao has an official mobile application in the United States. According to the brand's U.S. website, the app provides access to special weekly promotions and rewards. For first-time users, the app offers instant vouchers worth up to $40, which can be applied to offset the dining bill. The website also highlights that the brand is known for its "free snacks, and even manicures while they wait," confirming the availability of these services at U.S. locations.
Beyond standard complimentary services, Haidilao has a system of "secret codes," referred to in Chinese as ànhào yóuxì (code game), where customers can receive additional freebies by mentioning specific phrases to service staff. It is important to note that the effectiveness of these codes may vary by location and is not officially guaranteed by the brand. The following codes have been reported by customers, primarily in Singapore, and are presented here as unverified user reports rather than official promotions.
One code, "小仙女来吃火锅了" (xiǎo xiān nǚ lái chī huǒ guō le), meaning "Little fairy is here for hot pot," is reported to yield a magic fairy wand. Another code, "你家的汤底好好喝" (nǐ jiā de tāng dǐ hǎo hǎo hē), translating to "Your soup base is delicious," may result in a free bag of Haidilao hot pot soup pack to take home. A variation for tomato soup, "你们的番茄汤好好喝" (nǐ mén de fān qié tāng hǎo hǎo hē), is said to provide a free tomato soup pack. For watermelon, the phrase "你们的西瓜好甜啊" (nǐ mén de xī guā hǎo tián ā), or "Your watermelon is so sweet," is reported to earn free watermelon slices. The phrase "你家零食好好吃呀" (nǐ jiā líng shí hǎo hǎo chī yā), meaning "Your snacks are so delicious," may result in free snacks.
Other codes are related to birthdays or playful interactions. Saying "我朋友今天生日" (wǒ péng yǒu jīn tiān shēng rì), or "It is my friend’s birthday today," is reported to trigger a complimentary birthday cake. The phrase "你看我像小朋友吗?" (nǐ kàn wǒ xiàng xiǎo péng yǒu ma?), which translates to "Do you think I look like a child?", is said to result in receiving small toys. A code mentioned in some reports is "兔兔那么可爱怎么可以吃兔兔呢" (tù tù nà me kě ài zěn me kě yǐ chī tù tù ne), meaning "Rabbits are so cute, how could you eat them," though the specific freebie associated with this phrase is not detailed in the available data.
It is critical to understand that these secret codes are not part of an official, published promotion. They appear to be an informal marketing strategy or a customer service practice aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and retention. The availability of these items is not guaranteed and may depend on staff discretion, outlet location, and current inventory. Customers interested in trying these codes should do so with the understanding that they are attempting an unverified method for receiving complimentary items.
The structure of Haidilao's menu in the United States includes soup bases and pots (with options like spicy or mild broths), bean curd and noodle series, beef and lamb series with tender sliced meats, and desserts such as chocolate balls, fruity jelly, and ice cream. The complimentary amenities and potential freebies are separate from the purchased menu items.
In summary, Haidilao provides a range of complimentary services to enhance the dining experience, including Wi-Fi, phone charging, hairbands, Ziploc bags, playrooms, snack bars, birthday packages, and nail services at select locations. The official U.S. mobile application offers promotional vouchers for new users. Additionally, a series of unverified "secret codes" exist, which customers can attempt to use for extra freebies, though these are not officially sanctioned and their success is not guaranteed. The brand's strategy appears to focus on customer retention through these extensive complimentary offerings.