海底捞火锅打浦路店 — Restaurant in Shanghai

I was impressed from the moment I called to inquire about the wait, and they put me on the queue and gave me a number right then and there. However, maybe it would've been better if they hadn't, since when I arrived, I was surprised to see a waiting area with free manicures, board games, WiFi, snacks, and drinks!

They were sold out of the pure spicy pot when I was there, which was a bit disappointing. Instead, I got the 麻辣酸菜鱼火锅 split with their specialty 番茄 broth ($80). The former wasn't nearly as numbing and spicy as I'd hoped, but they were happy to come out and add more spices to the pot. It came with a whole order of fish which could then be split between the two sides of the pot, as well as firm 豆花 that was cooked in the pot and then mixed with a very numbing and spicy sauce for delicious results. The tomato broth was more of a noble experiment, and it was interesting, but I don't think I'd want to order it again.

Amusingly, you put your order in on an iPad, though their software was a bit half-baked and I found it more entertaining than practical.

I like how you can put in half orders of just about everything for half the price.

捞面 ($7): Star of the show, and an unbelievable value. These handmade noodles are the best I've ever had in a hotpot, which alone would make them a star. However, when you order them, they bring the raw noodles to your table, and draw them out before your eyes with a showman like flair - spinning and whirling the noodles around like Chinese ribbon twirlers, stretching the dough out with every flourish. It's a bit of a gimmick, but it's a true testament to the quality of their dough that it holds together while being pulled in such a manner. 滑类组合 ($31 for half): Their 滑 are really, really good. Even the ones in the mixed platter I wasn't expecting to like, such as the beef, ended up being good. 捞派滑牛肉 ($25 for half): The type of thick sliced beef that has been prepared in such a way that you can toss it in the pot forever, and it just gets more tender over time. 特技肥牛 ($28 for half): An average sliced hotpot beef, I'd probably try the more premium Australian beef next time instead. 牛腩肉 ($61 for half): I also thought this tasted like an average sliced hotpot beef. 荠菜百叶包 ($11 for half): I really didn't like this, I thought it tasted a bit funny. 菌类组合 ($25 for half): A plate full of mixed mushrooms, wonderful. 流菜拼盘 ($15 for half): A plate full of mixed veggies, great. 时菜拼盘 ($14 for half): A plate full of (slightly different) mixed veggies, super.

There also seem to be some seating charges of around $6-14 if I'm reading my receipt right, inclusive of sauces and maybe basic drinks.

I'm not normally one who worries too much about service, but it was a real surprise to me that I received some of the best restaurant service of my life at a hotpot restaurant in China. At all points they were polite and full of smiles. At one point in my meal, they noticed my hair getting in my way, and they brought me a hair tie. They repeatedly provided personal suggestions, and when I expressed interest in the 捞面, they sent me an order on the house. They proactively thought of things I might like, and even packed me some green oranges for...

Even though the plaza looks a bit abandoned, this Haidilao Hot Pot store is shiny and modern once you step in. This Haidilao store is open 24/7 and has a lot of seats so usually you don‘t have to reserve (except national holidays). They have a lot of food options, very tasty soup base options, great service and an english menu (click english on the ipad they will hand you). I would say this is a must for anyone visiting Shanghai. Still open in 2023 and very glad that this store survived...

A stand out eating experience, incredibly friendly staff (not a common thing in Shanghai), great fresh ingredients and delicious soup. When they offer you differing levels of spice he warned, the medium is mouth destroyingly hot. So, unless you were born with chilli in your mouth,...