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2014-12-01
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For more reviews, visit www.umakemehungry.comHaving heard alot about this legendary place, Hai Di Lao Hot Pot, it has been sitting on my "must go visit" list since its opening, therefore we decided to give a try at its 2nd outlet in 313 Somerset.Being advise on its long waiting time, my kakis had queue hours before the dinner thus once all members in the group gathered, we are ready to go in.After hearing so much on their impeccable service, the pampering service provided by Hai Di Lao at the wa
Having heard alot about this legendary place, Hai Di Lao Hot Pot, it has been sitting on my "must go visit" list since its opening, therefore we decided to give a try at its 2nd outlet in 313 Somerset.
Being advise on its long waiting time, my kakis had queue hours before the dinner thus once all members in the group gathered, we are ready to go in.
After hearing so much on their impeccable service, the pampering service provided by Hai Di Lao at the waiting area was seen a norm. Beverages were place on table with tables and chairs on the carpeted waiting area, a mock up of an usual scene of the hotel lobby.
Diners get to play board games, read magazines or even manicure. While they keep the mature ones occupied, they did not forget about the children too. They can enjoy themselves in this enclosed playground.With such activities to keep us occupied, Hai Di Lao has make queuing time seems shorter.
While walking into the restaurant I was stunned when I saw that they do provide baby cots in the restaurant, a rare sight of dining in Singapore. Along the walkways to our table, I saw the condiments counter placed with assorted condiments as well as appetizers, desserts, porridge and fruits.
Environment was grand with carpeted flooring, beautifully designed fitting into a modern chinese themed restaurant.
Lighting was sufficiently placed and they practice open kitchen concept whereby diners can view through the glass panels to see how the staff prepared the food.
Once we are settled down, the staff on duty were quick to serve and had arrange the utensils for us.
Beverage was served at $3 per cup, unlimited. I had the prune drink throughout the session as I find that it is very refreshing and indirectly giving me a bigger appetite to keep more goodies to the stomach from the pot.
Hot towels were provided before and after the meals. Zip lock bags are provided to shield our mobile devices from the food but just too bad it was too small for my Samsung device. Aprons are provided too.
With technology advancement, ipad ordering system kicks in as a fuss free and convenient menu to us. We were pretty impressed by the speed of serving, it took them less than 5 minutes to have our items ordered and placed that on our tables.
As the sauces were self help with buffet style, we can mix everything we want in a bowl and be adventurous.
Appetizers like peanuts and preserved pickles are available too.
Opted for the Sze Chuan Mala and Chicken as Stock based placed side by side over the cooker. Fried Tofu Skin $6 was also added into the respective stock. The level of spiciness for the Sze Chuan Mala is still bearable just that it consists a handful of peppercorns and once in a while it will cling to the food that we scooped up.
We had specific staff who was on standby to serve our tables.
Look who's at our service?
Their handmade cuttlefish cakes, mashed shrimps are tasty. Staff on duty will scoop the paste into small portions and have them placed in the preferred soup base.
Slice fishes was abit salty but they are fresh.
Though vegetables may seem expensive when dining out, we still have to strike a good balance between the leafy greens and other meaty items.
Being Omnivorous creatures on earth, we would not forget about such sexy slices of thin meat sliced to its uniform size and shapes.
Slices were rolled and once dipped into the hot boiling pot, meats get curled and cooked in no time.
Beside the baby chair provided to toddler, the friendly staff assist in feeding and providing toys to keep the energetic little ones occupied.Those who ordered the handmade noodles get to see how the noodles were being pulled in the air at their seats. It's quite an entertaining performance while dining and waiting for the food to be cooked.
Click on the video to find out more.
These frozen meat dumplings are best cooked in boiling pot for about 3 to 5 minutes. They were fresh, packed with minced meat and chives.
Have some refreshment after the meal. Going back to the condiments counter and enjoy the unlimited helpings on cooling fruits like watermelon.
When I was leaving, I saw this plate of nicely arranged fruits, I guess it belongs to one of the private guests rooms.
After hearing so much of Hai Di Lao Hot Pot, I do agree that the service standard is better than most of the restaurants with additional cares and items , taking care of our belongings and even till the extend of offering baby cots and toys to the kids. On the other hand, I heard that the service here locally is a far cry from where Hai Di Lao was originated and not comparable. It urges me more to give Hai Di Lao a try if there is chance to be in China.Even having heard this, it still wont stop me from visiting Hai Di Lao again in the local branches, as I felt that it is a good place to dine peacefully with little things take care of.
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