One of the world's most loved hot pot chains, Hai Di Lao, is poised to open their first Canadian location, and it's in Metro Vancouver. The hot pot restaurant is setting up their bubbling bowls in Richmond, and is aiming to open at the end of November.
Haidilao US/Facebook
Hai Di Lao began in 1994 in Sichuan Province, in China. Their first U.S. location opened in 2013 in Los Angeles. They also have locations in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.
The name "haidilao" means "fortune," and is a term used in the game of mahjong in Sichuan. You'll also see the name written as simply Haidilao with no spaces; that's the formal name of the restaurant's operating company.
Offering a selection of boiling soup bases, such as tomato, spicy butter, and the traditional oil, Haidilao is a classic hot pot set up: You pick your soup and cook your proteins and veg at your table.
But Haidilao is really known for going the extra mile to keep customers happy. As in you can actually get a manicure while you're waiting for your table. The business itself touts their sweet extras on their Yelp page for the forthcoming Richmond location: "Haidilao is known for their focus on customer service and for offering a variety of free services and entertainment for customers that include: board games, snacks, and manicures for waiting customers."
Haidilao will be opening in Golden Village in Richmond in the former location of dim sum spot HML Seafood, and is slated to open on Nov. 30. They are located at 5890 No. 3 Road, Suite 200.
