Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset – Somerset, Singapore

I have heard alot of raving about Hai Di Lao Hot Pot; the food, the soup and the services and so on. It set me really curious about how good it really is but as I am never a fan of Hot Pot, I drag my feet for a trip to try them out. Until one day, a blogger friend suggested to have dinner at Hai Di Lao @ 313 Somerset. I was gamed for it.

 

We took our queue number at about 7pm. We waited for a little more than 2 hours before we were ushered to the table for our Hot Pot dinner. In other words, if you want to dine at Hai Di Lao, be prepared for a long wait.

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset - Queue Number

 

The consolation was Hai Di Lao serves some fruits, tibits and drinks to their customers who are in the waiting, some colourful papers for origami, a manicure service for free and a children playroom. One more, free Wifi too.

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset - Fruits and snacks while waiting

 

At about 9. 15 pm, finally our table is ready. Hunger pang has kicked in by now.

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset - 4 types of soup

 

We ordered 4 different soup; Chicken Soup, Mala, Tomato and the Mushroom soup. Tomato Soup is a highly popular soup at Hai Di Lao Hot Pot. And this was high loved by our group of diners except me. I didn’t like it, perhaps the main factor was contributed to I am not a fan of anything tomato. My personal favourite is the Mala as there is enough Szechuan Peppercorn added that will numb the lips and tongues. Next, I would opt for the Chicken Soup. But somehow, I felt that the soup was with quite a lot of MSG. After the meal, I kept feeling thirsty. I am one who is not sensitive to MSG unless the amount added was significant.

One point to note, if you find that the soup was diluted after they have topped it up with more soup, do inform the service staff. They are able to increase the concentration by adding some concentrated stock.

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset - Various Meat

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset - Sliced Meat

 

The ingredients for the hot pot was of a good mix. There were sliced the usual Sliced Meats; pork, chicken and beef.

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset - Liver

 

Various innards were also offered on the menu. Even Pig’s brain was available too. We ordered only the liver, one of my favourite food.

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset - Beancurd and Deep Fried Fish Skin

 

In all Hot Pot, the Fried Beancurd Skin can never be missing. We order the Fried Fish Skin too.

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset - Meatballs

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset - More Meatballs

 

I was so glad that it was the Minced Meatballs that was offered instead of the processed meatballs, which I termed it as the fishball and its like.

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot @ 313 Somerset - Handmade Noodles

 

One of the popular item at Hai Di Lao Hot Pot is the Handmade noodles. If you order this, the chef will perform his “La Mian 拉面” skill at your table.

 

 

NAHMJ Verdict

 

I was surprised at the high quality food versus reasonable pricing at Hai Di Lao Hot Pot. And there were lots of what I termed as value added service that were offered free to enhance the total customer experience. It was absolutely awesome. I wouldn’t mind going back whenever I feel like it.

 

 

 

Hai Di Lao Hot Pot 

313 Orchard Road, #04-23/24, 313 Somerset, Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6835 7227

Websitehttp://www.haidilao.com/sg/

 

Opening Hours

 

Daily  1030 to 0600

 

Getting There

 

By MRT:

  • North South line – Somerset station

 

By Bus:

  • alight at Somerset Station along Somerset Road   7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 65, 77, 106, 111, 123, 124, 128, 143, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174, 175, 190, 700, 700A, 971E
  • alight at Midpoint Orchard along Orchard Road   7, 14, 14e, 16, 65, 106, 111, 123, 175, 502
  • alight opposite Mandarin Orchard along Orchard Road   36, 77, 124, 143, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174, 190, 518, 700, 700A

 

Rating: 7.5/10