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pjc845

By the way, I forgot to say - amongst hot pot places, this place is as clean as they get.

I hate to build this place up, but really if you like hot pot, this is a must try.

8 months, 1 week ago

pjc845

I thought I added a review on this restaurant yesterday.

Anyways, here goes again.

THIS IS THE BEST FRICKING HOT POT RESTAURANT ON THE FACE OF THE PLANET!!!!!

It kills the Dolar Shop (which used to be my favorite). The food is incredible. If you have kids (and even if you don't) you should try the "Kung Fu Noodles" where they do Shaolin moves throwing noodle dough around to make noodles in front of you. BTW, I don't know if hot pot restaurants can ever really be "kid friendly" but this comes closest. The pot is far enough away from the edge of the table. We brought our 4 year old and he dug watching his food get cooked. They also have a kid's playroom in the Changshou location (more on that later). The do it yourself Shrimp balls are awesome and a must. The condiments are as extensive as Dolar Shop.

The service is also indescribable and rivals the Ritz Carlton. Great attitudes and really at your beck and call and they do not dawdle. Free drinks if you want them. They will put the ingredients into the pot for you if you want. They will bring fricking new eyeglass wiping cloths to wipe the steam from your glasses and offer to do it for you.

At the Changshou Lu restaurant (better decor and atmosphere than the Wuzhong restaurant), they even have a service to clean your mobile phone or PDA while you eat, and put fresh spring scent to it.

If you don't make reservations (and they don't take them after 630pm, because they don't need to), then you will wait. There is a reason for this. THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. But, they have half a dozen PC's for internet surfing or games, there is a children's playroom, and there are small tables with Chinese Checkers and Chinese Chess, and they have a team of women who will give you a professional manicure - I kid you not (they do not have these amenities at Wuzhong, there you have to sit though they feed you snacks, fruit, and drinks).

I am surprised there are no reviews on this chain - but it is definitely not an expat place - at least the menus are in Chinese and I don't remember seeing many foreigners in the half dozen times I've been. Still, contrary to the City Weekend review, it's not about pig brains and cow stomach. You can very much have a "safe" dining experience with a huge selection of fresh ingredients.

again, the BEST HOT POT PLACE IN ALL OF CHINA!!!!

I give 5 stars, but only because I'm not allowed to give 6.

 

8 months, 1 week ago

cityweekend

Issue 14: Last Chance: Your final checklist before the expat exodus

"Remember when you first arrived in Shanghai and did a double take every time you opened a menu and saw chicken feet? You've now reached the point where the more unusual dishes barely register. If you want to prove how fully you've immersed yourself in Chinese culture before you leave, head to Hai Di Lao Hot Pot for just about anything (but they're known for their pig brain and cow stomach hot pot). Eat every last bite. We can assure you, you will never have this opportunity again."

 

1 year, 7 months ago