How Much Does It Cost To “Hai Di Lao” At Home

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, families will be preparing for one of the most anticipated culinary traditions of the season: a hotpot feast (apart from the reunion dinner itself!).

Steaming pots of rich, aromatic broths bubbling away at the centre of the table, laden with an irresistible array of meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles, symbolise abundance and unity – and most of all, a tight-knit family. 

Taking over the hotpot scene by storm, Haidilao has become synonymous with a fulfilling hotpot dinner. Its highly customisable soup-bases, premium cuts of meat, seafood and fresh vegetables, generous condiments variety, and personalised service, make it feel as indulgent as it is auspicious. 

While the luxurious ambience of Haidilao is tempting, a hefty bill often follows – averaging $45 to $55 per person (or more depending on how much you order and peak periods). This year, why not bring your “Hai Di Lao” experience into your home and take greater control of your hotpot spread…and cost? 

Spoiler alert: you can absolutely take the Haidilao experience home, at a fraction of the cost.

Read Also: Pineapple Tarts, Peanut Cookies, Shrimp Rolls: How Much Cheaper Are Popular CNY Goodies In Johor? 

How To Bring Your Haidilao Experience Home

Recreating your DIY Haidilao experience at home involves a few key elements. We’ve listed down some of the prices, based on how much a family of four will need to order.

#1 Essential Appliances

If you don’t have the appliances to start a hotpot at home, you’re obviously not going to able to re-create the Haidilao experience. If you’re looking out, the Morries 2 in 1 Hotpot stands out at $39.80. If you prefer more varieties with your hotpot, a Mookata BBQ Hotpot of the same brand is available from $49.80.

Additionally, ladles, soup spoons and bowls need to be purchased if you don’t have the right ones at home. This should involve minimal costs, and you can probably re-use it for other dining occasions at home.

#2 The Soup Base

The broth sets the tone for the entire meal. While you can make your own from scratch, there are plenty of high-quality, pre-packaged soup bases available that can replicate Haidilao’s signature flavours…including Haidilao’s own packaged soup bases, such as their tomato, original spicy and mushroom which are all available at $4.50 per packet.

However, if you are looking for alternative flavours, Souper Tang also offers soup bases in three flavours (pepper pork tripe, premium herbal ginseng and assorted mushroom), which are priced at $6.90 per packet. Daisho also offers three flavours (crab miso, ippudo sesame dandan style spicy and kimchi) that similarly cost $6.90 per packet.

Lastly, adding ingredients like garlic, dried chilies, or Chinese herbs can also enhance the flavour of your broth.

#3 Protein Selections

Here’s where you can curate your own dining experience. Thinly sliced meats like beef ($5.95 to $28.80) and pork ($3.65 to $15.00) are the usual suspects, along with fresh seafood such as prawns ($5.28 to $9.00) and octopus balls ($24.50) if you’re trying to replicate the premium feel.

#4 Vegetables, Mushrooms, Carbs and Side Dishes

Popular hotpot choices include cabbage, spinach, enoki mushrooms, and lotus root slices. These not only add nutrition but also soak up the delicious broth. Tofu, noodles and rice cakes are also staples that complete the meal.

#5 Condiments & Dipping Sauces

One of the highlights of Haidilao is its generous dipping sauce bar. You’re your own spread of dipping sauces with sesame paste, soy sauce, chopped garlic, chili oil and coriander so you and your guests can create scrumptious mixes.

#6 Desserts and Drinks

No festive meal is complete without sweet treats. Pair your hotpot with traditional Chinese desserts like glutinous rice balls or a refreshing chrysanthemum tea.

How Much Will It Cost: A Price Breakdown

To give you a clearer picture, we’ve scoured the NTUC FairPrice website, Sheng Siong website and Giant website for the prices of common hotpot ingredients.

Here’s a breakdown of the most updated prices at the time of writing on what you might need to create a satisfying and festive spread:

The total cost would set you back approximately $40 on the lower end and around $100 at the higher end, to serve a family of four. This translates to just $10 to $25 per person—a far cry from the $45 to $55 you may spend at Haidilao.

If you need to buy the hotpot, then it will set you back another $40. But, this is a one-off expense that equips you to arrange more hotpot dinners in the future.

Best of all, you can enjoy it all from the comfort of your home. However, the downside of this experience is cleaning up the mess after you’re done.

Read Also: You May Love Eating At Haidilao, But How About Investing In Its Stock?

Why ‘Hai Di Lao’ At Home Is Perfect For Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate family, togetherness, and abundance. Hosting your own hotpot gathering is a wonderful way to relish in the festivities while adding a personal and budget-friendly touch.

Taking a DIY approach allows you to cater to everyone’s tastes and preferences. Whether it’s a fiery mala broth for the more adventurous or a lighter and non-spicy tomato base for the children, you’re entirely in charge. 

With fresh, affordable ingredients readily available at supermarkets, you can create a feast to rival dining out at the real thing—without the steep cost.

However, if you still would live to have the authentic Haidilao experience from the brand itself in the comfort of your home, It is available for both self-pick up at an outlet of your choice or delivery, with an islandwide delivery fee of $20.

Read Also: Understanding Haidilao (HKEX: 6862): The World’s Biggest Hotpot Chain

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