Unlocking Haidilaos Secret Freebies A Guide To Restaurant Perks And Hidden Promotions

Nov. 1, 2025, 10:26 p.m.

Tags: haidilao

Haidilao Hot Pot has gained a reputation not only for its quality food but also for its exceptional customer service and numerous hidden perks that regulars and first-time visitors alike can enjoy. Beyond the standard dining experience, the restaurant offers a variety of freebies, promotional offers, and secret codes that can enhance your visit without additional cost. This comprehensive guide explores all the known ways to maximize your Haidilao experience through these special offerings.

Standard Free Services and Amenities

Haidilao provides several complimentary services and amenities to all customers, regardless of whether they use any special codes or promotions. These standard offerings contribute to the restaurant's reputation for exceptional service and create a comfortable dining environment.

Among the most well-known complimentary items are hair ties and aprons, which help diners maintain comfort and cleanliness during their hot pot meal. The restaurant also provides ziploc bags for customers to protect their phones from steam and splashes while dining. These practical touches demonstrate the brand's attention to customer needs.

For those waiting in line, Haidilao offers free snacks to make the waiting period more enjoyable. This hospitality extends to digital conveniences as well, with complimentary wifi access and charging ports available for customers to use while they wait or dine.

Additionally, the self-service sauce station provides unlimited sauce options, though this is typically charged at a rate of approximately S$4 per person. While not entirely free, it represents good value considering the variety of options available.

Challenge-Based Freebies

One of the most engaging ways to earn free food at Haidilao is through challenges that customers can complete while waiting for their table. These activities not only entertain but also reward participants with complimentary side dishes worth approximately S$6, according to the provided information.

Different Haidilao outlets may have their own unique challenges, but several have been consistently reported across various locations:

Folding 30 paper cranes
Folding 100 paper stars
Solving a Rubik's cube
Solving a Sudoku puzzle
Playing the WeChat jumping game Tiao Yi Tiao

These challenges serve multiple purposes: they entertain waiting customers, demonstrate the restaurant's commitment to customer experience, and provide an opportunity for guests to earn complimentary food items. The value of these free side dishes helps offset the cost of the meal, making it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious diners.

Secret Code Promotions

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Haidilao's offerings is its system of secret codes, known as "暗号游戏" (secret code game), which customers can use to receive various freebies. According to the sources, these codes consist of specific phrases that, when mentioned to service staff, result in complimentary items.

The codes appear to have originated from Chinese-speaking regions but have spread globally through customer sharing and social media. While some sources indicate that Haidilao has begun to standardize these codes, others emphasize that they are not officially promoted by the restaurant.

The most commonly reported codes and their corresponding freebies include:

Chinese Language Codes

"小仙女来吃火锅了" (xiǎo xiān nǚ lái chī huǒ guō le) - Meaning "Little fairy is here for hot pot" - Rewards: A magic fairy wand
"你家的汤底好好喝" (nǐ jiā de tāng dǐ hǎo hǎo hē) - Meaning "Your soup base is delicious" - Rewards: Free Hai Di Lao soup pack
"你们的番茄汤好好喝" (nǐ mén de fān qié tāng hǎo hǎo hē) - Meaning "Your tomato soup base is delicious" - Rewards: Free Hai Di Lao tomato soup pack
"你们的西瓜好甜啊" (nǐ mén de xī guā hǎo tián ā) - Meaning "Your watermelon is so sweet" - Rewards: Free watermelon slices
"你家零食好好吃呀" (nǐ jiā líng shí hǎo hǎo chī yā) - Meaning "Your snacks are so delicious" - Rewards: Free snacks
"兔兔那么可爱怎么可以吃兔兔呢" (tù tù nà me kě ài zěn me kě yǐ chī tù tù ne) - Meaning "Rabbits are so cute, how could you eat them?" - Rewards: Free rabbit-shaped pudding
"我朋友今天生日" (wǒ péng yǒu jīn tiān shēng rì) - Meaning "It's my friend's birthday today" - Rewards: Free birthday cake

English Language Codes

"The little angel is here to eat hot pot" - Rewards: A free fairy stick or other small toy
"Your soup base is really delicious" - Rewards: Free tomato base packet (limited to one per table)
"Do I look like a child?" - Rewards: Free toy
"Do you have gold bricks?" - Rewards: Free golden steamed buns

Important considerations when using these codes include:

Customers can typically only use one code per visit
Availability may vary by location and staff familiarity
Some codes may be subject to change or discontinuation
Restaurant staff may interpret codes differently

Late-Night Dining Discounts

For those who prefer dining during late hours, Haidilao offers several time-specific promotions that provide significant savings. These discounts are particularly appealing for night owls, shift workers, or those seeking a more relaxed dining atmosphere away from peak crowds.

One of the most well-known late-night promotions is a 20% discount on meat and vegetable dishes during supper hours. This discount is available across 17 participating outlets in Singapore from 10pm onwards on Sundays to Thursdays. Some locations extend their hours until 6am, allowing for extended dining experiences in typically quieter environments.

At Haidilao Downtown East, customers can enjoy an additional promotion featuring 50% off a second dish. This offer is valid daily from 10pm to 2am and includes selected half-portion dishes that allow for mixing and matching meat and vegetable options. The applicable dishes include Haidilao-flavoured beef, Sliced Fish, Beancurd Roll, or Pork Jowl.

For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages with their meal, the Marina Square Haidilao location offers a 1-for-1 beer promotion starting from 10pm daily. The restaurant remains open until 6am, though the drinking session typically concludes at 3am (4am on Saturdays and eves of public holidays). This promotion has been described as a long-running feature at this particular outlet.

Food Hacks and DIY Creations

Beyond the official promotions and freebies, Haidilao enthusiasts have developed numerous food hacks and DIY creations that allow diners to enhance their experience or create new dishes using existing menu items and complimentary ingredients. These hacks leverage the restaurant's ingredients and cooking facilities in innovative ways.

One popular hack involves creating a soya milk soup base. Although Haidilao no longer offers this as a standard menu item, customers can recreate it by ordering soya milk (approximately S$3 per person) and pouring two cups into a clear water soup base (with unlimited refills available). The resulting mixture can be enhanced with ingredients like salt, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts to create a fragrant, creamy broth that pairs well with seafood and meat.

Another creative option is the Sukiyaki soup base, which customers can prepare by adding ingredients like chilli oil and beef cubes to their chosen soup base. The versatility of Haidilao's ingredients allows for numerous customizations that aren't explicitly listed on the menu.

Several viral food hacks have emerged from Chinese social media that have been adopted by Haidilao diners:

Volcano Mashed Potatoes: Boil potatoes in tomato soup or plain water until soft, then mash and shape into a mountain. Pour a mixture of crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, oyster sauce, sesame oil, pepper, spring onions, minced garlic, and optional beef cubes over the top.
Sesame Wakame Salad: Combine wakame seaweed from the sauce station with sesame sauce, vinegar, garlic, and coriander. For added texture, customers can include Low-Fat-Low-Cal Konjac Slices.
DIY Congee: While specific instructions aren't provided in the source material, congee can be prepared using the available ingredients and cooking facilities.
Wuhan Spicy Dry Noodles: Another popular hack that leverages Haidilao's ingredients to create a noodle dish with a spicy profile.
DIY Desserts and Alcoholic Fruit Shakes: These can be created using the restaurant's fruit selection and other available ingredients.

These food hacks not only provide variety but also represent a creative approach to dining that aligns with Haidilao's interactive and customizable hot pot experience.

Pre-Order Services

Haidilao offers a unique pre-order service for live premium seafood, allowing customers to arrange for specific seafood items before their visit. This service is particularly valuable for those seeking to ensure the availability of certain ingredients or planning special occasions.

According to the provided information, pre-orders must be made at least three days in advance and are subject to seasonal pricing and stock availability. This advance notice requirement ensures that the restaurant can source fresh, high-quality seafood to meet customer expectations.

This service extends beyond simple convenience, potentially allowing diners to surprise their dining companions with premium ingredients that might not be immediately available during a standard visit. It represents another example of Haidilao's commitment to customer service and customization options.

Birthday Celebrations

Haidilao has become particularly known for its elaborate birthday celebrations, which go beyond simply providing a complimentary cake. By mentioning the code "我朋友今天生日" (wǒ péng yǒu jīn tiān shēng rì), meaning "It's my friend's birthday today," customers can trigger a full birthday experience that often includes decorations, singing staff, and special attention.

The restaurant's approach to birthday celebrations has become somewhat legendary among patrons, with reports of staff performing synchronized hand washing routines and other entertaining activities as part of the birthday ritual. These elaborate celebrations contribute to Haidilao's reputation as more than just a restaurant but an experience destination.

Even when using the birthday code, the restaurant appears to tailor the celebration to the specific preferences and circumstances of the guests, ensuring that each experience feels personal and memorable rather than formulaic.

Regional Variations in Promotions

It's important to note that Haidilao's promotions and freebies can vary significantly by region and even by individual locations. While some codes and offers are widely reported across multiple countries, others may be specific to certain markets or outlets.

For example, the 20% midnight supper discount is specifically mentioned as being available across 17 participating outlets in Singapore. Similarly, the 50% off second dish promotion is limited to the Downtown East location, and the 1-for-1 beer offer is specific to the Marina Square outlet.

Even the secret codes may have different reception depending on the location. Some staff may be familiar with and prepared for these codes, while others might not recognize them. The source material indicates that Haidilao Canada has acknowledged the popularity of these codes and is attempting to standardize them, though they remain unofficial in nature.

This regional variation suggests that while exploring these promotions and codes can yield benefits, customers should be prepared for different experiences based on location and staff familiarity.

Conclusion

Haidilao Hot Pot offers a wealth of complimentary services, promotional offers, and hidden perks that can significantly enhance the dining experience. From standard amenities like hair ties and phone protection to challenge-based freebies, secret codes, late-night discounts, and elaborate birthday celebrations, the restaurant demonstrates a commitment to customer service that extends beyond the food itself.

The secret code system, in particular, adds an element of discovery and interaction to the dining experience, allowing customers to participate in a playful exchange that results in unexpected rewards. While these codes may not be officially promoted, their popularity has led to some standardization, especially in regions with high customer awareness.

For those seeking to maximize their Haidilao experience, understanding these promotions and being willing to engage with the restaurant's service culture can provide additional value and enjoyment. Whether through completing challenges, using specific phrases, taking advantage of late-night discounts, or exploring creative food hacks, there are numerous ways to enhance a visit without significantly increasing the cost.

As with any promotional offers, availability and specifics may vary by location and time, so customers should approach these opportunities with flexibility and a spirit of adventure. When embraced as part of the overall dining experience rather than mere cost-saving measures, these freebies and promotions can contribute to making Haidilao visits memorable and enjoyable.