Hai Di Lao Singapore hacks

When we Singaporeans think of having hotpot, the household name Hai Di Lao probably pops up immediately in our minds. And regardless of whichever outlet you check out, there’s always a long queue. That’s no surprise though, as not only is their food mouth-watering, they’re also extremely generous with their freebies.

If you’re new to the Hai Di Lao scene or a loyal customer who has yet to uncover the full list of perks to be had, check out these freebies that all Hai Di Lao Singapore outlets offer, and make sure you tick them off your list during your next meal there.

Check out our video on HDL hacks:

What’s the best time to visit Hai Di Lao?

Hai Di Lao tends to get pretty crowded on weekends, and especially during peak lunch and dinner hours. To avoid painfully long queues, we suggest heading down right before peak period, at either 11am or 4-5pm. You can also consider visiting less crowded outlets in the heartlands, like at Seletar Mall and Sun Plaza. If you’re heading to outlets in town – like at Plaza Singapura or MBS, – defo expect to wait a lil’ longer.

While the restaurant doesn’t typically accept lunch and dinnertime reservations, you can also shorten your wait time by calling in earlier to take a queue number for your preferred timeslot. Do note that you’ll probably still have to wait a while upon arrival, though!

How much do people usually spend at Hai Di Lao?

While the amount you spend at Hai Di Lao really depends entirely on what and how much you order, the average diner tends to fork out roughly $45 to $55 per pax for a filling meal. As a rough gauge, base prices start at $14 for soup, while dishes typically range between $6 and $20.

1. Free-flow snacks like BBQ crackers & ice cream while queuing

The queues at Hai Di Lao can get crazy long, and to stop your stomach from growling, they offer up all types of sweet and savoury treats while you wait for your seats. These options range from packets of BBQ and wheat chips to watermelon slices and even ice cream.

And to make the wait a little less torturous, there are even card games and Connect Four sets to entertain you while you queue.

2. Gel manicure & gloves

Image credit: HaiDiLao Singapore

Yes, ladies, this is probably one of the reasons why Hai Di Lao’s queues are extraordinarily long. They sure know how to pamper their female customers who’re waiting for their seats by providing them with free gel manicures. Children who are yearning to get their nails done too are more than welcome.

Customers can choose between having simple single-coloured nails or themed nail art designs during festive occasions. To protect your freshly done nails, the restaurant also provides you with plastic gloves.

3. Prawn peeling service

Image credit: Hai Di Lao Singapore Facebook

We all know one person who only eats prawns if they’re peeled, and whether you’re that pampered person or the one who ends up doing the peeling, you’d be glad to know that the restaurant offers up free prawn peeling services.

Simply wave to any friendly staff and state your request and voila, you got it. Say goodbye to dirty hands and just sit back and enjoy your meal.

4. Charging ports & wifi

You’ll need some juice and Wifi to IG story your spread of meats at HDL

Yas, charging ports and WiFi. The charging ports are built into every table so just whip out your USB and refuel your phone’s battery juice if you’re running low for that perfect flat lay shot.

The username and password for the free WiFi are as follows:
ID: haidilaohotpot
Password: haidilao

You’re welcome.

5. Birthday fruit platter & longevity buns during birthday month

One year older, one year healthier. To celebrate your birthday, Hai Di Lao will give you a free fruit platter, complete with a small coconut cake, during your birthday month. And we’re not looking at just a small plate with only 1 type of fruit. We’re looking at a huge spread including mangoes, kiwi, tomatoes, and seedless grapes.

The elderly get something a little different – longevity buns, which represent health and long life in Chinese culture. In addition, the restaurant also loans all birthday peeps a giant LED-light display signboard with the words “Happy Birthday”.

6. Children’s playroom

Image credit: HaiDiLao Singapore Facebook

Hai Di Lao is a family-friendly place thanks to the restaurant’s playrooms for children. These spaces can be found at selected outlets and contain toys, games, and slides to keep the little ones entertained.

Parents can also request for the baby cot to be brought directly to their table so they can keep a closer eye on their toddlers.

7. Hair ties

Image credit: Ebay

Ladies (and gentlemen) with long hair will understand how it always gets in the way when eating. Once again, Hai Di Lao comes to the rescue with their FOC hair ties so you don’t have to borrow from your friends. Aside from helping you keep your hair in place, the restaurant will also provide you with aprons to protect your clothes from stains.

8. Ziplock bag to protect your phone from soup splashes

You can also request smaller ziplock bags to protect other personal belongings like jewellery
Image credit: Wander In The Raine By Sherraine YQ

Placing your phone anywhere near boiling water is pretty precarious, but many of us take the risk anyway. But to give our phones extra protection, the restaurant provides free ziplock bags in case of any soup or drink spillage.

9. Free Hai Di Lao membership to chalk up points to redeem branded gifts

Image credit: HaiDiLao Singapore Facebook

Loyal fans of Hai Di Lao, here’s an extra excuse for you to continue dining there. If you sign up for Hai Di Lao’s membership program, you’ll receive points for every dollar spent ($1=1 point), which can be used to redeem menu items and attractive branded prizes like Dyson hairdryers. The gifts change every few months, so you’ll always be surprised by what’s offered next.

Image credit: HaiDiLao Singapore Facebook

It’s completely free to be a member so just notify any of the staff of your request and you’re in the fam.

10. Zero corkage fee

Image credit: @valnyang via Instagram

We know how particular restaurants can be sometimes, with all their rules about not allowing drinks purchased from other stores to be brought in. Well, that’s something you won’t have to worry about at Hai Di Lao Singapore since they don’t charge you corkage. Yep, feel free to bring your bubble tea into the restaurant without having to worry about it getting confiscated.

11. Download the HDL app for free dishes every Tuesday

Image credit: @haidilaosingapore via TikTok

Besides accumulating points for gift redemptions, members who download Hai Di Lao’s app will also receive complimentary vouchers for freebies every Tuesday. These include anything from free drinks and slushies, to sides like meatballs and veggies. P.S. New users will also receive 3 food coupons upon downloading the app.

12. Enter a cake-drawing competition for a chance to win a real gold “cake”

Image credit: @haidilaosingapore via TikTok

Loyal HDL fans may know that the hotpot chain is turning 31 in March this year. As part of its anniversary special, the restaurant is hosting a cake-drawing competition in March, where participants stand the chance to win a 3g cake made of pure gold.

Simply tell the staff you want to take part, and you’ll be given a sheet of drawing paper with a cake picture to decorate. Entries will be posted to social media, and the masterpiece with the most likes will win the coveted gold cake. But even if you don’t win, you won’t walk away empty handed – all participants will receive a cute panda badge just for taking part.

13. Order the Anniversary Set Meal to redeem complimentary blind boxes

Image credit: @haidilaosingapore via TikTok

Pop Mart lovers, this one’s for you. Also, as part of the chain’s 31st anniversary promos, you’ll be able to redeem exclusive blind boxes in the month of March with every purchase of Hai Di Lao’s $78.80 Anniversary Set Meal for 4.

The adorable blind boxes here come with 6 variations of adorable panda plushies, all adorned with HDL headwear and an assortment of cute accessories. Psst – there’s even a secret to cop!

Hacks & freebies at Hai Di Lao Singapore

And there you have it, an extensive list of freebies to look out for apart from just Hai Di Lao’s manicure services. We hope that this list will make your next visit extra memorable as you nab every one of these good steals.

For more Hai Di Lao hacks and tips:

• Healthier Hai Di Lao menu items
• Hotpot delivery and DIY options
• Hai Di Lao hotpot soup recipes

Cover image adapted from @haidilaosingapore via TikTok.
Originally published on 22nd July 2019. Last updated by Gwyn Lim on 3rd March 2025.