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International hotpot brand Haidilao is officially coming to Adelaide, with the global restaurant name set to open its first South Australian location in Chinatown.
Known around the world for its lively dining atmosphere, signature Sichuan-style hotpot, and hand-pulled noodles, Haidilao has built a major international following. The brand has more than 1,000 stores worldwide and is described by its international operator, Super Hi International, as the third-largest Chinese cuisine restaurant brand and the leading hotpot restaurant brand in the international market.
This is a spot that a lot of South Aussies make a point to visit when hopping over to Melbourne or Sydney.
“The Haidilao Australia team has actually been paying close attention to the Adelaide market for quite some time, and has always hoped to bring the brand to South Australia,” a Haidilao representative said.
“Over the past few years, the team had been searching for the right timing and a suitable location. It wasn’t until 2026, when they finally found a site that met their expectations in many aspects, that they officially decided to open the first Haidilao restaurant in Adelaide.”
The new restaurant will open in Chinatown, a location the brand says was chosen for its strong dining culture, central position, and connection to Adelaide’s Asian food community.
“Chinatown is already one of the most concentrated hubs for Asian dining in Adelaide. It attracts not only the Chinese community, but also many locals and tourists who regularly come here to eat and explore,” the representative said.
“For a Chinese hotpot brand like Haidilao, starting in Chinatown makes it easier for people to recognise and embrace the brand.”
While an exact opening date has not yet been confirmed, preparations are already underway, with the team working through store setup, recruitment, and operational planning. If everything goes smoothly, Haidilao expects to open between the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027.
The Adelaide restaurant will be built according to Haidilao’s latest global image and concept, with what they describe as a modern, comfortable fit-out.
“In terms of scale, the restaurant will be considered a medium-to-large premium hotpot venue… The dining area will be designed to feel spacious and comfortable, with seating capacity expected to accommodate more than 150 guests at the same time.”
Haidilao is best known not only for hotpot, but for the full dining experience around it. Around the world, the brand has developed a following for its complimentary snacks and drinks while guests wait, energetic birthday celebrations, and Sichuan opera face-changing performances.
But what really sets Haidilao apart is its famous noodle dance performances, which have proved to be a huge hit online. Among booths and tables, performers dash around slinging hand stretched noodles like an Olympic rhythmic gymnastics routine. It’s a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.
“For many first-time visitors to Haidilao, the most memorable and exciting part of the experience is often not just the hotpot itself, but the overall dining atmosphere and experience that comes with it,” the representative said.
“Haidilao has always been known for its service. Beyond serving authentic hotpot flavours, we aim to create a dining environment that feels relaxed, lively, and welcoming from the moment guests walk through the door.”
“Many people visiting Haidilao for the first time often say that it feels less like a traditional restaurant and more like a place where people can truly relax, gather, and enjoy themselves,” the representative said.
“That sense of comfort and warmth, almost like ‘feeling at home’, is exactly the atmosphere we hope to bring to our guests.”
On the menu, Adelaide diners can expect Haidilao’s signature soup bases and hotpot favourites, including classic spicy beef tallow broth, tomato broth, mushroom broth, hand-pulled noodles, and a selection of the brand’s best-known dishes. The restaurant will also take local Australian dining preferences into account, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients while preserving the authentic Sichuan hotpot experience.
The Adelaide team will be trained through Haidilao’s global standardised training system, covering front-of-house service, ordering guidance, table service, kitchen production, ingredient management, and operational procedures. Experienced management and training teams from Haidilao headquarters will also travel to Adelaide to support the local staff ahead of opening.
For Haidilao, the Adelaide launch is about more than adding another restaurant to its international network.
“We hope that Haidilao’s arrival in Adelaide will represent more than just the opening of another hotpot restaurant — we hope it can genuinely bring new energy and vitality to Chinatown and the broader local dining scene,” the representative said.
Haidilao Adelaide is expected to open in Chinatown between late 2026 and early 2027, with further details to be announced closer to launch.
Haidilao Adelaide
Where: Chinatown Adelaide
When: Expected between late 2026 and early 2027
For more info, click here.
