Weekend Lunch at Hai Di Lao, Grand Indonesia: An Endless Saturday of Delights

There is something about a languid Saturday lunch that is just so satisfying. It is the perfect antidote to the hectic weekdays, a calm oasis between the storms of responsibility and obligation. I eagerly anticipate my weekly long, relaxed lunch which today happens to be at Hai Di Lao, Grand Indonesia.

Unlike the bustling weekdays, Saturdays at Grand Indonesia offer a different vibe. The mall, one of Jakarta's shining jewels, feels alive with the spirit of the weekend. Among the myriad dining options, one name stands out: Hai Di Lao, the famed Chinese hotpot restaurant.

Stepping into Hai Di Lao is like stepping into an episode of time travel, where ancient Chinese traditions seamlessly blend with contemporary elegance. The warmth of the atmosphere wraps you up instantly, preparing you for a culinary adventure unlike any other.

The excitement starts right away as you are seated at your table with a personal hotpot burner and a fully automated ordering system. The restaurant is well-known for its exemplary service, and I am always amazed at the attentive and friendly staff who effortlessly make you feel at home.

The hotpot experience starts with choosing the soup base. I have a soft spot for their half and half pot, a combination of spicy Szechuan and soothing milk soup. The contrast of fiery spices with the earthy, comforting mushroom soup sets the perfect stage for the hotpot dance.

Weekends are for indulgence, so I always make it a point to order a variety of ingredients for the hotpot. The thin slices of Australian beef, the handmade noodles, fresh vegetables, and the variety of mushrooms and tofu are my usual choices. Cooking them in the bubbling hotpot, customizing the cooking time for each ingredient, is a pleasure in itself.

One of the highlights of Hai Di Lao is their DIY sauce bar, where you can create your personal dipping sauce. With the variety of sauces and condiments, I am free to experiment every week, but my go-to concoction usually involves a mixture of sesame paste, soy sauce, crushed garlic, and a hint of chili oil.

More than the food itself, it is the unhurried pace of the meal that makes the Hai Di Lao experience so special. Whether you are dining alone, with a partner, or in a group, the shared experience of cooking and enjoying the meal brings a sense of camaraderie, turning a simple lunch into an event.

Today's lunch at Hai Di Lao was not just about eating. It was also the entire sensory experience of seeing the vibrant colors, smelling the spices, hearing all those cheerful laughs, and tasting the oh-so-delicious food. It provides a perfect break from the mundanity of regular dining, offering a unique exploration of Chinese hotpot culture in the heart of Jakarta.

So, if you are someone who relishes the idea of a leisurely lunch with an immersive culinary experience, Hai Di Lao at Grand Indonesia comes highly recommended. Let the hotpot be your stage for creating some unforgettable gastronomic stories this weekend!

Be Well,

YRB