Dinner and A Show - Haidilao Hotpot @ The Glen, Glen Waverley

If you thought hotpot, noodle dancing, a nail bar and kids playroom was an insane combo… you’d be right. But Haidilao Hotpot in Glen Waverley makes it work… in fact the 6 year old was asking when we’d be back before we even left.

Located upstairs in The Glen’s outdoor dining precinct, Haidilao is the definition of “but wait… there’s more!”. Sure this place can get busy, but no one seems to mind - not when you’ve got a free snack and beverage bar out the front while you wait for your table. They’ve even got a couple of toys and a bookshelf filled with picture books for the kids (though if yours are anything like Mamma’s they’ll just hang out by the popcorn machine)

But the fun really starts the moment you walk through those doors. As you are shown to your table, you’ll walk past the mood boosting candy and birthday candle wall (I know… I know… stay with Mamma). Once seated you can choose between all you can eat and à la carte with optional extras like unlimited use of the sauce bar and a noodle dancing experience. YES.

The menu itself is fairly standard if you are a hotpot head… but no less delicious. Choose from a selection of broth bases, meats, seafood, veg and ready-cooked side dishes.

Obviously Mamma opted for the noodle dance because what’s better than dinner? DINNER AND A SHOW! For about $5 you get your noodles served with a side of razzle dazzle as you watch your noodle dough being swung and flung every which way until they’re broken up and dropped in your broth.

And yes, Mamma did say you can get a manicure here. Let your server know and they will put your name on the list to get your nails done. The manicurist will come to your table when it’s your time and lead you to the nail bar where you can select your colours… at this hotpot restaurant.

Directly opposite the nail bar you will find the modest kids room. Sure it’s small but it’s fully gated, manned and comes with a toy stuffing machine… I mean sure, why not at this point right?! It is worth noting though that the kids room and nail bar are not open all day and are only in operation during peak periods.

Mamma’s heard that face changing mask dance performances also happen here but it’s best to confirm the performance schedule before booking a table. And if it’s your birthday, be sure to lock in the birthday special when booking… it looks EPIC!