Haidilao Rumored to Now Offer “Breakup Package” to Customers

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According to a report by the Global Times (https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202209/1274554.shtml), rumors have been circulating online that popular hotpot restaurant chain Haidilao are now offering a “breakup package” for customers. It’s been reported that the package includes special desserts or flowers, a breakup gift and special song sung by Haidilao staff. 

Videos began being shared online with the hashtags #海底捞 Hǎidǐ lāo and #分手套餐 fēnshǒu tàocān (breakup package). One of the top trending videos show a girl with her face in her hands as Haidilao staff sing 体面 Tǐmiàn (Decently) by Kelly Yu (于文文 Yú wén wén), it’s unclear whether the girl is covering her face because she’s crying from heartbreak or embarrassment. Along with timian, another other popular song for staff to sing appears to be 分手快乐 Fēnshǒu Kuàilè (Happy Breakup) by Fish Leong (梁静茹 Liáng Jìngrú). 

Those familiar with Haidilao will probably already be aware of the birthday special they offer, which normally includes a free cake, fruit platter, present and, of course, staff rendition of Happy Birthday complete with neon signs emblazoned with 生日快乐 shēngrì kuàilè (happy birthday) on them. Given this, a breakup package doesn’t seem too farfetched an idea.

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However, Haidilao’s official customer service responded to the rumors saying that at present their stores may only be able to offer the Happy Birthday song due to not having the copyrights to other songs. But they added if customers want a different song or the “breakup package” they can contact that specific Haidilao branch directly. 

Some netizens have pointed out that this “breakup package” is nothing new, highlighting videos dating as far back as two to three years ago showing Haidilao staff singing Timian or Fenshou Kuaile to customers (https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/559405237). Despite this, staff at many Haidilao stores said that they haven’t celebrated breakups for any customers yet but would be happy to help give comfort to any customers who have recently gone through a breakup. 

It seems that, for now at least, the “breakup package” is not an official Haidilao service like their birthday one is. However, if you have recently gone through a breakup and want to add a side of public embarrassment to the heartbreak you can contact your local Haidilao and see if they’ll accommodate you. 

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Images: Katie Coy, 小源发布，Unsplash Kelly Sikkema

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