This hotpot restaurant seats a giant happy panda with you if you dine alone – so you’re not lonely
Thursday, 13 Mar 2025
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Man, if I’m eating out alone I want to keep it low-key, I’m already feeling awkward enough about it without the staff hauling out some massive stuffed animal and putting it across the table from me
Haidilao? Pretty huge international chain, and they have a few different animal options to sit with you if you want.
They also offer free manicures while you’re waiting, and if you order the handmade noodles they’ll make them in front of you.
I dine out alone all the time. Being alone doesn’t mean you are lonely.
Very often go and eat out alone, see a movie alone, go for a hike alone. I’ve been much happier in myself since I started doing it.
this would lowkey make me feel even lonelier…
I’m cool with it if we half the bill.
If you put a stuffed animal at my table for a meal, you’d better be working it into my bill because I’m taking it home. We are bonded now. You can’t just watch me eat and then LEAVE 😭
Hey we noticed you were alone and we wanted to do our best to draw attention to it so others would know you’re alone too.
This would be so awkward for me, but I’m definitely taking that plushie home after I’m done.
This would make me feel much weirder than just eating alone, which is normal.
They may as well sit you under a giant hanging sad face with a siren that yells alone loser over here every 30 seconds.
Well that’s not infantalizing.
Pointing out you’re dinning alone is a sure fire way to make you feel lonely when it’s just a normal thing to do.
impressive how clean he is
this is worse. i dont give a shit if someone sees me alone but now they will think, oh, it’s cause he fucking mental.
Wish they all did that.
This looks like Hailidao.
Wait, so not only do they broadcast the fact you’re there alone, they make you cook your own food? What is even the point of paying restaurant prices?Fuck this place.
The bear
No way Im freakin sharing, That little beast is thurstin
Can the Panda speak? Do we order a side of extra bamboo?
In some ways this is actually worse. It’s possible your friend is running late and coming to meet you. But the giant fucking panda? That just screams table for one
Yeah if I’m eating out alone, it’s on purpose. I don’t really care if you gawk at me or anything but can you not put creepy pandas next to me? I’m quite comfortable being alone
This would make me feel worse about being on my own…
Hi, I am uncultured. What’s a hotpot restaurant?
This would make me feel uncomfortable, they made a normal thing a weird thing. I’d probably leave out of embarrassment.
I know I could just ask them to take it away, but the damage would be done, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my meal after.
I think this makes it worse. But I’m still laughing….but still dead on the inside. *snort
Now this is my kind of restaurant haha
I’ve spent a lot of time traveling alone for work. Had many meals alone and am totally comfortable in doing so. It’s enjoyable. Bring a book and have great food delivered while doing it. Great experience.
The giant stuffy is kinda freaky.
I wouldn’t mind, as long as he picks up the tab
Fast food I feel fine eating alone. Restaurants and movies/theater I would feel uncomfortable.
If I get to take it home with me I don’t mind
I’d rather just read my book. This would make me uncomfortable.
Haidilao, doing the most for the customers.
I get dining out alone but hotpot alone? That’s just asking for depression
Just you know why…..
Went to one of these in my city for the first time a month ago. Environment was nice and friendly, glad to see it seems to be a hotpot thing. Much better than normal restaurants. Food is great and fun as well.
I can’t decide if it’s cute or creepy
That’s fucking embarrassing lol. I eat at the same Chinese restaurant most days for lunch. They have my drink and spot ready. I couldn’t fucking imagine if I walked in to a huge panda every time
This would make me feel more lonely than eating alone.
Love doing things alone!
Fuck no lol. The whole point of me sitting alone is cause I want to enjoy my time alone. This panda shit is what’s making it awkward.
r/creepy
I’ll have to check that place out next time I go to Chicago
awww thats cute! now i wanna dine alone
That’s cute and all but as someone who used to travel for work this makes it really akward.
I would hate this