Chinese Restaurant Apologizes After Customers Urinate on Hotpot

Haidilao, one of China's largest hotpot restaurant chains, has issued an apology and promised compensation to thousands of customers after a disturbing video went viral showing two diners urinating into a hotpot at one of its Shanghai outlets.

The incident, which occurred on February 24, 2025, came to light when a video circulated online showing two men urinating into the boiling broth of their hotpot while dining in a private room at a Haidilao branch in Shanghai.

The company admitted it only became aware of the situation four days later and initially struggled to pinpoint the exact time and location.

In response to the incident, Haidilao acknowledged a significant lapse in their training procedures, which resulted in staff failing to detect and prevent the situation. The company confirmed the location of the incident in downtown Shanghai on March 6.

"We fully understand that the distress caused to our customers by this incident cannot be fully compensated for by any means," Haidilao stated. "We are willing to do our utmost to take responsibility."

While the exact amount of compensation was not disclosed, Haidilao announced it would reimburse over 4,000 customers who dined at the affected outlet between February 24 and March 8.

Reports suggest the compensation may include a full refund plus an additional sum of up to ten times the original bill amount.

The company has reported the case to police in Jianyang, Sichuan, where Haidilao is headquartered, as well as to authorities in other locations. According to Shanghai police, two 17-year-old males have been detained in connection with the incident. Haidilao has also filed a civil lawsuit against the individuals involved.

This shocking event has raised concerns about food safety and hygiene practices in restaurants, prompting discussions about the need for stricter monitoring and staff training in the food service industry.