The Ultimate Guide to Haidilao Hot Pot Base: Authentic Flavours at Home

Craving the convivial atmosphere and rich flavours of an authentic Chinese hot pot without having to leave home? The iconic taste of Haidilao, from the world-renowned restaurant chain, is now available for your own dining table. With so many options, however, choosing the right soup base can be a challenge.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to guide you. This article provides practical tips for choosing the perfect Haidilao hot pot base and shares a selection of popular flavours, so you can easily host a successful Chinese hot pot night at home.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Haidilao Soup Base

Before you buy a Haidilao soup base, it's helpful to consider a few things. These tips will help you find the flavour that suits you and your guests.

1. Determine Your Flavour Profile: Spicy, Sour, or Mild?

The world of authentic hot pot flavours is vast. Haidilao offers several profiles:

• Mala (spicy and numbing): This is the classic Sichuan hot pot base, known for its combination of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns that create a unique, tingling sensation (málà). Perfect for the adventurous eater.
• Sour: Flavours like the sour soup with beef offer a fresh, savoury, and slightly spicy experience, often inspired by regional Chinese cuisines.
• Mild: For those who prefer non-spicy options, there's the Haidilao broth made from ingredients like mushrooms, tomato, or herbs. These broths are rich and savoury, allowing the pure flavour of the ingredients to shine through.

2. Consider the Base: Vegetable Oil or Animal Fat?

Traditional Sichuan hot pot is often made with a beef tallow base, which imparts a deep, rich flavour. However, many modern versions, including some from Haidilao, use a vegetable oil base (like soybean oil). This results in a lighter, less greasy broth that is more accessible to many, without sacrificing the signature Haidilao mala flavour.

3. Check Ingredients and Allergens

Always read the label for the full list of ingredients and allergen information. Many hot pot bases contain soy, wheat (gluten), mustard, or sesame. Checking this beforehand ensures you choose an option that suits your dietary needs and those of your guests.

Our Recommended Products

Based on product specifications and popular choices, we've curated a selection of Haidilao hot pot bases that provide a great overview of the available flavours.

Haidilao Clear Oil Hot Pot Soup Base Mala Flavor 220g

Why it stands out This base delivers the signature numbing and spicy flavour of Sichuan, but with a soybean oil base. This makes the broth lighter and less heavy than traditional versions made with beef tallow. The mix contains 10% Spanish chili peppers and 0.8% Sichuan pepper, ensuring a layered and authentic flavour experience.

Pros

• Authentic mala flavour from a combination of chili and Sichuan pepper.
• Lighter, vegetable oil-based broth.
• Versatile: can also be used for stir-fry dishes (Mala Xiang Guo) or boiled fish.

Who is it for? For enthusiasts of traditional, spicy Sichuan hot pot who prefer a slightly lighter version. Ideal for anyone looking to recreate the true Haidilao mala experience at home.

Haidilao Seasoning For Sour Soup W/Beef 150g

Why it stands out This soup base offers a completely different flavour profile. It's a balanced mix of sour, spicy, and savoury. Inspired by a popular regional hot pot flavour, this base is surprisingly versatile.

Pros

• Balanced, tangy, and savoury flavour.
• Not just for hot pot: also great as a base for noodle soup, a marinade, or a stir-fry sauce.
• An interesting alternative to the more common spicy varieties.

Who is it for? For those who want to try something different from the standard spicy hot pot. Perfect for fans of sour and savoury flavours, similar to those found in Thai or Vietnamese cuisine.

Haidilao Hot Pot Soup Base - Broth Flavor 110g

Why it stands out This mild Haidilao broth is an excellent choice for a diverse group or for anyone who doesn't enjoy spicy food. The base contains traditional ingredients like jujube (red dates) and goji berries, which provide a subtly sweet and nutritious flavour. The umami depth comes from ingredients like milk powder and yeast extract.

Pros

• Mild, savoury, and slightly sweet flavour that complements the ingredients in the hot pot.
• Includes a separate sachet of dried jujubes and goji berries.
• Suitable for all ages and guests who prefer non-spicy food.

Who is it for? Ideal for a family dinner or when you want the pure taste of fresh ingredients like meat, fish, and vegetables to take centre stage. It's the perfect counterpart to a spicy broth in a 'yin-yang' hot pot.

Want to Discover More Options?

This is just a small selection from the wide range available. Are you looking for a different flavour, such as a tomato or mushroom base, or do you want to explore other brands?

Explore our full range of Soup Seasonings for more choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I prepare a Haidilao hot pot base? Preparation is typically very simple, making it an ideal at-home hot pot recipe. Dissolve the packet's contents in the recommended amount of boiling water or broth (usually between 800 ml and 1.5 litres, depending on the product). Bring it to a boil, and your hot pot is ready for you to cook your favourite ingredients. Always consult the packaging for specific instructions.

2. Is Haidilao hot pot base very spicy? That depends entirely on the variety you choose. The Haidilao mala and other spicy versions are indeed quite potent and have that signature numbing tingle. However, there are also completely mild options, like the Broth Flavor or tomato-based varieties, which are rich in taste without any spiciness.

3. Where can I buy Haidilao soup base in the Netherlands? Haidilao soup bases are available at specialised Asian supermarkets and online. At Joybuy, you'll find a selection of the most popular flavours delivered directly to your door, so you can quickly enjoy an authentic Chinese hot pot at home.