Haidilao's Viral Dance Makes a Sizzling Statement on the Menu
Haidilao, the popular Chinese hot pot chain, spices up dining experience with a sizzling dance routine that adds an extra flavor to your warm meal Get ready to groove while you indulge in their mouthwatering dishes
Hot pot chain Haidilao is adding a new twist to its dining experience with a catchy dance routine to accompany the popular Chinese cuisine. Chinas largest hot pot chain has introduced the new dance performance at its 1,400 branches.
The restaurant chain has been instrumental in popularizing the Chinese dining tradition of enjoying fresh ingredients in a variety of soup bases. With over 100 locations worldwide, including 13 in the US, the chain has gained international acclaim. Recently, videos of staff performing the "kemusan" dance while guests dine have gone viral on Chinese social media, capturing the attention of internet users.
Originating from a wedding dance in Guangxi, southern China, the routine entails performers swinging their knees sideways while executing a series of snappy hand actions, including rapid-fire wrist-twisting moves.
The captivating dance is performed to a blend of Western disco rhythms and traditional Chinese folk vocals. To access the new service, diners must simply say the code word "kemusan" to the servers, as shared in online stories.
The dance has quickly gained popularity, with diners joining in on the fun as seen in social media videos. This is not the first time Haidilao has had a viral sensation, as their signature noodle dance became a classic around ten years ago. This dance showcases the graceful art of stretching dough into noodle ribbons and twirling them with grand sweeping motions.
Another Haidilao waiter performs the "kemusan" dance.
@Yuletanshen/Weibo
Tacky squirming?
Not everyone finds the Haidilao dancing cute. The act has started a debate online, with some calling it a "low" promotional tactic.
It all started with a comment on a local Chinese online forum.
After a family meal at one of the branches, a mother expressed annoyance at the "tacky squirming dance." Her comment sparked a heated online debate and quickly became a top search term on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with the thread being viewed over 10 million times since Monday, according to state-affiliated news outlet Jimu News.
One online influencer, with a following of 740,000, denounced the dance as "exploitative."
"After performing kemusan, the performers no longer display any emotion and appear very rigid. It seems like too much effort," he wrote on Weibo.
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According to a CNN report, a spokesperson from Haidilao stated that the company is actively promoting innovation among its branches and providing financial incentives to recognize the hard work of its staff.
Haidilao announced that they will offer incentives to employees who earn customer recognition, but did not address online criticism. The company also did not respond to reports that some branches have stopped offering the dance following the recent debate.
Haidilao, established in 1994, has gained reputation for its unique methods of drawing in customers. In some locations, staff don colorful masks and perform traditional Chinese opera in front of diners, including branches in the US and Britain.
Customers can enjoy free drink refills, snacks, complimentary manicures, shoe shines, and fruit plates while waiting to be seated. Additionally, solo diners may receive plush toys as companions, enhancing the communal hot pot experience.
