Serving Standards: Best Chinese Service, No Surprises

Service in the average Chinese restaurant can be jarring for Western expectations, but that's an old and oft repeated story. I've never minded, but then again, I also enjoy the frankness of spitting on the street and the practicality of slits down the seat of a child's pants.

Our winner for this year's Reader Restaurant Award for Best Service (Chinese) should also not come as a surprise. Haidilao Hot Pot triumphed again, retaining their position from last year. In fact, the whole category were repeat winners from the previous year (Haidilao, Din Tai Fung, and Da Dong).

Haidilao takes an aggressive counter position to the standard service in China. If you've never been, the quick summary is: free manicures, shoe shining, snacks and games while you wait (which you will) and highly attentive, cheery service throughout the meal. It's the small details that count and can take you by surprise your first time – the small, soft cloth to wipe steam from the lenses of your glasses, the tiny Ziploc bag for your cellphone if you're the type to leave it out on the table. Haidilao's level of service is impressive enough that it landed them a place as an Outstanding winner back in 2011 before the category was divided into Chinese and Non-Chinese. Readers ranked them alongside Maison Boulud, Capital M and Mosto.

While the dining scene in Beijing is exploding, the level of service has not evolved to the same degree as other aspects of the restaurant business. The consistency of the category's winners from last year to this year speaks to this. A common complaint within the industry seems to be finding good waitstaff and from the customer's end, the quality of service. But until this changes, at least there's Haidilao for you 24/7.

BEST SERVICE (CHINESE CUISINE)
Haidilao
Outstanding
Din Tai Fung
Da Dong Roast Duck

Photo: Chinadaily.com.cn