Haidilao Singapore launches limited-time coriander hotpot and drinks

Love it or hate it, coriander is one ingredient that never fails to spark debate.

For those firmly in the “love it” camp, Haidilao Singapore is introducing a bold, new, limited-time coriander series, which brings the herb into the spotlight with new hotpot and beverage offerings.

Available across all Haidilao Singapore outlets from June 18, the new series promises a coriander-packed experience designed for curious diners and self-proclaimed coriander enthusiasts.

What to expect

At the heart of the line-up is the extra coriander soup base (S$12), a broth generously infused with coriander and centred around its distinctive aroma. 

Despite its vibrant green appearance, the soup is not vegetarian — it is made with a chicken-and-pork-based broth, rather than Haidilao’s signature Golden collagen chicken broth.

According to Haidilao Singapore, the broth is aimed at diners looking to venture beyond traditional hotpot flavours, with its herbal flavour becoming more pronounced as ingredients cook in the broth.

For diners who don’t think you can have too much coriander, Haidilao Singapore also offers fresh coriander greens, available in a full portion (S$8) or half-portion (S$4). Adding it in further intensifies the soup’s aroma and adds bright, fragrant notes in every sip.

For those who can never get enough coriander, the coriander-packed experience doesn’t end at the soup base. 

The limited-time series includes a coriander spritzer (S$2.80), a light and sparkling beverage designed to cut through the richness of hotpot, alongside the Love at First Sip (S$7.80), an alcoholic drink that offers a bolder, coriander-inspired twist for evening meals and social gatherings.

Our taste test

The soup was admittedly a little intimidating at first glance. The unmistakable aroma of coriander hit us the moment the broth started simmering, so we were expecting an intense, herb-forward experience.

Surprisingly, the extra coriander soup base was much milder than expected. On its own, the broth was light and refreshing, carrying subtle coriander notes while allowing the clean, soothing chicken-and-pork base to take centrestage.

Things changed once we added the fresh coriander into the pot. The extra greens instantly changed the fragrance and delivered the punch of coriander we were initially anticipating. Die-hard coriander fans should definitely opt for the add-on, but we would recommend trying the soup base as-is first, to appreciate its more balanced flavour profile.

As for the drinks, both carried a distinct coriander flavour, but the Love at First Sip stood out. It offered an unexpectedly sweet and smooth interpretation of the herb, making for a surprisingly pleasant companion to the light, soothing broth throughout the meal.

Don’t forget the photo op

To round off the experience, Haidilao Singapore is also introducing a playful in-store photo moment. 

Guests who order any item from the coriander series will be invited to pose with a Coriander Lover Honour Certificate alongside their hotpot spread — a keepsake for those brave enough to proudly declare their love for one of food’s most controversial herbs.

As divisive as coriander can be, we think the limited-time series is worth trying at least once, especially with family and friends who have strong opinions about the herb. Whether you leave loving it or not, Haidilao Singapore has managed to turn an ingredient that’s often ignored as a garnish into the star of the show — and that alone made for a memorable dining experience.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, read on Orchard plaza’s viral $15 fish-broth ramen from Yet to Name Ramen or Obongzip, the viral Korean restaurant’s second-outlet opening.