China’s rich regional cuisines, celebrated for their diverse flavors, have gained global prominence, allowing international foodies to enjoy authentic dishes just as they are in China. In line with this trend and following the mainstream popularity of Sichuan-style hotpot in Thailand, Haidilao is proud to introduce a new, unique flavor to Thai tables: the Guizhou Sour Soup Hotpot.
This represents not only a fresh, distinctive flavor to delight our guests, but also a fitting debut for Guizhou regional cuisine in Thailand. For Haidilao, the introduction of the Guizhou Sour Soup base marks another breakthrough in our international journey, a worthy addition to our flavor portfolio to enrich our diners’ experience of Chinese cuisine.
The Long History and Cultural Heritage of Guizhou Sour Soup In China:
Guizhou Sour Soup (Gui Zhou Suan Tang Guo) is a traditional dish of the Miao, Dong and other peoples of southeastern Guizhou, with thousands of years of cultural heritage behind it. The most distinctive feature of Guizhou Sour Soup is its tanginess, offering a complex flavor profile: it leads with a sour zest, balanced by a subtle mineral saltiness, all set against a rich, mellow texture.
The soup is bright red, vibrant and appetizing. Its tang comes from tomatoes and chili peppers, which are washed, chopped and mixed with salt, then sealed in jars to induce natural fermentation. The intensely red, mouthwatering result is a natural, fragrant, healthy and highly original soup base.
Compared to Haidilao’s classic spicy base, Guizhou’s fermented sour soup offers a fresh, sharp and appetizing flavor with a mellow texture, which is perfect for health-conscious consumers. It appeals to all age groups and satisfies family dining needs.
The charm of Guizhou sour soup lies not only in its taste but also in the cultural connotations it carries. Guizhou is home to many ethnic groups, each with its own culinary traditions and cooking techniques. As one of the representative dishes of Guizhou, sour soup is a symbol of the collective wisdom of these ethnic cultures. In Miao culture, sour soup is not only an important part of daily meals but also a symbol of family gatherings and welcoming guests. This flavorful soup reflects Guizhou’s natural beauty and embodies a deep respect for nature and a love for life. Haidilao Thailand presents this cultural treasure to the world under the name “Guizhou Red Sour Soup.”
From Local Delicacy to Global Stage:
Famed for its unique sour and fresh flavor, Guizhou sour soup has been widely popular in China. With the rise of Chinese cuisine on the global stage, this regional delicacy now has an opportunity to shine internationally.
Thailand, with its its love of sour flavors in its own culinary scene, naturally aligns with the flavor profile of Guizhou sour soup. Haidilao has carefully selected a variety of high-quality ingredients to complement the sour soup, ensuring Thai diners can fully experience its deliciousness. Peppercorn beef tongue, with its fragrant spicy flavor, adds layers to the tangy soup, while the tender texture of Haidilao’s beef slices enhances the fresh taste. Additionally, seafood such as scallops, prawns, and shrimp paste, along with vegetables like bamboo shoots, sweet potato noodles, bean sprouts and golden slices, are paired with the Guizhou Sour Soup base, offering diners a delightful surprise with every bite.
Continuous Localization Strategy as an Engine for Product Innovation
Operating worldwide as Superhi International, Haidilao aims to provide customers with an exceptional dining experience – localization is an excellent way to engage diners in every country in an innovative flavor journey. To this end, Super Hi International Holding Ltd. customizes products and services based on local customer preferences. In the first half of 2024 alone, Tehai International optimized and launched more than 500 products across various categories, including hotpot bases, dishes, snacks, and drinks. Popular new products were launched in each country, such as Pepper Chicken Soup base and Golden Sour Fish soup base in East Asia, Saffron Chicken Soup base in the UAE, and Spicy Lamb Scorpion (lamb spine) hotpot in the UK.
Entering Thailand in 2019, Haidilao quickly gained popularity with its unique service concept and excellent dining experience: “Food is the simplest and most effective way of cultural exchange.” From introducing the Tom Yum soup base to adjusting dishes and condiments to suit Thai preferences, Haidilao has blended its brand’s essence with local tastes, offering customers a novel and delightful culinary experience. In terms of service, Haidilao adapted its service model and staff training to fit local culture. Through local hiring, flexible training, and cultural integration, Haidilao overcame language and cultural barriers and quickly established itself in the Thai market. Haidilao adheres to the philosophy of “innovation and sharing,” constantly innovating and striving for excellence.
The introduction of the Guizhou Sour Soup base further enriches customers’ options, offering an opportunity to sample a deeply authentic Chinese regional flavor that is highly suited to the traditional Thai palate.
With the promotion of Guizhou sour soup in the Thai market, Haidilao hopes this traditional Chinese dish will become a bridge connecting Chinese and Thai culinary cultures. In the context of globalization, Haidilao will continue to explore and promote more regional Chinese delicacies. Internationally, Haidilao aims to let food lovers worldwide experience the unique charm and profound heritage of Chinese cuisine.
