China hotpot delivery gains popularity

Now to Beijing, where the traditional Chinese takeaway is getting a five star makeover. In the last few years, food delivery options in China have largely been limited to western fast food joints, such as McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Now, not only can customers order hotpot from the comfort of their homes, they can enjoy complete table service.

Hot pot is popular for Chinese, especially in the winter, as a pot of bubbling broth can help to ward off the chill. Until recently it was a meal enjoyed solely in restaurants or prepared by families at home.

Beijing producer Yu Peng said: "In recent years, I think that the taste of hot pot and the service at restaurants is much better than it was before."

But long lines at hotpot restaurants often leave guests waiting for up to two hours before they are seated. Hai-Di-Lao, the most well known chain in Beijing, has come up with a new solution: home delivery, where customer order online or by phone.

Pei Qi, delivery man from Haidilao Hotpot said: "Delivery is better, because it does not take up any space at the restaurant. It is more convenient, as you can chat with your friends. It is also more private and not too noisy. There is no need to worry about driving home while drunk."

Customers get the same level of quality as they would in a restaurant, but in the comfort of their own home.

Best of all, no clean-up is required. One more call to the restaurant and the same delivery man returns to dispose of everything.

Sounds like a win-win. But in order to avoid leaving the restaurant short-staffed, Hai-Di-Lao has limited the number of deliveries at one time.