In a recent incident in Kunming, a Hai Di Lao restaurant has gained attention on social media due to a viral video showing noodles being dropped on the floor but still served on the table. The video sparked public outrage as the restaurant initially showed a lackluster response before changing their attitude later under public pressure, leading to criticism from netizens.
The incident took place in early December 2025, when Mr. Qiu and his friends were dining at a Hai Di Lao restaurant in Kunming and ordered a set menu with noodle flipping performance. Initially just there to enjoy the show, they were shocked to see the noodle dough repeatedly falling on the ground during the flipping process. The staff simply picked it up and continued flipping the noodles, culminating in the noodles being served on the table after touching the floor.
A friend captured the incident on video and initially posted it on social media, which quickly went viral. The next day, Mr. Qiu returned to the restaurant to address the situation with the manager, but the response he received was not welcoming: there was no apology, no investigation into the issue, and no mention of corrective measures. Feeling that the matter was being brushed off, Mr. Qiu decided to release the full video on the internet a few days later.
This time, the noodles didn’t “fall on the ground” again, but the discussion skyrocketed. The video quickly trended on social media, with netizens focusing not only on the cleanliness of the noodles but also on the initial cold response of the restaurant – which was particularly glaring for a chain brand known for its service.
As public opinion intensified, the situation took a dramatic turn. Hai Di Lao headquarters reached out to Mr. Qiu to request the removal of the video and proposed compensation options, including free noodles and new product experiences. Subsequently, the regional manager went further by offering a lifetime of free noodles, displaying a notably more positive and even enthusiastic attitude. However, Mr. Qiu remained unreceptive, stating that what he wanted was not a “compensation list” but an explanation: why was the initial response so indifferent.
Industry insiders in mainland China pointed out that while noodle flipping is a signature performance, there is a lack of publicly transparent hygiene operation standards. Some staff members rely on experience to judge, while some restaurants prioritize visual effects, leaving hygiene standards at the individual’s discretion. In comparison, many restaurants have clear guidelines in their operating manuals that dictate food is to be discarded if it touches the floor. This incident is viewed not as an isolated mistake but as a clear exposure of blurred processes and oversight.
As of now, the implicated restaurant has not released an official statement, and regulatory authorities have not intervened in the investigation. The debate surrounding this issue continues: some believe that “using dropped food again” is not uncommon, while others emphasize that food safety cannot rely on luck. For many consumers, the hardest thing to swallow is not just that one bite of noodles but the stark contrast between the brand’s prior indifference and sudden enthusiasm after the incident came to light.