Why the lines?

Joined: Jan 12, 2006
Posts: 178
2

Every Xiabu Xiabu branch seems to have a line, or at least bustling business. Is it just simply due to the individual hot pot set meals (RMB 28-32 or so)?

Whatever it is, it can't be because of the quality of the meat (cardboard-like), the disgusting dipping sauce, the (in)efficiency of the waitstaff (zombie-like) or the environment (hot, steamy and hectic).

Nor could it possibly be the lingering, oily stench that befouls your hair and clothing for hours after you leave.

This place is forever a mystery to me.