It feels as if Sex and the City has really and truly come to an end, as its sequel, And Just Like That…, saw its final episode last week. The HBO show has not been renewed for another season, and it seems like this will likely be the last we see of Carrie Bradshaw and her girlfriends. While reviews of the finale have been mixed, we couldn’t help but notice one standout filming location: in the opening scene, Carrie Bradshaw eats at beloved Asian hot pot restaurant, Haidilao.
Filmed at the Union Street outlet in New York, Carrie Bradshaw’s venture into Haidilao was an uncomfortable watch. While on the one hand, we applaud the inclusion of a mega-popular Asian hot pot chain, her confusion around the concept was disappointing. How has worldly Carrie never seen an iPad menu before? Why are robot servers so surprising to her? And as somebody who has wined and dined all over New York’s best restaurants, how is she not familiar with bok choy?
the concept of carrie bradshaw eating haidilao alone pic.twitter.com/gV5662CNak
— 🍓🍥 (@oceanblevards) August 15, 2025
What is Haidilao?
Haidilao is a Chinese hot pot chain that was founded in Sichuan in 1994. It is the largest Chinese hot pot chain in China, and has expanded to many countries in Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. As of 2022, Haidilao also opened outlets in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.
The “smart restaurant” prides itself in using technology to create a seamless dining experience. Diners order from tablet computers, and some outlets use robot servers to deliver food to the table. It is said that Haidilao also uses automated kitchens and robot chefs in the kitchen.
Given its popularity, especially in countries like Thailand, queues to dine at Haidilao can be very long. To combat waiting times, the restaurant famously provides free drinks and snacks (at some branches, there’s even a manicure service) to appease hungry diners. There are also plenty of secret items to order on the menu, and a popular noodle order wherein the noodle dough is shaped and formed through a dance routine at the table.
In Bangkok, you can find Haidilao at CentralWorld, Central Rama 9, Central Rama 2, and Central Pinklao.
Why does Carrie Bradshaw go to Haidilao in And Just Like That?
Perhaps it was meant to be humour, and perhaps the plot device is merely ill-placed. Nonetheless, Carrie’s venture to Haidilao didn’t really impress us in the way we would have liked. The point of the scene is that Carrie is met with Tommy Tomato, a doll that they place in the booth opposite her, so she doesn’t have to dine alone. This is quite common in parts of Asia, but our protagonist makes a big scene about her “lunch with a side of shame.” She couldn’t help but wonder if she would be alone forever…
Carrie, you can be so dramatic.
@adrianwidjy Wait! Is this for realz! On the final episode of #andjustlikethat #sexandthecity #satc the iconic #haidilao manage to do a product placement with #sjp Wow!
Other famous characters we’d love to see at Asian food chains
Inspired by Carrie’s visit to Haidilao, we had a deep think about other famous TV show characters we’d like to see at Asian food chain restaurants. From Thailand’s very own After You dessert parlours to the Philippines’ dearly beloved Jollibee, here are more famous TV characters that we’d love to see with an iPad menu.
Tanya McQuoid at After You
We know she has a sweet tooth, even if Greg is a hater about it.
Walter White at Bonchon
It’s not quite ‘Los Pollos Hermanos,’ but this Korean fried chicken is pretty good.
Daenerys Targaryen at Bar B Q Plaza
Their mascot is a dragon, so this makes a lot of sense.
Tom Wambsgans and Greg Hirsch at Din Tai Fung
Just because we’d love to see them slurp soup dumplings.
Joey Tribbiani at Jollibee
We want to see him eat the Jolly Spaghetti.
Lady Whistledown at A Ramen
Bridgerton’s leading lady would enjoy the sense of privacy here.
Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass at MOS Burger
It’s the superior Japanese-style burger for the most superior of couples.
Michael Scott at Mixue
Mixue is a popular afternoon treat with office workers, and Michael is always trying to fit in with office workers.
Emily (of Paris) at Coco Ichibanya
She confused it with Coco Chanel.
This story first appeared here.