Beijing hotpot restaurant threatens lawsuit after viral video shows woman letting dog eat from plate

The incident took place on Dec. 16, 2025 at a branch of Nanmen Hotpot, a popular Beijing-style hotpot chain, the South China Morning Post reported. In the video, the woman is seen encouraging her dog to eat mutton rolls straight from a shared plate.

Laughing, she says she never got to taste the food because her dog ate everything, calling the pet "awesome."

The clip quickly spread online, drawing sharp criticism from diners concerned about food safety. Two days later, the restaurant announced it had temporarily closed the outlet to carry out full sterilization after becoming aware of the video.

The branch was shut for three days, during which all plates and utensils were replaced. The company also promised refunds and compensation to customers who dined there between Dec. 16 and 18, and said it would tighten management to prevent similar incidents. Staff confirmed they had contacted police and intended to hold the woman legally responsible.

In a similar case, another woman in Jiangsu Province posted footage of her two-month-old chihuahua eating directly from a plate at a pet-friendly restaurant. That venue also replaced all tableware and required the customer to compensate for losses, while announcing stricter rules for pets during dining, The Star reported.

Health experts warn that dog and cat saliva can carry harmful bacteria that pose serious risks in food settings.

Many diners voiced concern online. Some said they avoid pet-friendly restaurants altogether, while others argued that such venues can be problematic when pet owners fail to control their animals.

Legal scholars note that regulations in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai prohibit dogs from entering restaurants, making so-called pet-friendly dining spaces legally questionable. Restaurants are also required to ensure all tableware is properly cleaned and sterilized before use.