10:58 AM. The first branch of Spicy King Taikoo Li officially opens!
As the staff at the entrance remove the barricade tape surrounding the colorful tumbling panda and hot air balloon displays,
a crowd of eager young women swarm forward.
They want to snap a few photos to post on their Moments later.
"Ladies, no need to rush! Please come one by one. We have a professional photographer who can take your pictures for free."
Some customers, less interested in photos, walk straight through the main entrance.
They gaze at the vast greenery and the red and white hot air balloons in the courtyard.
A blue giant panda seems to be waving lazily at them.
The restaurant's ambiance alone raises the diners' expectations.
Following the paths on either side, past the greenery and hot air balloon area, they arrive at the actual restaurant.
One young woman spots a gigantic coral crystal chandelier, shaped like a hot pot, that spans two floors.
"Whoa, this restaurant's decor is insane!"
