9 Shabu Shabu Spots In Bangkok Perfect For A Feast
With the cold breeze quickly hitting Bangkok, it is only natural that everyone starts looking for something warm to fill up their bellies. Without a doubt, one of the first menu items that should be popping up on many people’s minds is the ever-so-satisfying Shabu Shabu that always seems to hit the right spot regardless of who you go with.
There is still something special about dunking that beautiful piece of meat into an aromatic soupy elixir before putting it in your mouth - did someone say heaven on earth?
Many might wonder where the word “shabu” comes from. Shabu Shabu is, in fact, a Japanese concept of hot-pot, which is very similar to Sukiyaki. The typical Shabu Shabu meal will consist of meats, seafood, veggies, and some type of carb.
Most people would slam all the veggies into the soup to create an even tastier broth while the whole table dips their meat of choice into it throughout the meal, one by one. Eggs and different sauces can then be added to the mix to add even add more flavor to the already-satisfying meal.
Unfortunately, knowing all this does not make your life easier because Bangkok has so many Shabu Shabu restaurants, where each has its highlights. So when you want to dig in, you will have to pick the place with the freshest ingredients and friendliest service, but also have to find a place with the type of soup that you like.
A typical Shabu Shabu restaurant now will have the standard 1-2 kinds of soup and may have an additional 8-10 variations that can range from the spicy Thai Tom-Yum or the rich bone marrow soup.
So without further ado, allow us to dig out our Shabu Shabu treasure map which will lead you and your team to one of 9 spots, listed in alphabetical order, that will bring you to soupy heaven.
Akiyoshi
Akiyoshi is a Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki lovers dream as the restaurant offers both styles of soupy goodness for customers to choose from under one roof.
As one of the first places that opened up in Thailand to serve authentic Japanese style Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki, Akiyoshi is very well known for their three types of broths and two types of sauces.
There is no wrong choice because anything you eat with their selection of 4 kinds of meat, it will surely bring you to carnivorous heaven. Make sure you also try their famous Moji dessert at the end!
Fufu Taiwanese Shabu
A Taiwanese style Shabu Shabu buffet that differentiates itself with the famous mala style soup, Fufu Taiwanese Shabu packs a hot punch. With over 100 different menu items to choose from, and new menus coming out in a rotation, there is never a dull moment at Fufu.
If you get bored of beef and pork, the large selection of seafood which ranges from shrimp, crab, and more will ensure that your meal is back on track. The icing on the cake, however, must be their selection of premium ice-cream from Haagen-Dazs and Movenpick.
Kagonoya
For all the fresh prawn lovers, Kagonoya delivers everything you could want. For all you meat lovers, Kagonoya offers a special cut called the Kagonoya beef that comes from cows that are raised in top conditions in their natural environment to produce a special slice of mean that is both rich, sweet, and tender as soon as it touches the soup.
These menus and more are available for you to choose from to complement 2 out of their six soup choices as well as their special sauce because you top it off with some Haagen-Dazs.
Katana Shabu & Japanese Dining
A new style of Shabu Shabu and Japanese restaurant under one roof, Katana Shabu & Japanese Dining offers a course meal and an a-la-carte option in their menu.
The unique thing is that their food selection runs in rotation and changes on a monthly basis. Using only top-class ingredients from Japan and mixing it with other Western ingredients make dining here extremely interesting.
There are a total of 5-course meals to choose from for you to enjoy, but surely their A5 Kurogu Wagyu beef that will melt in your mouth is a highlighted item!
Manee Me More
Most Shabu Shabu places are Japanese in nature; however, Manee Me More has added some Thai touches to their concept. Individual branches of the restaurant serve a buffet menu but others still only serve an a-la-carte menu.
This Thai Shabu Shabu place has a banging soup that is unlike anywhere else and to complement their soup are two unique secret sauces that are only served at their store as well.
All their menu items are incredibly creative and genuinely bring a Japanese concept into a more Thai setting - one that you cannot miss.
Momo Paradise
The go-to Shabu Shabu place for many, Momo Paradise is always a safe bet when Shabu cravings are strong. Customers can choose from 2 soups out of their four available broth types and boil it up to ready themselves to dunk in some meat.
Although their menu offering is very simple, it is without a doubt that Momo Paradise is indeed a paradise for many Shabu lovers. Their "less is more" approach allows them to truly source some of the best cuts of beef, pork, and chicken that are both rich and tasty at the very first taste.
Penguin Eat Shabu
A premium Shabu Shabu restaurant that identifies itself with a cute penguin logo, Penguin Eat Shabu offers over 50 different menu items for you to order.
Of course, their main event cannot be no other than the Wagyu beef that is marbled to perfection and can be eaten Shabu Shabu style or as a Wagyu sushi.
Other than their special tom yum flavor soup, Penguin Eat Shabu also offers different things you can add to your broth to make it even tastier like rich shrimp fat and gooey cheese.
Shibuya Shabu
Shibuya Shabu was actually the first to offer a Shabu Shabu and sushi buffet in Thailand. It was a bold move, but it paid off. Die-hard fans come here to eat their special oxtail soup that when you dip your sliced meat into, comes out even more heavenly.
Everything here is made with fresh ingredients, so you know your food is always good. It is the perfect place to come when you do not know what to eat as you will hit two birds with one stone by getting Shabu Shabu and a large selection of premium sushi.
You & I Premium Suki Buffet
You & I Premium Suki Buffet rightly includes the word premium in their restaurant name because that is exactly what they offer - premium ingredients, premium soups, and premium service. The restaurant has eight types of soups for you to choose from with each customer getting their hot-pot with two soups.
Choose from great Angus meat, Wagyu meat, big river prawns, and a variety of other things. Be sure to wait for dessert as you must have some Emack&Bolio's or Haagen-Dazs ice-cream and some boba too.