Single-broth shabu-shabu and rose risotto in Hapjeong: Shabu in Seoul

I was practically born with a Japanese-style spoon and a shabu spoon in my mouth, so I rarely eat shabu-shabu out. But a friend talked me into Shabu in Seoul, supposedly the face of shabu in Seoul... So here is my honest review, from one shabu spoon to another. Here we go.

Where is Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch, and is there a wait?

Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch is a 2-minute walk from Hapjeong Station Exit 8, right in front of Kyobo Book Centre in Delight Square.

There seem to be lots of people waiting on weekends, because the waiting zone out front has chairs set out.

There's also a water jug for people waiting. It had cold water in it, which is nice for wetting your throat!

Which dessert comes with each Shabu in Seoul broth?

At Shabu in Seoul you choose your meat and your broth, and each broth comes with a different dessert meal. Check the pairings carefully before you choose.

• Clear mushroom - egg porridge
• Spicy mushroom - rose risotto
• Crab doenjang (soybean paste) - doenjang rice wrap
• Sukiyaki - yakisoba
• Beef tomato - tomato risotto

In-store events at Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong

• Naver receipt review event: free gyoza (dumplings)
• Flyer photo event: take a photo of the flyer and get free assorted fish balls

Table setting and personal tongs

The basic table setting at Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch is a sauce dish for 3 sauces, a small plate, and personal tongs.

I really love that there are personal tongs. It feels so much better than lots of chopsticks dipping into the same pot and mixing saliva!

Why a single spicy mushroom broth beats half-and-half

At Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch you can pick 2 broths, but it costs ₩6,000 extra and dessert is fixed to kalguksu. So we went with one spicy mushroom broth for 2.

We were torn over the standard mushroom broth, but the rose risotto among the desserts tempted me, so we picked spicy mushroom. When the staff explained the broths, they said half-and-half locks dessert to kalguksu, and I thought, then let's go with one broth and get a different dessert! So single broth it was...

Prime Angus chuck eye shabu set: honest review

We ordered the Prime Angus chuck eye shabu set for 2.

The Prime Angus chuck eye

Prime-grade Angus chuck eye is said to have rich marbling and savory depth, and at least by looks alone it was the best.

What vegetables come with the shabu-shabu set?

The vegetables at Shabu in Seoul are varied: kabocha squash, processed mushrooms, bean sprouts, panda-shaped konjac noodles (bunmoja), napa cabbage, bok choy and more. Only one panda mushroom and one shiitake come in the set, so I recommend talking it over before you eat...

Sauces, side dishes and the best sauce combination

The sauces and sides at the Hapjeong Branch are cheongyang chili pepper, garlic, sesame sauce, chili sauce, ponzu sauce, and a cool side dish.

You pour the sauces into the dishes already laid out so you can taste all 3 and mix as you like. Personally I like sesame sauce with garlic and a little cheongyang chili: mellow, but with a nice kick.

When to take the shiitake out of the spicy mushroom broth

This is the spicy mushroom broth with the ingredients in. I just snapped it on a whim, but I have to make one thing clear. Take the shiitake out exactly when it turns silky and tender. You'll feel the beauty of the mushroom.

How do you order dessert at Shabu in Seoul?

At the Hapjeong Branch you request dessert on the staff call screen. If shabu alone filled you up, choose the option for omija tea only; if you want dessert too, choose the meal request (omija tea included).

Just note that a meal request can take about 10 minutes depending on how busy the shop is, so I recommend ordering with that in mind.

Rose risotto with shrimp

The rose risotto, the dessert for spicy mushroom broth, has shrimp in it. Since it's made at your table, it isn't the quality of risotto from a Western restaurant. Think of it as a variation on porridge and you'll enjoy it.

Omija tea, sweeter than expected

The closing omija (five-flavor berry) tea was sweeter than the taste I know. I thought omija tea would only be sour, but it was sweet and cool, and it ended the meal on a good note.

Partner perks with your Shabu in Seoul receipt

With a Shabu in Seoul receipt you can get free sul-bap (rice dish), makgeolli, draft beer, dumplings and more at nearby partner shops, and the Hapjeong Branch receipt also gets you 10% off at Paul Bassett.

• Daebok: free doenjang sul-bap
• Deogiwa: 1 bottle of makgeolli free
• Gonggam: 2 draft beers free
• Hyejeongjip: 5 pieces of gulrim mandu (dumplings)
• Paul Bassett: 10% off with a Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch receipt

Verdict: is single-broth shabu-shabu in Hapjeong worth it?

If you're looking for a shabu-shabu spot near Hapjeong Station, I recommend it: Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch. There's a wait, but if you want a different kind of dessert meal, this is the place!