Hapjeong shabu-shabu set with 1+2 hanwoo top sirloin: Shabu in Seoul

I kept thinking back to Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch after falling for its upscale atmosphere and clean flavors on my last visit, so I decided to go again.

With the temperature swings getting bigger these days, I've been craving shabu-shabu — tender beef gently swished through hot broth — and this place near Mecenatpolis by Hapjeong Station is so well known for its tidy, excellent quality that I didn't hesitate to head over.

Where is Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch, and what is the entrance like?

Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch sits on basement level 2 of Delight Square 1, right beside Mecenatpolis near Hapjeong Station. Arriving out front, the modern yet calm wood-toned exterior immediately caught my eye.

There's a flower shop next door and Kyobo Bookstore right across the street. The location is very accessible — super easy to find from the subway station — and even at the entrance you could feel that distinctly premium-dining air.

There are drinks set out for anyone waiting.

You can also check the menu board from outside.

Booth seating at Shabu in Seoul: where do you actually sit?

The interior of Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch is arranged in independent booths, so you can eat quite privately. Walking in, the interior design felt genuinely cozy and sophisticated.

Under soft indirect lighting, wood-framed sofa seats in beige fabric are arranged as separate booths, really nailing that private mood. The tables are spaced generously and well divided by partitions, so it's ideal for an intimate meal without worrying about anyone around you. It's a top-tier setting whether for a family outing, a date, or even a more formal dinner. On the table, a shiny silver hot pot and a neatly arranged single set of tableware were already perfectly set up.

Ordering the chuck flat and hanwoo top sirloin sets in spicy mushroom broth

Ordering was conveniently done through the tablet at the table. One thing I love about Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch is that the meal sets pair differently depending on the broth you pick — and craving something spicy and deep, we went with the spicy mushroom broth.

For meat, we picked a nice mix: one serving of the prime Angus chuck flat shabu set with gorgeous marbling, and one serving of the 1+2 grade hanwoo top sirloin shabu set, known for its clean yet chewy texture. Choosing the spicy mushroom broth also meant rose risotto as the finishing course, which upped our anticipation even more.

Once we ordered, the table was neatly laid out with three signature sauces plus a jar of minced garlic and cheongyang chili. With chili sauce, sesame dressing, and soy ponzu all on hand, it was great to season everything to taste.

One bowl of vegetables and two plates of beef

The main dishes that followed were jaw-droppingly generous.

A large wooden bowl arrived piled high with fresh napa cabbage, bok choy, sweet pumpkin, enoki mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, glass noodles, and even cute panda-shaped glass noodles, along with a generous stack of translucent rice paper.

The finely sliced chuck flat and hanwoo top sirloin arrived on a black tray, their bright red flesh glistening with snowflake marbling — mouthwatering even before they hit the pot.

Chuck flat vs. hanwoo top sirloin: how do they taste different?

As the spicy mushroom broth bubbled away, we loaded in plenty of vegetables to draw out a deep stock, then lightly cooked a slice of chuck flat to try first.

The moment it hit my mouth, the melt-in-your-mouth savoriness of the juices paired perfectly with the spicy, deep broth. The hanwoo top sirloin was just as impressive — clean and lean, yet the beefy aroma got stronger the more I chewed, drawing an involuntary sigh of satisfaction.

Wrapping crisp vegetables and well-cooked meat with a generous dollop of chili sauce inside rice paper softened in hot water gave a wrap that was chewy, fresh, and completely satisfying.

The rose risotto finish at Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch

Once we'd made solid progress through the meat and vegetables, we asked the staff to bring out the finishing dish.

The rose risotto arrived, carefully stir-fried on the spot in the spicy mushroom broth base with rice, cream, and cheese.

Ha... I ended up photographing the entire cooking process from start to finish, haha.

The savory, creamy rose sauce soaked up all that spicy umami, making it a trendy, rich delicacy on a completely different level from your usual porridge or kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup).

To wrap things up, a fragrant warm cup of tea cleansed the palate cleanly, giving the meal a perfect finish.

Was the revisit to Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch worth it?

Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch delivered on every front — upscale interior, a neatly arranged spread, top-grade beef, and even a distinctive rose risotto finish. It was a meal that exceeded expectations all over again.

If you want a can't-miss combination of great food and great atmosphere near Hapjeong, I strongly recommend experiencing a hearty rice-paper-wrap spread at Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch, a go-to Hapjeong shabu-shabu spot at Mecenatpolis.