Samgakji shabu-shabu for a postpartum diet lunch for 3: Shabu in Seoul

Right now I'm on a postpartum diet, and one of the hardest things I've learned since giving birth is that 'eating well while managing your weight' is trickier than it sounds. These days rather than starving myself, I try to get enough protein while eating my normal portions, and when I do eat out, I'm careful about what I pick.

That said, cooking every single meal at home while taking care of a baby isn't easy either, so today I had plans for the first time in a while — left my little one (I call him Hobbangi) with my husband and headed out. Sharing my review of Shabu in Seoul Yongsan Main Branch, the premium shabu-shabu spot I visited.

Why shabu-shabu is an easy meal out on a postpartum diet

Shabu-shabu is a great eating-out option because you eat meat and vegetables together and can control how much carbs and sauce you use. Once you start a diet, even picking a restaurant menu becomes weirdly stressful. These days when eating out I check three things first: ① can I get enough protein, ② can I eat plenty of vegetables, and ③ can I control the amount of carbs or sauce.

From that angle, shabu-shabu felt like a meal I could relatively easily adjust. You eat meat and vegetables first, fill up on various vegetables cooked in the broth, and can control how much of the carb-heavy stuff — noodles or porridge — you actually eat.

Since the total calories can vary depending on the broth, sauces, side dishes, and portion size, I think of it as a meal-out option where I can control how much I'm eating. That's actually why, even before I got married, when I was managing my weight or dating, I'd often do shabu-shabu. And honestly, when you're dieting and eating less, you end up seeking out better-quality ingredients too.

How to get to Shabu in Seoul from Samgakji Station, and how to book

Shabu in Seoul Yongsan Main Branch is just a 7-minute walk from Samgakji Station Exit 3. I've been coming here for a few years now, either with my parents or for important occasions.

There's usually a wait at lunchtime, so it's better to book ahead through Naver or CatchTable. I visited around 12:30pm on a Saturday and got lucky — walked right in with no wait.

Prime Angus chuck roll shabu set, 22,000 won, with three dipping sauces

I ordered the Prime Angus Chuck Roll Shabu Set (₩22,000) — I picked a relatively lean cut since I'm on a postpartum diet. The reason I keep coming back to Shabu in Seoul for family visits or important gatherings is, of course, the taste, but also that the vegetable and meat quality is really impressive for the price.

The sauces — soy, chili, and sesame — were great dipped one after another with the vegetables and meat. Filling in a satisfying way. The best!

For 3 people, we got 2 plates of meat. Can you see that marbling?

Seating, atmosphere and the porridge and omija tea at the end

My friends and I sat at a 4-person window seat, but there are also private rooms — I saw groups having gatherings and families celebrating birthdays there too. Everyone I was with said the food was delicious, which made me proud.

The porridge and omija (schisandra berry) tea included for dessert made the whole set feel generous. I added noodles before the porridge, but out of principle only tried about two strands.

Ordering was simple, too — everything through the tableside T-order kiosk, and you can request anything extra you need. Browsing the T-order menu, I noticed Shabu in Seoul also sells gift cards — with the end of the year coming up, that'd make a great gift for anyone who, like me, comes here often for special occasions!

Who Shabu in Seoul suits best: moms watching what they eat

• Parenting moms figuring out what to eat out during a postpartum diet
• Moms looking for a family meal out for a special occasion

Instead of giving up eating out entirely because you're dieting, one approach is choosing meals where you can eat meat and vegetables together, and controlling the portion of carbs like noodles or porridge along with the sauces. If you're managing your weight after giving birth like I am, this style of eating out could work well for you too.

Eating out as freely as before isn't easy after having a baby, but that doesn't mean you have to give up every pleasure because of parenting and dieting. Going forward, I'm aiming to lose weight slowly — not by forcing myself to hold back, but by eating well, moving well, and staying consistent.

I hope every mom who worked hard taking care of her kids today gets a delicious meal and a little bit of breathing room as a small recharge. 🤍