All-you-can-eat shabu-shabu in Buk, Daegu: Shabu20 broths

I visited Shabu20 Daegu Bokhyeon branch (샤브20 대구복현점), where you can have unlimited shabu-shabu and Vietnamese spring rolls. Along with meat and vegetables, there was a wide selection of side dishes, so it was easy to try a little of several foods. For me, the selection was satisfying for the price.

Were the parking and seating comfortable?

The restaurant is on the first floor at 79 Gonghang-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu. There was a dedicated parking attendant when I visited, and space for more than 30 cars, which was convenient. Even during weekday evening rush hour, parking felt less burdensome.

The entrance had a menu and brief explanations, so I could look over the broths before going in.

The interior was bright and clean. The tables were spaced generously, so it did not feel cramped, and the staff kindly explained how to use the restaurant, making it easy even on a first visit.

What do the unlimited meat and vegetables include?

What I liked most was being able to eat as much meat as I wanted. There were two kinds of meat: beef and pork.

The vegetable station had bok choy, napa cabbage, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and more. The ingredients felt fresh, and items that ran low were replenished quickly. I especially liked the variety of mushrooms.

There were injeolmi (chewy rice cake), red bean rice cakes, wide glass noodles, and noodle add-ins. Sweet pumpkin salad, tomatoes, and oranges also gave me other foods to have during the meal.

Which side dishes and sauces did I try?

The buffet station also had fried items, simple bunsik (Korean snack foods), and salads. They were good to have little by little while waiting for the shabu-shabu to cook, and I thought there would be plenty of choices for anyone dining with children.

I could mix the sauces to my taste. Using a combination I had seen online, I made mine with 1 part peanut sauce, 2 parts spicy chili sauce, 1 part minced garlic, 1 part chopped green onion, and 1 part peanuts, and I liked it.

Along with the sauce I made, I brought back cream pasta, pad thai, dakgangjeong (sweet crispy chicken), salmon salad, and sweet pumpkin salad. All the side dishes I chose suited my taste.

How did I choose the half-and-half broths?

I chose half clear broth and half hot pot broth. The vegetables wilted quickly as they cooked, so I added plenty. The thinly sliced meat became tender quickly and tasted clean, without any unpleasant odor. The broths were not too strongly seasoned for my taste and had a savory depth that kept me eating them with the vegetables.

I tried adding cherry tomatoes separately to the hot pot broth. The tomato aroma made it tastier for me.

How were the end of the meal and dessert?

After the shabu-shabu, I made juk (rice porridge) with the clear broth. Drinks and desserts were available too, so it was nice to finish dessert and talk in the same place.

There were drinks, coffee, and an ice cream machine. I could also make an affogato with coffee and ice cream, but because I am sensitive to caffeine, I regretted visiting in the evening.

I topped my ice cream with rice cake and sprinkles. It was not ice cream with a very rich milk flavor, but it was good enough as a palate cleanser after the meal.

How was it for a family meal or group gathering?

With meat, vegetables, Vietnamese spring rolls, and side dishes all available, it was easy for everyone to choose according to their tastes. The generous table spacing and convenient parking also stayed with me. I thought it would work well for family meals, gatherings with friends, or company dinners, and I would like to return.