Shabu Shabu Shaba Daba Du

What is Shabu Shabu? Also known officially as nabemono, the name Shabu Shabu is derived from the swishing sound made when the ingredients are stirred around and cooked piece by piece in boiling broth by the diner.  Perfect dish for a cold night, which it was when we went to Convoy street for dinner on a Sunday night. We walked past the hipster joints (Rakiraki Ramen & Pokerito) and messy eat with your hands Casian (Cajun/Asian) seafood spot (Crab Hut) and went into Shabu House.

It was the first time I've had Shabu Shabu in San Diego, and Shabu House looked pretty much like your typical Shabu Shabu place. We sat on the left side of the U-Shaped bar. There were a couple of other parties in the place sitting across from us and sitting at the low tables.  Shabu House does have a very wide assortment of meats to choose from. Multiple types of beef from regular to Prime Wagyu, Lamb, Pork, Salmon and Shrimp.  You can choose spicy miso broth, sukiyaki style or just water and kelp for your broth.  Maddie ordered a Sapporo and we settled in for shrimp shabu shabu. I had Sukiyaki style with a sweet soy sauce based broth and Maddie had spicy Miso broth. Your chopstick skills are definitely put to good use when you eat shabu shabu. We had the usual ponzu and goma (sesame) dipping sauces with the usual condiments, minced garlic, minced green onions and grated daikon radish and I got a bowl of brown rice. Overall Shabu Shabu is a really healthy way to eat as you eat mostly vegetables flashed cooked in a tasty broth. First time for Shabu Shabu, but it won't be our last. Next we'll try Chinese Hot Pot.
Shabu House
4646 Convoy Street
San Diego, CA 92111
(858)268-8648
Open: 11:30-10:00PM 7 days a week
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