i love gom shabu shabu! no, really... i really do. i think there was a time in my life (during the winter specially) where i came here every week for a couple of months. i'm not sure if this is a palette thing, but i've realized that shabu shabu tastes different EVERYWHERE you go!
gom hits the perfect spot for me due to the fact that the broth doesn't have a strong flavor like some other places, nor does it taste completely bland. granted i have to say that the selling point of this place is their dipping sauce! i still haven't figured out how to make it, but your servers will be happy to make this tasty concoction for you once you tell them your spicy preference (not spicy, regular, spicy.. etc).
what you basically choose from the menu is your source of protein, be it beef, pork, lamb, seafood... etc. you can also choose to order some extra sides (ramen noodles, udon noodles, extra vegetables... etc) but just so you know all your protein choices will come with a side of bokchoy, cabbage, fishcake, egg, seaweed, vermicelli noodles, half a hot dog, red cabbage, slice of squash, half a corn cob... i might be forgetting some others but you get the point :) my husband and i tend to get the beef and the mushrooms! :9
you basically wait for the broth to come to a boil and gradually place the ingredients (try not to add everything all at once or it'll take forever to cook!) place items as you eat them, placing the egg and corn early on since they take the longest to cook! and note that the vermicelli should be practically dipped in the hot broth for about 10 seconds or you'll never see them again (or you'll have to hunt for the noodles).
like others have mentioned, i love finishing off my meal (if i have room after all that food) with the rice porridge. the just basically add a bowl of cooked rice and simmer down the broth (after scooping some out) to a porridge-like texture. they then add some sesame seed oil and soy sauce and an egg. it's a simple porridge, but it's so good!
honestly, shabu shabu might not be everyone's cup of tea due to the fact that you're technically paying someone to give u the ingredients so you can cook them yourself (i know some people who refuse to eat shabu shabu out at a restaurant for this reason). but i think it's worth it for the no frills and no clean up aspect! not to mention the dipping sauce!! :9
shabu shabu is definitely one of my to-go places during the colder weather! read more