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Service was impeccable! Food was just aight. I think I got the wrong broth for my taste. We also ordered the sangria pitcher. It tasted like straight koolaid with no alcohol, ha! But you know we drank it! The veggies were great! Atmosphere dope as well. This restaurant is in the heart of Chinatown Boston. I might consider going back - after I've tried all the other spots !
The food here was very fresh and quite delicious. Service was excellent! Great environment to hang with friends or really any occasion.
This was out of my comfort zone and I was told I would enjoy it so took the opportunity to continue to try new things. I quickly learned how to use chopsticks as I cooked my own food. I enjoyed my lunch which was the A10 with Beef and Lamb with a chicken broth. Also had a green tea shake which was perfect for afterwards. This is a place I will most certainly come back to as everything was absolutely delicious!
My family and I have been eating at @shabuzenboston (instagfor years and it hits the spot everytime‼ the herbal broth is one of our favorites and the quality of their meats is the best we've had in hot pot We haven't been able to find short rib better than here! The appetizers can honestly stand on their own too. We can't get enough of their sautéed beef tongue and the berkshire sausage that you dip in a honey mustard sauce Although Shabu-Zen is on the pricier side for hotpot, the quality of their ingredients is what makes it a spot we go to every time for special occassions and family dinners out! Definitely give it a try and let me know what you think!
I came to Shabu-Zen on a Saturday night during my last trip to Boston. It was a chilly, rainy night perfect for some hot pot! My friend and I did not make reservations ahead of time, but we were luckily seated immediately. I really liked the table setup, the bowls of hot pot broth were in grooves built into the table which minimizes the chances of spilling or burning yourself. We ordered the Surf & Turf to get a mix of meats as well as seafood. We picked beef for our meat, the other options were chicken or pork. Every main course comes with an assorted of veggies and an option of udon, vermicelli or rice. We picked udon noodles. There are alot of broth flavoring options, I picked Japanese Miso and my friend picked Chinese Sichuan Spicy. I enjoyed the Japanese Miso, the beef really soaked up the flavor. My friend's broth was super spicy, it was delicious... but not sure I would've been able to eat an entire bowl of it. The sides we ordered was an assortment of tofu and mushrooms, the plates were packed full of food! Overall, I can see why this spot was so packed. There is alot of seating inside and would be great for large parties as well. The staff were attentive, food came out quickly, they did not skimp on anything we ordered... as mentioned earlier, plates were packed! I would definitely make the trip back out here if I am in Boston again :)
Tasty hotpot with a variety of ingredients. The quality was good but the portion was on the smaller end for the prices. We still had a good time though!
4 stars is the correct Yelp rating! Love the food and quality. Interior is very nice. That said, price adds up quickly. I got two regular combo entrees and a couple of side add-ons. Everything else beyond the default menu items costs extra. If you want another broth base, then you pay extra. I had the default chicken and vegetarian broth, which were great! The regular entree came with a small side of assorted vegetables and a side. I picked a rice and udon noodles. The portion size didn't appear impressive, but I was nonetheless satiated. The service was friendly. I like that they open early at 11 AM. Indoor ventilation was great in the early morning. I do hope to be back some time soon. Great cocktail/wine selection!
Very high quality meat and veggies but it's super pricey for every single add on. The tomato beef broth was very delicious. Our total came out to be 97 (exclude tip) for 2 for their lunch combos. We got 2 regular and 1 jumbo. Pretty pricey lunch and it feels like less meat were given due to lunch. The service was great and the vibe was also nice. But I do not recommend due to value.
One of my favorite shabu places in Boston for the past few years. My go to is the surf & turf, which is seafood + choice of meet with the kimchi broth. I always get the beef. It usually gets busy during dinner time but if you have a small party, the "booth" area clears up quicker. The only down side this time vs previous visits is the price. Just the broth was $8! I remember it being $4 a year ago or two. The surf & turf was $32. The food is good but I would try other places for that price.
We had a very hard time finding a place to eat without a reservation in Chinatown on a Saturday night at prime dinner eating time. Fortunately, you can add yourself to the waitlist and get an estimate of how long you will have to wait at this place which sealed the deal for us. There are a bunch of tea places in the vicinity to help kill time in the meantime. We were seated at the main U in the center of the restaurant. Full disclosure: we've only had hot pot once before and everything was done for us so we had absolutely no fucking idea what on earth to do. A little common sense and a little creeping eyes to other patrons guided the way. We ordered a vegetarian delight platter to share with two broths and ramen noodles as an accompaniment and miso broth. We also ordered vegetable gyoza and spicy edamame appetizers as well as an extra side of tofu. They have vegetarian options in every part of the menu. Everything was incredible. The whole experience was really fun and unique. The gyoza were tasty and the spicy edamame was probably the best edamame I've ever had in my life. The vegetable delight is a massive platter with a wide variety of vegetables, many of which my white ass couldn't even identify. I might recommend not wearing a sweater because I was absolutely roasting along with the veggies in the broth. Speaking of broth, probably the best part of the entire thing was the delicious broth which, after finishing the solid contents of the meal, I essentially drank until the absolute last second when they pried the pot out of my hands. I was so full but almost ordered more vegetables to stuff down my throat because I didn't want the meal to end. I couldn't recommend this place enough.
4 months ago
15 days ago
Best shabu I've ever had. Excellent ambiance. Very clean if you're from California, they don't have hot drops, but the broth is so good you don't need it. read more
An amazing new food adventure, Hot Pot. This spot in the center of Boston's Chinatown is a beautifully appointed establishment. Seating and decor were great. Service was nice, professional and fun. The lamb and chicken and veggies were fresh and the miso broth made everything taste delightful. Drinks were tasty. read more
9 months ago
Service was impeccable! Food was just aight. I think I got the wrong broth for my taste. We also ordered the sangria pitcher. It tasted like straight koolaid with no alcohol, ha! But you know we drank it! The veggies were great! Atmosphere dope as well. This restaurant is in the heart of Chinatown Boston. I might consider going back - after I've tried all the other spots ! read more
9 months ago
The food here was very fresh and quite delicious. Service was excellent! Great environment to hang with friends or really any occasion. read more
2 years ago
This was out of my comfort zone and I was told I would enjoy it so took the opportunity to continue to try new things. I quickly learned how to use chopsticks as I cooked my own food. I enjoyed my lunch which was the A10 with Beef and Lamb with a chicken broth. Also had a green tea shake which was perfect for afterwards. This is a place I will most certainly come back to as everything was absolutely delicious! read more
7 months ago
Our go to for hot pot. Fast and friendly service. Great quality of meat and fresh vegetables read more
My family and I have been eating at @shabuzenboston (instagfor years and it hits the spot everytime‼ the herbal broth is one of our favorites and the quality of their meats is the best we've had in hot pot We haven't been able to find short rib better than here! The appetizers can honestly stand on their own too. We can't get enough of their sautéed beef tongue and the berkshire sausage that you dip in a honey mustard sauce Although Shabu-Zen is on the pricier side for hotpot, the quality of their ingredients is what makes it a spot we go to every time for special occassions and family dinners out! Definitely give it a try and let me know what you think! read more
I came to Shabu-Zen on a Saturday night during my last trip to Boston. It was a chilly, rainy night perfect for some hot pot! My friend and I did not make reservations ahead of time, but we were luckily seated immediately. I really liked the table setup, the bowls of hot pot broth were in grooves built into the table which minimizes the chances of spilling or burning yourself. We ordered the Surf & Turf to get a mix of meats as well as seafood. We picked beef for our meat, the other options were chicken or pork. Every main course comes with an assorted of veggies and an option of udon, vermicelli or rice. We picked udon noodles. There are alot of broth flavoring options, I picked Japanese Miso and my friend picked Chinese Sichuan Spicy. I enjoyed the Japanese Miso, the beef really soaked up the flavor. My friend's broth was super spicy, it was delicious... but not sure I would've been able to eat an entire bowl of it. The sides we ordered was an assortment of tofu and mushrooms, the plates were packed full of food! Overall, I can see why this spot was so packed. There is alot of seating inside and would be great for large parties as well. The staff were attentive, food came out quickly, they did not skimp on anything we ordered... as mentioned earlier, plates were packed! I would definitely make the trip back out here if I am in Boston again :) read more
1 year ago
Rarely do I leave a review before leaving the restaurant but this place was AMAZING. We are visiting for SoCal and craving Shabu. This place was exactly what we were looking for. I HIGHLY recommend the Mongolian spicy broth, short rib beef, and seared scallops. I would come back again. read more
9 months ago
4 stars is the correct Yelp rating! Love the food and quality. Interior is very nice. That said, price adds up quickly. I got two regular combo entrees and a couple of side add-ons. Everything else beyond the default menu items costs extra. If you want another broth base, then you pay extra. I had the default chicken and vegetarian broth, which were great! The regular entree came with a small side of assorted vegetables and a side. I picked a rice and udon noodles. The portion size didn't appear impressive, but I was nonetheless satiated. The service was friendly. I like that they open early at 11 AM. Indoor ventilation was great in the early morning. I do hope to be back some time soon. Great cocktail/wine selection! read more
Very high quality meat and veggies but it's super pricey for every single add on. The tomato beef broth was very delicious. Our total came out to be 97 (exclude tip) for 2 for their lunch combos. We got 2 regular and 1 jumbo. Pretty pricey lunch and it feels like less meat were given due to lunch. The service was great and the vibe was also nice. But I do not recommend due to value. read more
1 year ago
Fabulous staff, fast service, and great quality food. Awesome place, can't believe it's not more popular read more
3 years ago
One of my favorite shabu places in Boston for the past few years. My go to is the surf & turf, which is seafood + choice of meet with the kimchi broth. I always get the beef. It usually gets busy during dinner time but if you have a small party, the "booth" area clears up quicker. The only down side this time vs previous visits is the price. Just the broth was $8! I remember it being $4 a year ago or two. The surf & turf was $32. The food is good but I would try other places for that price. read more
5 years ago
We had a very hard time finding a place to eat without a reservation in Chinatown on a Saturday night at prime dinner eating time. Fortunately, you can add yourself to the waitlist and get an estimate of how long you will have to wait at this place which sealed the deal for us. There are a bunch of tea places in the vicinity to help kill time in the meantime. We were seated at the main U in the center of the restaurant. Full disclosure: we've only had hot pot once before and everything was done for us so we had absolutely no fucking idea what on earth to do. A little common sense and a little creeping eyes to other patrons guided the way. We ordered a vegetarian delight platter to share with two broths and ramen noodles as an accompaniment and miso broth. We also ordered vegetable gyoza and spicy edamame appetizers as well as an extra side of tofu. They have vegetarian options in every part of the menu. Everything was incredible. The whole experience was really fun and unique. The gyoza were tasty and the spicy edamame was probably the best edamame I've ever had in my life. The vegetable delight is a massive platter with a wide variety of vegetables, many of which my white ass couldn't even identify. I might recommend not wearing a sweater because I was absolutely roasting along with the veggies in the broth. Speaking of broth, probably the best part of the entire thing was the delicious broth which, after finishing the solid contents of the meal, I essentially drank until the absolute last second when they pried the pot out of my hands. I was so full but almost ordered more vegetables to stuff down my throat because I didn't want the meal to end. I couldn't recommend this place enough. read more
So the story begins with three chefs partially tired of the repeated exposure to the current cuisine that they needed something different to break the cycle. What do they decide on? Something Eastern and nothing close to the mainstay of Boston that they continue to dish out everyday. Considering the fact that it is "winter" and cold, what calls out more than a good old hotpot to beat out the bone chill?' And here they were, away from the "frigid" ordering something spicy and spicier. Ingredients - fresh as they were - appeared on the table awaiting these tres amigos to do what they already do everyday. Cook it up they say, we did. Serve it up they say, we sure did. Plate it onto our little side plates like it meant something, we sure did and giggled. WTF are we doing...we are eating these all ourselves. We were just mocking around at this point. It's good food and it's a great way to chill. From our table, I spotted our next dining spot that I had to drag the other two to. Why? They were so stuck in our present cuisine that this was not in their forte. But it's my culture. It's my life. It's Chinatown - where I pilgrimage to regardless of what city and age I am in even if my passport isn't remotely close to it. Three generations apart...I still remember my roots and every exposure to every regional cuisine around it. Whenever I do any form of "hotpot", I look at their name and perceive what region they claim to be from - regardless of whatever fine details they deliver after. Shabu is a Japanese take on this particular "swish-swish" movement but not enough respect to what and where it came from. Here it is again with reference to the three chefs mentioned in the beginning. It doesn't matter...whatever we create, there will always be a copycat that copies the how and never the "why". So here is why the 4 star review takes place. You are in Chinatown and your name is of Japanese descent. Your preparation is not Japanese either. Neither are your broths. It is confusing for me because I care about the details. I would ding this place harder based on what I just said. But 4 stars it stays. What won that particular day is I was able to talk about culture for once to these other two. I stick out like a sore thumb in a Western Kitchen because of my skin and for once, my skin and what was delivered came through. I wished this place did the same. But no...while the ingredients were good, the service was fine, there was NOTHING to brag about this place - even if it was right in the middle of Chinatown. read more
This establishment is located conveniently with a private parking space. If you get here at the right time then you may just luck out and get free parking. I enjoy this place due to its delicious food and quality ingredients. They also offer private room type of sitting if you reserve in advance. On any weekends or holidays, expect to wait when you arrive. They do not take reservations on most days but food is worth the wait compared to few other shabu places in the area. read more
5 years ago
I've been to this hotpot spot a couple times and I've always had a great experience. There tends to be a wait every time, so I call ahead (wait is usually 30-45 minutes). The staff are also very welcoming and friendly! The soup base is delicious - my family and I usually go for half/half a mild/spicy base, which in this case was the miso and kimchi! It was SO good paired with the noodles/udon we ordered. The diced beef here is so so tasty and tender. Also ordered the ribeye beef which was good as well. My favourite meatballs here have to be the tobiko stuffed meatballs - THEY ARE AMAZING, very savoury, so so yummy! They didn't have a couple items on the menu, but no biggie - still had a very enjoyable meal! Oysters were pretty good as well - they were on the smaller side, but still pretty fresh and tasty! Definitely recommend if you're looking for a lunch/dinner spot in Chinatown, Boston. Great for groups! read more
3 years ago
Shabu-Zen has a hopping social Cheers Bar ambiance, and is a brisk and efficient hot pot restaurant. We're new to hot pot culture and are fish out of water Caucasians here, but so far here's what we believe to be true, at least for pescatarians. When you order broths ask for the two most flavorful vegetarian options. Ask for ALL of the condiments, beyond just soy sauce, garlic and scallions. Hopefully you will get the hot pepper sauce and the special Asian barbecue sauce. Ask specifically for everything tofu related, because somehow hot pot cooking does magic to tofu, tofu skins et al. Ask for shrimp paste, which your server will bring in a cute bamboo container and spoon out things that become aromatic shrimp balls after 60 seconds in the broth. And ask for the veggie platter which includes Napa cabbage, mushrooms, taro root, bamboo shoots and lots other yummies. Finally, ask your dining neighbors for suggestions, they will undoubtedly share their wisdom. read more
Boston Chinatown has a few hot pot places and the family decided to pop in to grab a bite after the long drive up from NYC. This place reminds me of hot pot restaurants that popped up 20 years ago - dated menu, decor and quite frankly average. The broths are bland (we got herbal chicken and tomato beef), sauce selection non-existent (no sauce bar, just garlic, chili crisp and sacha sauce). Meat quality was so-so but veggies were fresh. Place was clean and service was ok but the prices are pretty exorbitant considering the quality (about $30 per person). Boston hopefully gets the influx of all those big Chinese chains that have opened recently in NYC to raise the overall hot pot game there. read more
When I say I crave Hot Pot, I realize I actually should say I crave Shabu - Zen. As a non meat eater, I found so many options, really tasty options. Shabu - Zen is top quality ingredients and you can taste it. It's really hard to go to another hot pot place after trying this one. The plates are made to order and you can see the kitchen from the seating area. It is clean and the service is phenomenal. Rarely you'll have an empty plate near you for more than 20 seconds. They are always refilling your waters and making sure your broth is doing well. The spicy edamame are so good! So is everything else. I cannot speak high enough about Shabu - Zen. This place just makes me so happy! read more
1 year ago
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7 years ago
If you're looking for a hotpot place but feels like all you can eat is too much, then this place is perfect! They have variety of selections for hotpot and they also have drinks. The servings is just enough for one person so if you're by yourself you won't have the trouble of finishing your food. It's also an easy place to find since it's in the middle of Chinatown. They are also open late so no rush going there at a certain time. Service is good. It depends on who's serving you at that moment. I would recommend this place and I'll come back when I'm looking for hotpot again with friends read more
1 year ago
5 years ago
When in Boston, I obviously had to revisit my favorite hotpot shop! Unfortunately, it didn't seem as good as the first time I had it, but the meats were definitely fresh. Slightly disappointed that the meat didn't melt in my mouth like it did the first time. Service was great, amazing environment and the servers also were helpful in guiding us to a good bar in the area. read more
3 years ago
My most favorite shabu spot in Massachusetts , ever. Came here 3 times during my stay in Massachusetts. The ambiance is mellow. They sometimes play hipster house music. Service can be hit or miss. Right in china town. Clean establishment. Parking really sucks to find. Lunch time before 3pm on weekdays is the business. The jumbo or "more" portioned combo cost $22 instead of the dinner $32. Tom yum broth is very flavorful. Has that lemon grass spice, chili zing, and the sour. Miso is a good pair with it for the subtle not too strong flavor. I always get jumbo. The meat quality here is soo much better than other places. From the marbling to the cut, it's a nice treat. Melt in the mouth meat. Add ramen for extra $2. I highly recommend this spot . I'll come here every time. Not sure but the garlic chili flavor has changed. It doesn't taste garlic-y any more . Only difference from 4 years ago. Prices have been the same since 4 years ago. One of the many spots I love to come to. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
This was our first time coming here due to a recommendation from one of my best friends. HIGHLY recommend! AMAZING FOOD AND SERVICE. Ask for Ryan. He was absolutely amazing. Very helpful when it came to explaining the different options on the menu and making recommendations The best service we have had in a VERY long time. Very reasonably priced and just an overall great experience. Already looking forward to going back! read more
I dined here during COVID and was very pleased with the cautions they took to ensure the safety of the customers as well as the employees. They put up dividers between tables so you can be socially distanced with other parties. We came on a Tuesday night so the restaurant was not packed at all. The service was very fast and our food immediately came out right after our orders. I would say hot pot base that we ordered was a little bland and I expected more from them. We ordered the Tom yum and Herbal hot pot base. I have to say I've had better. However, all of the ingredients were very fresh. The beef was so tender and delicious! We were so full after our meal and price was pretty decent as well. Honestly, I may not frequent this place but highly recommend you try out Shabu Zen at least once! read more
4 years ago
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More info about Shabu-Zen
16 Tyler St
Boston, MA 02111
Chinatown
Directions
(617) 292-8828
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https://www.shabuzen.com/boston-ma-location
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Ask the Community - Shabu-Zen
What type of soup base is used in their broths (ex: chicken, pork, veggie, etc.)?
Their house broths include chicken, pork and veggie that you can choose from without additional charges. They also have many other different broths with an additional charge ($4-5). I had the Sichuan spicy broth and it was, I believe, based on pork…
Is this an all-you-can-eat or not?
Much better quality than all-you-can-eat. You will have to look elsewhere.
Do they take reservations??--edit: i called them and they do not
THEY DO NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS
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75 reviews that are not currently recommended
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