I’ve eaten at California Shabu-Shabu plenty of times before, when I started getting into this hot pot craze. Then after having tried out Mongolian hot pot like Little Sheep, Ichi Ichi and The Red Pot, I sort of strayed away from shabu-shabu due to the lack of soup base flavor. Shabu-shabu is basically cooking meats, udon, and vegetables in plain boiling water, and you dip everything in ponzu and sesame sauces. You can add a little bit of flavor by drizzling chili oil and sprinkling spicy seasoning to the water, along with garlic and green onions. It’s still a little bland but you’ll enjoy it if you need a break from spicy Mongolian flavors. 🙂
However, the meat is fresh here – it’s not frozen, and the slices are at a decent good size. It is a little pricey. $15 for 12 pieces of beef? Gosh. Granted, they serve you a default plate of vegetables, tofu, and udon. But still… Anyway, I went with a 2-item selection – 6 slices of beef and 6 slices of pork for the same price. Quality meat and good service, so no complaints.
California Shabu-Shabu
18908 Brookhurst St.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-8844
