Late Night Shabu Shabu
Here’s one thing I’ve been noticing around Los Angeles, late night happy hour menus as Shabu houses. What a great way to spread crowds our through the night. They definitely got me. Tokyo Shabu Shabu was the second place I went to during my trip. On a gamble I stopped by this place for a late night stack. And wouldn’t you know, they have late night happy hour. Of course, this happy hour was more about the food than the drinks for me. And they delivered.
There was no skimping on the quality. It was late and near closing, but the cuts of meat were solid and the staff kept my garlic addiction filled. The place was about half full making me wonder how busy it gets at normal times. Either case, I’m sure things are fine. The thing I really like about this place was their attention to the broth. There’s many to choose from and they cater their sauces to it. Not your traditional type of shabu shabu, but I’m happy for it.
Tokyo Shabu Shabu
345 S Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
+1 (626) 844-7355
tokyoshabushabu.com
Verdict: Check this place out if you happen to be in Pasadena.
Don’t have a group of four, don’t worry, the counter has room perfect for two. They keep it pretty clean and being up here, I had the constant attention of the wait staff. Nicely done team.
Not too different than other places. I do have to applaud the green onion and fungi. That’s something you don’t see at many places.
So kinda odd they would put the words lean and Kobe beef into the same label. It doesn’t make too much sense. Anyways, I didn’t want anything fatty and I’m sure real Kobe would cost way more then I wanted to pay. My choice was this and it was good. Not Kurobuta pork good, but good. $13.00USD
With the tonkonsu set, you get two sauces, ponzu and goma-dare (sesame). All my condiments go into the ponzu. That includes the garlic, daikon, and chilies. Kinda not ponzu any more huh? I’m not going to complain… unless I’m out of garlic. You don’t want to talk to me after a night of shabu shabu.
Any time you put this on the menu, I’m ordering it. Very good cuts that enhance the broth. This was a smaller portion given it was al a cart. But for the price, so well worth it! $3.00USD
A good supply of condiments for your sauces. I really digged the straight up up green chilies. That gives better heat then the Japanese Shichimi Togarashi, red chili pepper seasoning.
My broth of choice, especially when it comes to Ramen. So why not try this milky soup base for my shabu shabu? It worked. It’s not as rich as it seems. Made to be you broth, it starts off light. After you’re done, it will be a hearty soup. Something you’ll be thankful if you want to sober up.
Not sure if there are larger tables in the back, but you have either the bar or these tables to sit at here. Love how you can fit four pots per table. Don’t think it gets too warm in here. The ventilation was good and I didn’t leave smelling like shabu shabu. And yes, I closed out the place.