Shabu-Shabu (샤브샤브): what it is and how to order it in Korea
Thin slices of beef swished through a light kombu broth until just cooked, then dipped in sesame or ponzu sauce. A clean, lighter hot pot that suits anyone who finds bolder Korean stews a lot.
Say it to order
샤브샤브 주세요
Syabu-syabu juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Swish each slice in the simmering broth for a few seconds until it turns pink-brown, then dip it in the sauce. Eat vegetables and noodles as they cook.
Do
- Let the broth simmer before adding the meat.
Don’t
- Don't overcook the beef until it turns grey and tough.
Local tips
- Dip in the sesame sauce first, then the ponzu, for a richer taste.
- Ask for the noodles or rice to finish the broth at the end, as most places offer it.
Goes with
- Makgeolli
- Sesame dipping sauce
- Ponzu sauce
- Rice
- Soju
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Shabu-Shabu in Korean?
- Say “샤브샤브 주세요” (Syabu-syabu juseyo).
- Is Shabu-Shabu spicy?
- No. Shabu-Shabu isn’t spicy.
- How much does Shabu-Shabu cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩16,000–48,000.
- How do you eat Shabu-Shabu?
- Swish each slice in the simmering broth for a few seconds until it turns pink-brown, then dip it in the sauce. Eat vegetables and noodles as they cook.
Find Shabu-Shabu near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.