Shabu Shabu King Serves Up Fresh Fun, Fare

For nearly three years, Shabu Shabu King has treated Moiliili residents and visitors from around the island to the increasingly popular and interactive experience known as hot pot dining.

“They can pick what they like, everything is fresh,” owner Michael Shi says of the 100-plus items guests may choose from when cooking atop ceramic hot plates located at each table. “We have so many items to choose from — fresh vegetables, seafood — a large variety. It’s been very popular so far.”

Shi learned about shabu shabu — which translates to “swish swish,” as in the sounds items make as their flavors mingle within the broth — from his family in China, where he worked for more than 20 years in their restaurant. He opened Shabu Shabu King, conveniently positioned at 2700 S. King St., in 2011, and has customers flocking to the University area. “They come back again and again,” he says.

As a special scoop for Dining Out readers, Shabu Shabu King is serving up can’t-miss savings on its renowned cuisine. Now through Thursday, March 20, diners can purchase a $20 voucher for just $10 via HotDealsHawaii.com. Once purchased, the certificates can be redeemed through Sept. 30, 2014, and may be used once per party per visit. This special Hot Deal may not be combined with any other offers, promotions or coupons.

When dining at Shabu Shabu King, customers first select one of the eatery’s 15 broths in which to cook, including a variety of flavor profiles with prices ranging from $6.95 to $9.95. Chicken, Miso and Shoyu are some of the tantalizing soup options, while Mixed Mushroom, Curry and Kimchi fill the inviting dining room with hearty aromas. Guests also can mix two broths for $11.95 — a perfect option for sharing a meal with friends or family. Diners may choose to incorporate homemade sauces, be it garlic, sesame or ginger onion, in their desired meal medley.

“The mixed mushroom is very popular so far,” says Shi of the flavorful broth. “A lot of customers like spicy broths. We have a wide variety to choose from.”

Shi says that Ribeye ($4.90) is the most popular meat choice thus far, and guests rave about the thinly sliced beef as it simmers and soaks up the succulent broth. Shabu Shabu King also serves up Pork and Chicken ($3.80 each), as well as Beef Tendon, Beef Tongue and Lamb ($4.90 each).

As if those choices weren’t enough, guests may purchase a host of a la carte plates, which are color coded by price and range from $2.60 to $4.90, respectively. Green plates feature vegetables including broccoli, lettuce and spinach, while orange and yellow plates offer up dumplings, bacon, fish cake and many more. Reach for a blue plate, and one will enjoy a vast array of meat and seafood options including scallops, crab legs, squid, cuttlefish and fish fillet, just to name a few.

Customers can enjoy the various tastes and flavors all through the night, as Shabu Shabu King is open from 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight Friday and Saturday.

“It makes people very happy,” says Shi of his loyal customers, including those who enjoy one another’s company following an exciting UH sporting event. “Fresh and healthy,” he adds, when describing the overall dining experience at Shabu Shabu King.

Talk about a meal fit for royalty.

Shabu Shabu King

2700 S. King St., Honolulu
951-7878
Sunday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight