Shabu-Zen
Shabu-Zen things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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What a fantastic experience! Tbh, we initially went to Spring Shabu Shabu and because they were at capacity, we came here. And I'm very glad that we did. We were promptly seated at a table. Our server kindly explained all their combos, how the process works and our food was ready in minutes. She also offered us green tea which is complimentary. We ordered two broths (Thai Tom Yum, spicy Chinese Mongolian) and the vegetarian delight platter. All this was for $22 for two and we still had leftovers. Coming back to the food, there was so much variety in that platter - taro, pumpkin, greens, bok choy, yam noodles, mushrooms, etc. Both broths were spiced well, hot and tasty. You also get a choice of noodles or rice. We got the udon and it was cooked well. The food comes with a side of sauces - peanut sauce, Thai chili sauce and soy sauce that you can adjust to your liking with garlic, scallions, shrimp paste, etc. Everything was amazing. It was great to see that each food item had a distinct flavor profile. Everytime you dipped your veggie in a different sauce, you would end up with a different result but all delicious. Since we couldn't finish our food, we packed up the leftovers in our containers and ordered some dessert to counter the hot broths. We got a Hana sake (lychee) and a small scoop of ice cream. They were kind enough to split it between two flavors, green tea and red bean. Both were great. However, they served it with plastic spoons which really doesn't fit in with the restaurant. I hope they switch over to something reusable! All in all, we had a great experience. We could sit back and enjoy our meal, we never felt rushed. I would be back in a heart beat!
A SA S
00
Shabby-Zen is an amazing restaurant and one of my new favorites my brother told my family and I about this place so we took him For his birthday . I love the food the atmosphere is amazing and the waiters and waitresses are kind and very professional. The hosts are professional as well. MY family and I have been there twice so far an I can say I am going to go again and again. The first time I went I had the ox artery and I was so impressed because it tasted amazing . Today I had the lamb it was fantastic . The waiter that we had today was amazing and very kind. The waitress that we had the first time I believe her name is Ivy ( not sure ) but she was really good . We saw her today and she remembered that we loved the shrimp and fish paste and she even brought us over this red bean and rice dessert. She is an amazing employee . If your could i would give this place a 10/10 because it’s really and amazing restaurant in
nicholas pishkinnicholas pishkin
20
Absolutely atrocious. Not even a joke… first, the food here is more expensive than one of the most renowned hot pots in the world, Hai Di Lao. With the more expensive price, guess what you get! Less food, less quality food, and worse service! Oh the best part, the tomato base we paid an extra $6 for, is made from ketchup ‼️‼️I could’ve gotten them from McDonald’s and poured it in water myself. This place is absolutely ridiculous. I guess Boston folks just don’t have an idea between the quality of food you can get for this price and that’s why the rating is like pretty high? $$$⁉️⁉️⁉️ EXCUSE ME. We really waited 40 minutes to eat this… I attached an image of one of the dishes we ordered. This one plate of meat was 29 bucks… (33 for the prime grade deluxe meat combo - 4 for not including the veggies). Spent like 140 here as 3 people and none of us are even half full yet… and we’re not even people that eat a lot either sozzz. NEVER COMING BACK AND RECOMMEND NOT TO COME. I don’t think I’ve reviewed before but this place was honestly so bad that it urged me to do this and I still can’t get over this. Unbelievable.
Elfen FlareElfen Flare
120
Great hot pot place in Boston! I love shabu zen, I’ve been to both locations (Chinatown and Allston) and personally enjoy the Allston location more. More spacious, great service, full liquor bar (if that matters to you). Vegetables are always fresh and they don’t skimp on giving you good portions of each. Broth favorites: Mongolian spice and the mushroom broth 👌🏼 definitely give them a try. When you get a table, you can order two anyway! Flavors are bold and intense and you can adjust the dipping sauce to your own by mixing in additional ingredients. I also get asked if there are certain broths that apply better to specific meats. I typically with get the land platter but I’ve tried the land and sea and everything is good in the Mongolian beef broth. If you have any other questions or want more recommendations you can always visit IG: @hereforthef00d
Simonne PirizSimonne Piriz
00
I love meeting up with my mom and having a bite. She was in the mood for some shabu shabu for lunch. Shabuzen is pretty consistent and have been a mindlessly good choice, and doesn't disappoint. There are better options, fancier, more nichey, or unnecessary novelty show casing, but far as expectations and flavor. This spot is the go to, and hasnt failed me yet. Also parking is usually petty easy. Got the premo spot this time. Lol The lunch size is reasonable, and good amount of fresh sliced meats. My favorite always have been themeat combo with the lamb and beef. The veggies quantity Def took a hit from pre covid, but generally enough. Overall good meal, hits expectations, easier parking... And doesn't suck.
Henry ChoiHenry Choi
00
I loved this place! We came without reservations relatively late (8:30 ish). While we did have to wait a bit to be seated bc they were short handed and looked like a couple larger parties. Our food came relatively quickly. They were able to accommodate a party comprised of a vegetarian + a meat eater. The pots are divided nicely to support this. They also were happy to make a few broths vegetarian. The veggie plate was amazing and the meat was far more than one person could eat. The vegetarian in our party complimented the vegetarian fish included on the veggie plate. The broths were delicious, the meat was high quality, and veggies were fresh. Our server was friendly and checked on us frequently.
Angela EtheridgeAngela Etheridge
00
Nearby Attractions Of Shabu-Zen
Paradise Rock Club
Agganis Arena
Tutuland Boston
Hong Kong Supermarket
Brighton Music Hall
T.J. Maxx
Michael's Moving & Storage
Easy Fix LLC
The Farrington Inn
Bazaar on Cambridge

Paradise Rock Club
4.4
(1.1K)Click for details

Agganis Arena
4.5
(956)Click for details

Tutuland Boston
5.0
(672)Click for details

Hong Kong Supermarket
4.0
(796)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Shabu-Zen
Bonchon Allston
Lulu's Allston
Garlic 'n Lemons
Habibi's Lounge
Mirchi Nation-Indian Kitchen
Hopewell Bar & Kitchen
Turkish Lazuri Cafe
Kaju Korean Cuisine — Allston
Cafe Weekend
Kupel's Bakery

Bonchon Allston
4.3
(806)Click for details

Lulu's Allston
4.4
(722)Click for details

Garlic 'n Lemons
4.4
(589)Click for details

Habibi's Lounge
4.3
(569)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
80 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Map
Phone
(617) 203-7378
Call
Website
shabuzen.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(766 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Fans line up at this bright, bustling Japanese eatery for do-it-yourself tabletop hot-pot feasts.
attractions: Paradise Rock Club, Agganis Arena, Tutuland Boston, Hong Kong Supermarket, Brighton Music Hall, T.J. Maxx, Michael's Moving & Storage, Easy Fix LLC, The Farrington Inn, Bazaar on Cambridge, restaurants: Bonchon Allston, Lulu's Allston, Garlic 'n Lemons, Habibi's Lounge, Mirchi Nation-Indian Kitchen, Hopewell Bar & Kitchen, Turkish Lazuri Cafe, Kaju Korean Cuisine — Allston, Cafe Weekend, Kupel's Bakery
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