Shabu-Zen: A Japanese Gem in Chinatown
February 15, 2008
Not far from the gate to Boston’s famous Chinatown, tucked away across Tyler St. from the imposing China Pearl, is the restaurant Shabu-Zen. The more modern exterior draws attention to the restaurant’s front, but the real draw to this place is the fact that it serves Japanese hot pot cuisine, a refreshing surprise in the center of Chinatown. While Chinatown traditionally hosts strictly Chinese restaurants, Shabu-Zen is a leading Japanese restaurant in the area.
Chinatown, which borders Boston Common, Downtown Crossing, and the South End, has been a primarily Chinese neighborhood since the early part of the twentieth century. However, there have since been many modern renovations and an influx of tourism in the area. Part of this changing dynamic includes a diversification of restaurants and stores, like Shabu-Zen.
Shabu-Zen (in Japanese, shabu means a meal in which everyone cooks their own food in their own pot of boiling broth from raw ingredients) is a great choice for Asian food. Though it may seem counterintuitive to eat Japanese food while surrounded by so many Chinese restaurants that give the neighborhood its name, it does not disappoint. The menu has something for everyone — from carnivores to vegans, seafood to chicken lovers, conspicuous consumers to cheapskates. The main courses alone (all of which are served with assorted vegetables, dessert, and your choice of udon noodles, vermicelli, or steamed jasmine rice) include six different types of meat: beef, chicken, lamb, pork, lobster, and even King crab. The restaurant also offers a variety of themed platters and combo meals. If an entrée on the menu doesn’t appeal, diners can order from the A La Carte menu to create their own unique combination. This list includes everything from the main course selection, plus various seafoods, vegetables, and more adventurous choices like beef tongue and tripe. Whichever meat you choose to order, it will come raw so that you can cook it to your liking at your table. The menu also includes 12 appetizers, served chilled or hot, most for less than $5. There is also an eight-item sashimi (bite-sized raw fish eaten with soy sauce and horseradish paste) menu. For those over 21, the menu offers a range of sakes, beers (both Japanese and American), wine, and some frozen drinks. For the younger crowd, there are smoothies, fruit drinks, soda, iced tea, and water. Additionally, all meals are served with a delicious green tea.
As far as price goes, Shabu-Zen isn’t Anna’s Taqueria, but it’s still affordable if you’re smart about your order. If you want red meat but don’t have too much to spend, avoid the $38 Kobe Mishima main course and opt instead for the regular beef — only $10.95 and still quite delicious. Also, the price of your meal includes assorted vegetables. Unlike most restaurants where this would be a separate side dish, Shabu-Zen gives each diner a heaping plate of cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, onions, watercress, and a few kinds of tofu. Though it’s tempting to order a lot of food, be aware that the servings are generous and it’s almost impossible to wrap anything up to go if you don’t finish (unless you have your own Japanese hot pot in your dorm room). Also, if you’re looking to save money, a drink isn’t necessary — the included green tea complements the meal and the atmosphere perfectly. As long as you don’t go crazy ordering, a meal at Shabu-Zen, including a filling main course with included side dishes and maybe a shared appetizer or two, should easily be less than $20 per person.
In addition to great food, Shabu-Zen is a great social meal, perfect for anything from a big group (big booths with communal hot pots line the walls) to a first date (you can “accidentally” brush her hand when reaching for the dumplings while sitting at the U-shaped bar, each seat with its own hot pot). Because you do the cooking, the service is fast, usually less than five minutes to get everything you order, which is great if you’re starving after a day out in Boston. Also, the meal is interactive, so you always have something to do, rather than just starting at your buffalo shrimp at Redbones.
Overall, Shabu-Zen is a Japanese gem in a sea of Chinese restaurants. Though seemingly out of place, it has certainly earned its spot with great food and a buzzing social atmosphere. Beware though — people have begun to notice the delicious Shabu-Zen and they don’t take reservations. Arrive early and be prepared to wait if you go on a Friday or Saturday night — but know that it’s certainly worth it.
Shabu-Zen is located at 16 Tyler St. in Boston, MA. It is accessible by the Orange Line Chinatown T stop. Shabu-Zen is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sun-Wed and 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m. Thurs-Sat.