Re-Grand Opening
I revisited Tabu Shabu located in Thousand Oaks for its Re-Grand Opening. This was my second visit, and the casual space, arranged with bar-style seating, still maintained a comfortable atmosphere. I arrived right at opening time, but it wasn’t long before guests started to gather, bringing life to the store.
During this visit, I chose Prime Ribeye and Wagyu Short Rib, enjoying them with two types of broth: Miso and Sukiyaki. The Miso broth had a rich and relatively mild flavor, while the Sukiyaki added a sweet and tender taste that complemented the meat beautifully. The Prime Ribeye was thinly sliced, making it easy to cook quickly in the broth, and the Wagyu Short Rib had just the right amount of fat, providing a wonderfully tender texture. Switching between the two broths kept the flavors distinct and engaging without becoming monotonous.
As sides, I ordered Salmon Yuzu Sashimi, Prime Enoki Wraps, and Cucumber Salad. The Salmon Yuzu Sashimi had a subtle yuzu aroma, making it a refreshing start and balancing well with the rich broth dishes. The Prime Enoki Wraps were meant to be enjoyed cooked in the shabu-shabu style, with thinly sliced meat wrapped around enoki mushrooms, creating a delightful contrast in texture. Pre-seasoned with chili and garlic sauce, they developed a natural flavor with just a quick dip in the broth, adding a gentle spiciness and nuttiness. The Cucumber Salad provided a crisp texture and refreshing acidity, nicely cleansing the palate throughout the meal.
To finish the meal, I had Matcha Cheesecake. The cake was topped with chocolate syrup and honey, and adorned with whipped cream, making for an impressive visual presentation. The unique subtle bitterness of matcha provided a nice balance, complemented by the sweetness of the chocolate syrup and honey, creating a relatively smooth harmony. It wasn’t overly heavy, allowing for a guilt-free enjoyment after the shabu-shabu, and served as a calming conclusion to the meal.
Tabu Shabu – Thousand Oaks
Tabu Shabu was a neat space where you could calmly enjoy shabu-shabu at the bar seating. The process of cooking and eating one piece of meat at a time naturally drew focus to the meal, and the two broths, Miso and Sukiyaki, alternated in providing different textures. Even after the Re-Grand Opening, it maintained a stable setup and balanced flavors, with a seamless flow from sides to dessert. If you’re looking for a comfortable yet refined shabu-shabu experience in Thousand Oaks, why not give this place a visit?
Japanese Hot Pot
Tabu Shabu, located in Thousand Oaks, is a hot pot specialty restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of broths and meats in a modern atmosphere tailored to your taste. Fresh ingredients and carefully prepared broths come together, allowing everyone to enjoy a warm and hearty meal with combinations that suit their preferences.
The interior of the restaurant is decorated with a clean and sophisticated design, featuring a large round table in the center arranged in a bar style, allowing everyone to sit comfortably and enjoy their meal. Once the order is completed, a personal hot pot is prepared at each seat, and the ability to freely choose your desired broth and ingredients to create your own combination is another charm of this place. The menu allows you to first select your preferred broth and meat, then choose between White or Brown Rice, and finally pick one of the various noodle options according to your taste. That day, we ordered a combination of Angus Ribeye and Sukiyaki, and Prime Short Rib with Tonkotsu.
The Angus Ribeye had a tender texture and was juicy, making it great for enjoying a mild flavor, while the Prime Short Rib impressed with its richer taste and soft texture. The Sukiyaki broth had a slightly sweet yet savory flavor that enhanced the taste of the meat, and the Tonkotsu broth was light and nutty, making it enjoyable without being heavy. I also appreciated that the broth’s flavor was not overpowering, allowing the natural tastes of the meat and vegetables to shine through harmoniously.
The vegetable selection was also satisfying, with a generous variety of ingredients such as napa cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, pumpkin, broccoli, and tofu, making it fun to choose what to eat. The fresh vegetables added a subtle flavor to the broth, enriching the meal even more. We chose Udon and Fresh Ramen Noodle; the Udon maintained its chewy texture without becoming too soft, creating a smooth harmony with the broth, while the Fresh Ramen Noodle had a bouncy texture that would particularly suit those who enjoy springy noodles. Additionally, various toppings like grated radish, garlic, and green onions were provided, allowing everyone to adjust the seasoning or enhance the flavor of the broth according to their preferences.
Tabu Shabu – Thousand Oaks
Being able to enjoy hot pot in your own style makes it likely to be satisfying even when visiting with people who have different tastes. Thanks to the fresh ingredients, clean restaurant atmosphere, and the one-pot-per-person style that allows for a relaxed experience, we had a comfortable and satisfying meal. Next time, I want to try a new combination with the Spicy Miso broth, which I’m curious about. Visit Tabu Shabu to enjoy your own hot pot in a cozy atmosphere.
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