Japanese Shabu Shabu in Chicago - For Those Seeking a Unique and Deluxe Dining Experience

If you have ever wondered what shabu shabu is, look no further. Allow me to introduce you to a world of freshness and quality as we dive headfirst into all things shabu shabu.

To be brutally honest, the food known throughout the world as shabu shabu is not really Japanese. Shabu Shabu originated in Mongolia, and most culinary experts would agree that Genghis Kahn developed this dish to efficiently feed his soldiers in the 13th century. Yes, that Genghis Kahn, the man who almost conquered the whole world. Despite the origins of this delicious food being Mongolian, many regard the food as Japanese because they introduced it to the world.

If you don't know what shabu shabu is, it is basically razor thin slices of premium beef and assorted vegetables cooked in a hot pot. This hot pot is embedded in the dining table (each customer gets their own hot pot directly in front of them) and the customer puts the food into the pot (to cook) at his or her convenience. There are other varieties of shabu shabu that substitute seafood (crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, squid and scallops) for the beef. Also, if you are a vegetarian, you can enjoy just the assorted vegetables in the hot kelp broth. Among the choices for the cooking broth that goes into your hot pot include: chicken and kelp. After eating your meat and vegetables, you have the convenient luxury of having a delicious broth to either cook noodles or risotto in. Shabu Shabu is the ultimate social food because you cook the food at your own pace and you can spend an hour or so engaging in conversation while the food is always fresh and hot because you cook it whenever you want. No stale and cold food here! It truly is the ultimate food for engaging in long conversations while maintaining the essence that is fresh food.

If you end up in shabu shabu rehab, don't blame me, I warned you. This food is my favorite culinary treat. Specifically, the sauces that go with the freshly cooked beef are so amazing. You really have to try it to understand my madness for shabu shabu. I love all foods, but shabu shabu is something I crave at work and in my sleep because of: the savory taste, the unbeatable value and the incredible health benefits. In my most humble opinion, the most perfect foods in the world are the ones that can offer incredible taste while providing a healthy dining experience.