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Looking for the best shabu-shabu in Kyoto? In this guide, we highlighted the 4 Best Shabu-shabu in Kyoto!
Shabu-shabu is often served at restaurants as an all-you-can-eat meal (tabehoudai) alongside sukiyaki, which resembles shabu-shabu in so many ways. These two hearty dishes may look similar, but they do have differences in certain aspects, from the way they are cooked and the ingredients down to the sauce and accompaniment.
In terms of cooking methods and ingredients, shabu-shabu has thinly sliced meat (usually beef, pork, or lamb) and vegetables that are dipped for a while in a hot pot of broth. It comes with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.
On the other hand, sukiyaki’s meat (typically beef) and vegetables are cooked in an iron pan, in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. This makes sukiyaki create a sweet and savory sauce.
When it comes to accompaniments, shabu-shabu usually comes with rice and pickles, while sukiyaki comes with rice or noodles and even raw eggs at times.
In Kyoto, there’s a unique way to make shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. Here are our top recommendations for the best shabu-shabu and sukiyaki in Kyoto:
1. Chiriri
Serving one of the best shabu-shabu in Kyoto, Chiriri is a must if you get the most of your culinary experience in Japan. They serve a range of dishes, from soba to sashimi to sukiyaki, but of course, the star is the variety of shabu-shabu. They have a lovely garden too!
Price: From 5,200 yen
Hours: 11 AM - 3 PM, 5 - 9:30 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Contact: +81 50-5488-1209
Address: 265 Daimoncho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto
ALSO READ: BEST HALAL RESTAURANTS IN KYOTO
2. Torataro
If you’re looking for a shabu-shabu in Kyoto that’s budget-friendly, Torataro in Kamiyanagicho is the best place. Their shabu-shabu is very generous. They also have a very traditional dining setting, so you get to experience shabu-shabu the Japanese way.
Price: From 3,000 yen
Hours: 11:30 AM - 3 PM, 5 - 11 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Contact: +81 120-404-012
Address: 331, Kamiyanagicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
ALSO READ: BEST CURRY RICE IN KYOTO
3. Tajimaya
One thing that makes Tajimaya popular is its affordable pricing with a generous serving of both sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. From pork to beef to Wagyu beef, your options of all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu are varied. We highly recommend trying the Wagyu beef course!
Price: From 2,580 yen
Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM
Contact: +81 75-231-8866
Address: 321, Shioyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
ALSO READ: BEST YAKITORI IN KYOTO
4. Ton Shabu Hide
This all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu restaurant in Kyoto serves a range of options, from beef to seafood to veggies. They also have an all-you-can-drink option for unlimited sake and beer. Don’t be surprised when it gets loud and noisy due to drunk diners.
Price: From 3,980 yen
Hours: 11 AM - 2 PM, 5 - 10 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Contact: +81 75-708-8366
Address: 226, Takazaimokucho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
ALSO READ: BEST IZAKAYA IN GION, KYOTO
Looking for a fun food tour in Kyoto? Come join us at our Nishiki Market Kyoto Food Tour where we bring you around the best food spots at Nishiki Market and feast on various delicious dishes.
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