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Experience Unrivaled Luxury: Shabu 52 in Samseong-dong

Seoul’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, and a new star has emerged for those seeking an opulent all-you-can-eat experience. Welcome to Shabu 52, a premium shabu-shabu restaurant located in the upscale Samseong-dong district. From the same visionary team behind the renowned Crab 52 (known as Korea’s most expensive buffet), Shabu 52 redefines the concept of unlimited dining by offering an extraordinary spread of Hanwoo (Korean beef), succulent lobster, and king crab.

Prepare for a three-hour gastronomic journey where high-quality ingredients meet limitless indulgence, making it an ideal destination for special occasions or anyone craving a truly lavish meal.

Location & Concept Overview

Nestled conveniently in Samseong-dong, Seoul, Shabu 52 occupies a prime spot next door to its esteemed sibling, Crab 52. This proximity hints at the exceptional standards and fresh ingredient sourcing that guests can expect. While it shares a lineage with a seafood buffet, Shabu 52 carves its own niche as a premium all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu establishment, focusing on an elevated hot pot experience with an emphasis on both land and sea’s finest.

The restaurant operates on a unique model, allowing diners to enjoy unlimited refills of their chosen ingredients for a generous three-hour window. This ensures a relaxed and satisfying meal without feeling rushed.

A Deep Dive into the Shabu-Shabu Experience

The Broth Selection: Crafting Your Flavor Foundation

Upon arrival, guests are presented with a choice of two distinct broth bases: a classic Mushroom Broth or the more adventurous Bisque Broth. The Bisque Broth is a standout, described as a piquant, crustacean-based seafood soup that promises a unique depth of flavor. While you can change your broth mid-meal, a slight additional charge applies, encouraging you to savor your initial selection.

The Star Ingredients: Hanwoo, Lobster, and King Crab

• Premium Hanwoo: The heart of Shabu 52’s offering is its all-you-can-eat Hanwoo. Guests are served premium cuts like chuck roll and sirloin, which are lauded for their exceptional quality and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The beef pairs exquisitely with both broth options, delivering a highly satisfying experience.
• Luscious Lobster: While the lobsters are served frozen, the restaurant assures their freshness, making them suitable even for sashimi. However, many find their true potential unlocked when gently cooked in the rich broths, yielding a delicate sweetness.
• Magnificent King Crab: Like the lobster, the king crab is also served frozen. It adds a luxurious touch, particularly when its rich flavors infuse the broth, leading to a spectacular finale.
• Fresh Vegetables & Seafood: Alongside the main proteins, a vibrant assortment of fresh vegetables and a seafood platter are provided, all endlessly refillable to complement your shabu-shabu feast.

The Culinary Journey: From Shabu to Sumptuous Porridge

The Shabu 52 experience culminates in an unforgettable grand finale: a bespoke porridge (juk). After enjoying the main courses, the leftover broth, now deeply enriched by the flavors of Hanwoo, lobster, and king crab, is transformed. Adding rice, king crab legs, and even fresh abalone creates what the reviewer described as a “super luxurious abalone porridge.” This final dish, brimming with umami and the essence of the entire meal, is a highly recommended and extravagant conclusion to your dining adventure.

Reviewer’s Verdict & Tips

The overall impression of Shabu 52 is overwhelmingly positive, particularly for those who approach it as a high-end, all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu destination. While expectations of live seafood might be tempered (as the lobster and king crab are frozen), the freshness and quality of all ingredients, especially the Hanwoo, were highly praised.

General Rating: Shabu 52 comes highly recommended for a luxurious and indulgent dining experience in Seoul. Its commitment to premium ingredients and an exceptional shabu-shabu journey sets it apart as a top-tier choice for those seeking an opulent buffet.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the Bisque Broth, especially after it has absorbed the flavors of the lobster heads. It becomes incredibly rich, reminiscent of a gourmet crab stew, and serves as the perfect base for the epic porridge finale. Adding extra king crab meat to the porridge significantly enhances its flavor!

Shabu 52 offers a unique blend of quality and quantity, ensuring a memorable meal that justifies its premium status. If you’re looking for an extravagant shabu-shabu experience in Seoul, Shabu 52 in Samseong-dong is a must-visit.

Restaurant Information:

• Name: Shabu 52 (샤브 52)
• Location: Samseong-dong, Seoul, South Korea (Specific address not provided in text, but known to be next to Crab 52)
• Cuisine: Premium All-You-Can-Eat Shabu-Shabu (Hanwoo, Lobster, King Crab)
• Dining Duration: 3 hours