Shabuya @Vivocity

We were in need of some hot and comforting food, and shabu shabu sounded like a great idea. We walked into Shabuya and had the buffet ($45.90++ per adult), but on hindsight, we should have probably gone for the set meal instead.

For the buffet, we had our own individual pots, and unfortunately, the induction cooker that I had only 2 options – off, or high heat. Sheesh!

Service appeared to be much faster for customers who ordered the sets, and while the hotpot ingredients were certainly very fresh, there was just this “short-of-something” feel to it. The lamb was good, and not too gamey. Unfortunately, the chicken was sliced far too thin, while the beef were sliced too thick, and it was difficult to chew through the fats. The sashimi was too frozen, and not sliced properly; some of the pieces were stuck together. The tiger prawns were fresh and sweet, and the rest of the seafood items were quite ok. We also tried the sotong balls and cheese balls, and we preferred what we buy from NTUC.

We were seated near the entrance, and it was a little annoying that we had lots of difficulty trying to the the attention of the staff to order food, while the staff manning the entrance (the restaurant next door appears to be by the same owner / group) were having lots of fun playfully hitting each other and giggling uncontrollably.

We do not think that we will be returning anytime soon.