New eats: Shabu Shabu King in Moiliili

By Catherine Toth Fox • September 7, 2011 • Food

Oahu is littered with hot pot eateries, from the Thai-style Bangkok Shabu Shabu on Kapahulu Avenue to the casual Hanaki Restaurant in Manoa to the uber-popular Taiwanese Sweet Home Cafe in Moiliili.

So why do we need another one?

Because none — except the new Shabu Shabu King — is open until 2 a.m. Every single day.

This latest addition to the shabu shabu scene opened last month in the space vacated by TCBY on South King Street near Puck’s Alley. And while the broth, prices and service are fairly average, there are two things that set Shabu Shabu King apart from the others: interesting menu items and late-night hours.

Here’s what we ate on a recent visit:

Dessert

Image 17 of 17

We opted for Kona coffee and green tea ice cream to end our meal. The verdict? As one of my friends said: "It's alright — if you're in the area. But there's better." Still, if you're craving a healthy hot pot meal after 10 p.m., this may be your only option.

Shabu Shabu King, 2700 S. King St., Suite 103. Hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Phone: (808) 951-7878

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Catherine Toth Fox

6 Comments

Reply oldshoes September 7, 2011 at 2:29 am
did u cook those lobster? Hope the bar crowd are careful around those stoves! So, the ice creme, were those 2 seperate flavors ordered, are was the kona coffee/green tea some mixed together combo special thingy?
Reply David Jackson September 7, 2011 at 5:57 am
I’d like to see a Sichuan style hot pot like the ones they have in Chongqing, PRC. They had some really good food at a few of them. The red sauce there is a little bit hot for most people’s taste. The yellow broth a bit deeper in flavor, some like it some don’t.
Reply Annoddah Dave September 7, 2011 at 6:18 am
CAT: Is this place related to Sushi King around the corner of the the building…they seem to share the same hours and name.?
Reply M September 7, 2011 at 6:59 am
Hello Cat, I just saw this place last week and was just thinking about going there this weekend. Thanks for the review. Try some chicken testes and feet. 🙂
Reply rayboyjr September 7, 2011 at 10:06 am
Hey Cat: … I love almost anything in a broth or soup … and it’s about time I tried one of these places … though it seems better to go in the winter months a little later … it’s gotten a little hot lately …

… haha … I’ll pass on the chicken balls and duck feet … you think that’s what the McD’s chicken nuggets are made of??? …
Reply matt September 7, 2011 at 6:23 pm
not a big fan of shabu shabu/hot pot/whatever. i never understood its appeal in Hawaii or other warm climates. it can hit the spot on a rainy bay area winter night (although a nabe or sukiyaki is my first choice), but in 90 degree weather with 90 percent humidity? pass