Posted by If you’re in Duluth and craving a fun, interactive dining experience, Chubby Cattle Shabu is a must-try destination. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was awesome as well!
It honestly reminded me a lot of all you can shabu or hot pot restaurants in Taiwan! Because everything was so clean and just… done so well.
What is Shabu Shabu
For those unfamiliar, shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are briefly swirled in a pot of simmering broth. Fun fact – The word ‘shabu’ comes from the sound the ingredients make when they’re swirled in the hot broth. It’s a fun, interactive way of dining that encourages socializing while you cook your food right at the table!
The Experience
Chubby Cattle Shabu has this really cool, modern vibe, but it still feels super cozy. The decor is sleek and minimalist, which gives it this effortlessly chic feel. Whether you’re here for a casual hangout or a more special occasion, it’s the kind of place where you can just kick back and feel right at home.
One of the coolest parts about dining here is the interactive experience. Every table has its own hot pot setup, so you get to cook your meats and veggies right in front of you. It’s a fun way to enjoy your meal, and the staff are super friendly—they’ll help you out if you’re unsure about anything. It’s basically a hot pot party right at your table!
The Food
Okay, let’s talk about the menu. First up, the broths. There’s a nice variety to choose from: Sukiyaki, House Broth, Spicy Miso, and Japanese Tomato. I personally went with the Japanese Tomato because, well, I’m a sucker for anything tomato-based. It was so good—rich, savory, and a bit tangy, which paired perfectly with everything I dipped in it.
Now, if you’re ready to dive into the ultimate hot pot experience, there’s the 90-minute All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Wagyu journey. You can pick from 4 different sets depending on how serious you’re feeling about your meat cravings:
- Basic Wagyu Set: This one gives you a solid selection of American wagyu—think chuck ribeye, brisket, shoulder cut, plus some chicken and pork. It’s a great choice if you’re just getting started.
- Silver Wagyu Set: This one’s a step up. You get to choose one specialty dish (like wagyu bone marrow, wagyu tartare, wagyu nigiri, or sweet shrimp sashimi) and enjoy premium Australian wagyu chuck ribeye, brisket, shoulder cut, along with a limited selection of seafood. Plus, you get everything in the Basic Wagyu Set.
- Gold Wagyu Set: Now, we’re talking. With the Gold set, you get to try Japanese wagyu (including ribeye, brisket, and shoulder cut), and for the ribeye and shoulder cut, you get one per person. You’ll also get Australian wagyu, plus everything from the Basic and Silver sets.
- Diamond Wagyu Set: This is the full-on experience. Unlimited Japanese wagyu chuck ribeye, brisket, shoulder cut, and a seafood platter that will blow your mind. You’ll also get all the specialty dishes, and basically everything from the other sets. Pretty intense, right
We got the silver set! And remember it’s unlimited so you get to order as much wagyu as you want!
Here’s the specialty Items we got – the bone marrow and the tartare:
But wait, there’s more. Aside from all that premium wagyu, there are some unlimited side dishes too, like gyoza, shrimp tempura, chicken katsu, beef curry rice, and seaweed salad. Basically, you’re going to leave full and happy!
Pricing and Value
Okay, so the all-you-can-eat option can get a bit pricey, but honestly, it’s totally worth it if you’re looking to try a little bit of everything. You can also go the à la carte route if you want to keep it a bit more flexible and affordable. Whether you want a casual dinner or you’re in the mood to indulge, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth here.
Also they do this membership thing so if you are going to go a few times a year you might want to be a member.
For just $28 a year, you get access to exclusive perks across all Chubby Group locations. This includes earning points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for free menu items, discounts, and special gifts. Plus, as you level up your status, you unlock even more elite perks like a private concierge and free drinks on every visit. It’s a great way to get more out of your dining experience.
Conclusion
Chubby Cattle Shabu in Duluth isn’t just about getting a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a hot pot pro or a first-timer, it’s a great spot to enjoy some delicious food with friends or family. So, if you’re in Duluth and looking for something fun and flavorful, you’ve got to check it out!
Have you ever tried shabu-shabu? Drop your favorite hot pot ingredients in the comments, or tag someone who needs to join you at Chubby Cattle for your next food adventure!