Shabu Lab: Our Go-To All-You-Can-Eat Shabu Joint in Bangkok
I think almost every Thai (and expat living here!) has their own favorite go-to shabu joint. Back in Kuala Lumpur, I rarely had shabu-shabu—probably because our traditional steamboat culture was so deeply ingrained in our lives from a young age. While steamboat has long featured thinly sliced meats alongside classic hot pot ingredients, shabu-shabu brings its own distinct Japanese tradition: swishing paper-thin slices of beef or pork and fresh vegetables through a simmering pot of light broth, then dipping them into rich, savory sauces.
Moving to Bangkok turned shabu-shabu into one of our staple comfort meals. Whenever that craving strikes, our minds instantly go to Shabu Lab—formerly known as Burendo, an old-time haunt frequented by my husband and his friends years ago.
In 2017, Burendo rebranded into Shabu Lab, catering to a younger demographic with a fun, quirky science-lab aesthetic. When the original Siam Square branch closed down, it hit us hard because of all the fond memories attached to those early days. We pivoted to the Kaset branch, but that closed early last year—a real bummer since it was fairly close to where we live in northern Bangkok.
Discovering that the brand relocated its inner-city presence to the bustling Banthat Thong / Samyan foodie corridor, we finally dropped by on a Saturday afternoon. To our surprise, it was relatively quiet. While the shabu buffet competition in Bangkok is fierce, our appetite isn’t quite what it used to be. For us, consistent, high quality is much more important than raw volume. Shabu Lab still delivers the exact same great taste and quality-cut portions we remembered—earning a big thumbs up after all these years! If you haven’t given this brand a try yet, we highly recommend it.
🍲 Exceptional Value: 379 Baht Nett (No Hidden Fees & No Time Limit!)
At 379 Baht nett for all-you-can-eat shabu, it remains a fantastic price point—especially considering they have maintained this exact price tag since 2017!
- No Extra Charges & No Time Limit: Unlike many buffets with strict 90-minute counters, you can dine at your own relaxed pace.
- Kid-Friendly Pricing: Children between 90–120 cm get 50% off, and children under 90 cm eat for free.
- How It Compares: While budget suki chains like Suki Teenoi (276 Baht) or MK Buffet (299 Baht) are cheaper options, we have zero regrets choosing Shabu Lab for its superior meat cuts, customizability, and unhurried experience.
🔬 The Science-Lab Dining Experience: How It Works
- Individual Pots & QR Ordering: Each seat comes equipped with its own personal shabu pot filled with clear broth—meaning no fighting over soup bases! Simply scan the QR code at your table to order sliced meats and specialty side dishes, then head over to the self-service counter for veggies, sauces, drinks, and desserts.
- Choosing Your Broth: You customize your base flavor by adding concentrated soup mixes delivered by staff or collected from the self-serve “Experimental Station.” You can choose from 6 signature broth styles:
- Authentic Japanese Sukiyaki (Our personal long-time favorite!)
- Spicy & Intense Mala
- Tangy Thai Tom Yum
- Savory & Creamy Cheese Broth
- Smoky Bacon Broth
- Classic Clear Broth
- The DIY Sauce & Onsen Egg Station: The condiment laboratory offers endless options—sukiyaki sauce, ponzu, sesame, cheese sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, fresh lime juice, chopped garlic, chili, cilantro, and chili powder.
- Highlight Recommendation: Try their signature Sous-Vide Onsen Egg dipping sauce! Prepared at a precise 62.5°C, these silky soft-boiled eggs can be cracked straight into your hot pot or used as a rich, velvety dip for cooked beef slices.
🥩 The Menu Highlights: Sliced-to-Order Meats & Specialty Sides
All meats are sliced to order to maintain peak freshness, cut to the perfect thickness—not paper-thin, but not overly thick—ensuring a quick, tender dip in boiling broth.
- Australian Beef (2 Cuts): Choose between a beautifully marbled brisket cut from the thigh (tender and melt-in-your-mouth) or a leaner cut from the shoulder.
- Pork (2 Cuts): Premium marbled pork belly for richness, or a lean neck cut for a lighter bite.
- Prepared Side Dishes (Ordered via QR Code):
- Japanese-style cold grilled beef salad
- Toast topped with sukiyaki beef and ponzu sauce
- Deep-fried beef with fish sauce and gochujang dip
- Udon noodle soup topped with tender braised beef
- Vegetable & Meatball Bar: Fresh leafy greens, tofu, wood ear mushrooms, and an assortment of meatballs (shrimp balls, fish balls, beef balls, pork tendon balls, fish tofu, and imitation crab).
- Braised Savory Mains: Don’t miss the self-serve braised beef and pork cooked in sweet soy sauce. It is deeply savory and pairs wonderfully over warm jasmine rice or swirled into your shabu bowl.
- Free-Flow Drinks & Ice Cream: Complete your meal with unlimited fountain drinks and free-flow scoops of ice cream in various flavors.
🏷️ Current Promotion: SHABU LAB x Coca-Cola (Einstein Sticker Hunt)
If you are visiting soon, keep an eye out for the SHABU LAB x Coca-Cola Einstein Sticker Hunt! Check the underside of your stacked meat trays as you eat—if you find a hidden “Einstein sticker,” you win an instant FREE meal on the spot! (Limited to 150 prizes across participating branches while stocks last).
📍 Location & Store Details
- Address: 1781 Banthat Thong Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10400
- Nearest Transit: MRT Sam Yan or MRT Hua Lamphong (a short tuk-tuk, Grab, or 10–12 minute walk up Banthat Thong Road)
- Phone: 02 010 5455
- Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Restrooms: Located just outside the restaurant inside the building complex.
- Official Facebook: Shabu Lab Thailand
