If you’re familiar with Chubby Cattle, then you’ll love Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House in Temple City.
They’re sister restaurants, but Mikiya offers a delicious twist with their Shabu Shabu hot pot, featuring all-you-can-eat Wagyu beef. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
The Menu: Choices for Everyone
Mikiya offers different packages for your Shabu Shabu experience, from affordable to premium options. We went for the ‘Silver’ package, which included a variety of dishes.
The fun part? With three of us at the table, we got to pick three special dishes: Wagyu bone marrow, beef tartare, and foie gras.
The Dining Experience: Fast and Flavorful
The service at Mikiya is quick and attentive.
Right from the start, we noticed how efficiently the staff worked, ensuring our 90-minute dining limit was a breeze rather than a rush.
The soups, like the spicy miso and house broth, were flavorful bases for our hot pot adventure. If you like a bit of spice that’s more than ‘medium’ but much less than ‘extreme’, the spicy miso is the one for you.
Unique Dishes: Hits and Misses
Some dishes were intriguing, like the beef tartar served with plain chips (a bit of a letdown) and the sweet berry sauce with the tomato.
However the bone marrow was incredible. They give you a few slices of toast which surprisingly isn’t enough because the amount of bone marrow exceeds the amount of bread (great problem).
The wait staff will also gladly give you more bread!
The seafood and Wagyu rice were highlights, served swiftly and cooked to perfection. The meat quality was top-notch, noticeably better than regular beef at other spots.
The Flavors: A Mix of Traditional and Surprising
The Wagyu beef was tender and melted in our mouth. However, some of the sauces were unexpectedly sweet, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The spicy soup base was a standout, adding a delightful kick to the dishes.
The seafood was also great, with the silver plan we enjoyed:
- Shrimp
- Scallops
- Crab
- Abalone
The Atmosphere: Quick but Comfortable
Mikiya’s fast-paced service meant our dishes came out rapidly, which some might find a bit rushed. Yet, the quality of the food made up for the pace.
The restaurant’s ambiance struck a nice balance between upscale and comfortable, perfect for enjoying a hot pot feast.
Comparing to Chubby Cattle
As we wrapped up our meal with some delightful ice cream (green tea and vanilla, yum!), we reflected on our experience.
While both Mikiya and Chubby Cattle offer Wagyu beef, we personally preferred the barbecue style at Chubby Cattle.
It felt less hurried, and the flavors of the beef came through more vividly.
Final Thoughts: Great Food, We’ll Be Back
Mikiya Shabu Shabu House provided a delightful dining experience.
The quality of the meat was impressive, and the variety in the menu catered to different tastes.
Though we might lean towards Chubby Cattle for Wagyu, Mikiya is definitely worth a visit for those who love Shabu Shabu and enjoy trying new flavors in a lively, fast-paced setting.
