From Tatsu's Ramen, KC's Crepes, to Sprinkles Cupcakes and Coco's Boba, my friends and I usually have one food that we obsess over each semester. Yes, usually its an Asian food. Last semester we started going to get shabu shabu in Redondo Beach. For those who don't know, shabu shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ ) is a Japanese dish featuring thinly sliced beef boiled in water. The dish is often served with raw vegetables and dipping sauces. While it originates from Japan, there are many different cooking styles and ingredients that can be cooked in the soup depending on the region that it comes from. Shabu-shabu literally translates into "swish-swish," referring to the action of cooking food in the pot. Here's a guide to the best shabu shabu in Los Angeles.

King Shabu Shabu

There are three locations, one in Redondo Beach and another in Torrance and another in Cerritos. Traditionally, the primary meat cooked is beef, but modern cuisine has evolved to include other meats. There are also other proteins available such as salmon, mussels, shrimp, pork, and three grades of beef: Angus ribeye choice, Angus ribeye prime, and Wagyu. This restaurant serves a more traditional Japanese-style shabu shabu with meat, vegetables, and udon and rice noodles. The meal starts with rice, veggies, and thinly sliced meat. After this comes a Japanese-style soup base for the noodles and broth. The meal is cooked individually by each customer with help from the incredibly friendly staff.

Seoul Garden Restaurant

Seoul Garden only has one location in Koreatown and is a very authentic Korean shabu shabu experience. There are three courses served, meat and vegetables, noodles, and porridge. It comes with dipping sauces and traditional Korean side dishes called "banchan" (반찬). At this shabu shabu restaurant the meal is served family-style in a single pot for each table. There are also non-shabu shabu dishes available for those who want an individual meal. Their most famous dish is Jing-Gee Skhan, a Korean version of shabu shabu where you are given thin slices of beef, which are accompanied with a large dish of mixed vegetables