Inside and out, Shabu
Shabu sa GW looks like the usual, lowly karinderia
or eatery. (GW actually stands for Goto
Where But Here. Typical Pinoy play of words. Goto is rice porridge or congee with hard-boiled egg and tripe.)
However, if you are always in a quest for a low-priced dish
and if you are not squeamish regarding ambiance, this is where you can go to
eat Shabu Shabu or Japanese hot pot
at an affordable (read: very cheap) price. Yes, they are not just selling Goto and they also have sizzling Bulalo (beef shank with bone marrow). That’ll
have to wait for another day. Today we try their Shabu Shabu.
For a minimum P170 (this week, they slashed it down with a
20% discount, that is, the meal would only cost you P135), you can eat solo or
even share it with a companion. Your plate will have thinly sliced beef and
pork strips plus imported lobster balls, curry balls, pork-filled balls, tofu,
veggies and sotanghon or cellophane noodles.
(My wife Ellen and I chose the plate that is good for 2-3 persons just to be
sure we have enough.)
Put them all together in the boiling soup heated right on
top of your table with a portable stove, add a dash of chili sauce and then
enjoy! (The beef was a little tough, though. But the curry balls and the rest
of the balls taste great.)
The place is air-cooled, as in there is no A/C but only
ceiling fans. So you just have to wipe the sweat off your forehead while
savoring the steaming, spicy soup. It could get a bit crowded due to its tight
floor space and parking could be a challenge.
To be fair, I will not compare it with other classy (read:
expensive) Shabu Shabu restaurants. Yet,
according to my wife—for its price—she would give it an 8 out of 10 for taste.
So, if you are looking for a family date on a budget, this
is a must try!
[To visit Shabu Shabu
sa GW, if you’re from EDSA northbound, turn right to Kamias Road then turn
left to Anonas Extension. It is just at the ground floor of the third building
from the corner.]
