My sister-in-law, Beekay, and I had just landed back from Manila to Iloilo City hungry, wondering where to eat. After a long time away from home, I was in a celebratory mood. “Let’s celebrate for getting back”, I said. “Let’s go eat out where it’s different. What do you think of Shabu-Shabu? It’s also called Hot Pot. You can cook your food right on the table. Not too many places where eating is an experience.” After some convincing, she agreed. We took a taxi (400 pesos) from the airport through the main city road called Old Iloilo – Capiz Rd. south to Ayalla Atria Park District. 30-minutes later, we arrive at Taiwan Shabu-Shabu Red House Restaurant, as of 2019, which is one of two places to eat shabu-shabu/hot pot in Iloilo city. Red House being the closest to the airport.
“Do you see anything you want to try in the menu?”, I asked. “I can eat whatever. You pick.”, she replied. We ordered the special hot pot broth (50 pesos/head). Then, we decided this will be a noodle soup, so we ordered 2 orders of Taiwan noodles (80 pesos each). In hindsight, one order of noodles is enough for 2 people. Next to the protein, we ordered imported lamb (350 pesos) and pork loin (200 pesos). For our vegetables, Taiwan petchay/Chinese cabbage (70 pesos), golden mushrooms/enoki (100 pesos), and black mushrooms (100 pesos). For add-on, we got fish tofu (170 pesos). There are a total of 40 add-ons to choose from, which can get overwhelming. To make it easier to order, the restaurant also has Special Packages to pick from. Depending on how many people or hungry you are, you can order a large tray or small tray of set items.
Photo Gallery: Click to view the menu
Once the broth starts to boil, we put all the raw ingredients into the pot. Then, we wait for the broth to boil again. It doesn’t take long for the ingredients to cook, probably 3-6 minutes. We let it cook about 6 minutes because we both prefer our vegetables and noodles on the soft side.
I went to the sauce station 3 tables away from us. I see chopped onion, chopped garlic, green onions, cilantro, soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, chili peppers, and fermented fish paste (ginamos). I decided my noodle soup will be hot and spicy. I get a little bowl and picked cilantro, garlic, onions, chili peppers, and chili oil. Back at our table, I began creating my little meal. First, I put my hot sauce at the bottom of the bowl. Second, I added a lot of noodles. Third, I got a few vegetables and meat. Finally, I added one more dap of hot sauce on the top. It is delicious. I ate 3 full bowls.
The secret to eating shabu-shabu is to order in phases. Do not try to over order in the first phase. We can always order later. Places like these have varying serving sizes. We may over-order and leave too much food in the pot. Unfortunately, in our famished state, we over-ordered. To make sure we get our money's worth, we ate as much as we could until we are achingly full.
We spend our remaining time people watching both inside and outside. There were 2 tables celebrating birthdays that night. The waiters and waitresses sang for both tables. It was indeed a perfect place to celebrate.
Restaurant Info:
Taiwan Shabu-Shabu Red House Restaurant
#51 Atria Ayala Park District, Donato Pison Avenue, San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo
Phone: (033) 501 7331
Directions from the Airport:
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