Menu of Arashi Shabu-Shabu, City Square JB in Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Menu Overview

Arashi Shabu-Shabu at City Square JB presents a refined yet accessible take on the beloved Japanese hotpot tradition. Nestled on Level 2 of City Square Mall, this restaurant creates a welcoming ambiance that balances casual dining with attentive service, setting the stage for a memorable culinary experience.

The menu is a curated showcase of shabu-shabu essentials elevated by thoughtful twists. The Rib Eye Shabu stands out with its tender, well-marbled slices that cook quickly to a perfect medium rare in the rich, warming broths. Among the broths, the Arashi Milk Broth has garnered consistent praise—it’s creamy and deeply flavorful, amplifying the natural taste of the ingredients without overpowering them. This broth, paired with their premium boneless ribeye or the succulent Iberico pork collar, delivers a harmonious balance between richness and freshness.

Vegetable enthusiasts will appreciate the generous variety of greens and sides included in their set meals, adding texture and color while grounding the meal with freshness. For those seeking heartier options, additional meats and handcrafted specials like the meatballs and fried dumplings can be effortlessly added, allowing diners to customize the experience down to their preferred flavor profiles and quantity.

Complementing the main dishes, the restaurant offers unique highlights such as Pumpkin Noodles and Original Chawan Mushi, which add depth and distinctiveness to the meal. The inclusion of specialty items such as the tomato soup, teriyaki chicken, and pig blood showcase a culinary versatility that respects tradition while embracing local palate preferences.

Service here is consistently attentive, with staff like Jia Qi receiving commendations for their thoughtful care and timely check-ins. While some reviewers found the sweetness of the NZ ribeye teppanyaki and enoki beef rolls a bit overpowering, the overall dining experience remains positive, especially given the quality and freshness of all ingredients used.

It's worth noting that Arashi has recently adapted its beverage offerings, no longer serving alcohol or soft drinks on-site, which aligns with a focus on the hotpot experience itself. This decision may influence those seeking a more traditional izakaya-style experience but keeps the spotlight firmly on the food.

In terms of pricing, while slightly above average for the region, the cost is justified by the quality, portion control, and consistent freshness. This makes Arashi Shabu-Shabu a reliable choice for groups looking to share a convivial meal centered around hotpot and premium cuts, where each diner can enjoy an individualized pot with preferred broths and order add-ons at will.

Overall, Arashi Shabu-Shabu at City Square JB offers a robust, satisfying hotpot journey—one that impresses through quality ingredients, flavorful broths, and customizable dining. It is a commendable addition to Johor Bahru’s vibrant food scene and a haven for shabu-shabu lovers eager to explore traditional fare with a refined touch.