I’ve tried a lot of hotpot places, but this one is truly my number one. Every time I come here, the food is super fresh, the service is fast, and the whole vibe just feels cozy and welcoming. Their mala soup is honestly unmatched — the perfect balance of spicy, flavorful, and comforting. It’s the kind of soup that keeps you coming back because nothing else tastes the same! The ingredients are always high quality, and everything cooks beautifully in the broth. I’ve brought friends here and they end up loving it just as much as I do. The staff is always kind and helpful, especially if you’re unsure what to try. And I HAVE to mention the vanilla + green tea swirl ice cream at the end — it’s my favorite treat! It’s creamy, refreshing, and the perfect finish after a warm hotpot meal. Overall, this place never disappoints. Amazing food, great service, clean environment, and such good value for the quality. Highly, highly recommend to anyone who loves hotpot or wants to try it for the first time!
Overview
Walking up to the second floor at 136-20 38th Ave 2nd floor, Flushing, NY 11354, United States, the first thing I noticed was how quickly the noise of the street faded and got replaced by the soft clatter of bowls and simmering broth. My first visit to Spring Shabu-Shabu happened on a cold weekday evening, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Shabu-shabu is one of those meals that feels interactive and comforting at the same time, and this spot understands that balance really well.
The menu is focused but thoughtful, which is usually a good sign. Instead of overwhelming you with dozens of options, it walks you through the experience step by step. You start by choosing your broth, then your protein, and finally your vegetables and noodles. I’ve tried both the classic kombu broth and the spicy option, and each has its own personality. The kombu is clean and lightly savory, while the spicy broth builds heat gradually without overpowering the ingredients. According to food science research from Japanese culinary institutes, shabu-shabu is designed around quick cooking in clear broth to preserve texture and natural flavor, and that principle is clearly respected here.
One thing that stood out to me is the quality of the meat. The beef slices are thin enough to cook in seconds, yet substantial enough to hold their juiciness. During one visit, I watched a neighboring table carefully swish their meat through the broth just once or twice, exactly as chefs recommend. This quick dip method isn’t just tradition; culinary studies show that overcooking thinly sliced beef causes rapid moisture loss, which affects tenderness. Spring Shabu-Shabu seems to prep its cuts with this in mind, making it easy for diners to get it right even on their first try.
The vegetable selection adds another layer to the experience. Napa cabbage, mushrooms, tofu, and leafy greens arrive fresh and crisp, not wilted or soggy. On one occasion, our server explained how the vegetables are meant to be added in stages, starting with sturdier items and ending with delicate greens. That small bit of guidance made a noticeable difference, and it’s the kind of detail that comes from hands-on experience rather than scripted service training.
Sauces deserve special mention because they quietly carry the meal. The sesame sauce is rich and nutty, while the ponzu brings brightness and acidity. Mixing them together, a trick I picked up after chatting with another regular, creates a balanced dip that works with almost everything on the table. Reviews from frequent diners often mention this sauce combination as a highlight, and after multiple visits, I’d agree it’s part of what keeps people coming back.
From a broader perspective, hot pot and shabu-shabu have seen steady growth in popularity across the U.S. In recent dining reports published by hospitality research groups, interactive meals are consistently ranked high for customer satisfaction, especially among younger diners. This place fits right into that trend while still appealing to families and longtime Flushing locals who know what good hot pot should taste like.
Service here feels relaxed but attentive. Servers check in without hovering and are quick to replace broth or explain menu details when asked. That balance builds trust, especially for guests who might be new to shabu-shabu. While no restaurant is perfect, peak hours can mean a short wait, and seating can feel snug when it’s busy. Still, those minor limitations are easy to overlook once the broth starts bubbling and the table fills with steam.
Every time I leave, I’m reminded why this style of dining works so well. It’s personal, warming, and paced at your own rhythm. Spring Shabu-Shabu delivers that experience with consistency, care, and an understanding of what makes shabu-shabu special in the first place.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ All you can eat ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a waitPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
FIRST TIME HERE BUT NOT THE LAST I WILL BE BACK!!!! Food was amazing had many varieties to choose from and they were all good, the facility was clean, and comfortable the environment was perfect I was able to have conversations with my friends without having to scream at the top of my lungs the best part of this experience was our waitress Kelly M, if you get Kelly M as your waitress she will take care of you I promise you you’ll be lucky. She is friendly and pleasant I told her it was my first time at this restaurant and first time having a hot pot experience. She took time to help give me recommendations and insight on the menu because my friend and I have dietary restrictions she was attentive to us always checked up on us, when we were running low on drinks she would realize and without having to ask she would make sure our cups were full. Kelly M was friendly she would talk with us make jokes and she made it feel like a welcoming environment like she was happy to be there, help us, and take time to talk to us too. I can whole heartedly say Kelly M as our waitress for the first time at this restaurant made the experience better we were lucky to have her as our waitress and when we go back we hope to have her as our waitress again cause she’s the best.
This is a great Shabu place : clean , fast service and great food quality. It’s a bit noisy but you can still have conversations without shouting. I’d definitely go again and the ice cream was definitely a great thing to finish off such a great meal Just a side note that the building has two entrances , the one with the stairs is the easiest but if you end up like me in the rear door , no panic, you just need to walk a bit and take the elevator and you will end there
This is my favorite hot pot in the city! It’s always super clean and you can see all of the food prep right behind the buffet. I’ve never had to wait in line and I love how you can really customize your experience however you like.
A shabu shabu restaurant, everything is all you can eat, the meat and seafood not included pay per order, very big variety of veggies, fish cake and sauce, ice cream is all you can eat as well. Good experience for a weekend lunch.
AMAZING NYC HOTPOT PLACE!!! came here for dinner and was pleasantly surprised by the overall experience. The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food, making it a great value for the price. One of the standout features, without a doubt, was the delicious all you can eat ice cream available 2 flavors. What really sets this place apart is the all you can eat ice cream, which was the perfect way to end the meal. It’s easy to see why this restaurant is always so busy. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere remained warm and inviting, with a friendly staff and quick service that kept things running smoothly. If you ever find yourself in Flushing, Queens, I highly recommend stopping by. Whether you’re craving a satisfying dinner or simply want to treat yourself to some exceptional ice cream, this spot is a must visit.
Absolutely an amazing experience with a plethora of fresh vegetables and noodles, beef, fish, lamb sauces, etc. Super clean place, one of the cleanest restaurants I've ever seen, waitress was really attentive and nice, explained how everything worked. Ice cream is really really good. Fresh vegetables don't take long to cook, as well as the meats and fish . Noodles are also pretty fast. I will definitely be going back to this place, and I highly recommend it. Parking is somewhat of a crunch but just be patient, there are places to pay for parking if you're not the type to drive around looking. Price is definitely reasonable for what you get, and how much you can stuff yourself.
first time here so learned it was a la carte for all protein options but broth and buffet with veggies and other hotpot add-ins was included in set price. Staff were friendly and super kind and the facilities were clean. Great price for a great experience