Shabusen Yakiniku House - Great Korean BBQ

I really love Shabusen. Its Japanese and Korean menu has all the usual staples of both types of cuisine, but it's their Korean BBQ--which you cook yourself at the table--that's my favourite reason to visit.

Each table (the sushi bar, too) comes equipped with its own mini-grill, to cook at, and you don't have to have any culinary talent to prepare the fabulously-marinated meats (beef, chicken, pork) or seafood. In my opinion, the beef is the best. The portions are large--this is definitely a dish that's meant to be shared.

Like (seemingly) all Vancouver restaurants that have sushi, Shabusen has its own $21.95 all-you-can-eat option, and it includes the Korean BBQ. So if you've never tried it--or typically prefer Japanese--you can sample the BBQ alongside your sushi, tempura and udon bowls.

The only downside to Shabusen--aside from dinner-time crowds--is that the quality of fish in the sushi / sashimi varies tremendously. Sometimes, it's divine. Other times, not so hot. The last time I went the salmon was perfect but the tuna was chewy.

The BBQ's great every time.

_{Photo by Dana Lynch}