Bob’s 88 Shabu Shabu
by Magda Nakassis
BOB’S 88 SHABU SHABU
316 N. Washington Street
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 294-5888
First, let’s get one thing clear: we’re talking about Bob’s 88, not Bob’s 66. Yes, across the street from each other are two Bob’s Chinese restaurants—both quite delicious. Bob’s 88 Shabu Shabu, however, specializes in Taiwanese hot pot. For those who have not had the pleasure, it’s a bit like Chinese fondue—but instead of melted cheese, diners have a simmering broth in which they can cook and eat just about anything, from cabbage to pig blood. Each diner has his own burner and pot in front of him, and all orders come with a generous plate of fish balls, shrimp cakes, mushrooms, noodles, tofu, onions, etc. Then you tack on whatever else: beef, lamb, squid, duck feet, whatever. You throw it into the broth and let it simmer, then fish it out and eat it with a dipping sauce—which you get to fix for yourself from a selection of chili sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, chopped leeks, garlic, fish sauce, Chinese barbeque sauce, etc. It’s a lot of food for your money, and even more fun. It’s only a matter of time before Bob’s 88 becomes one of the most popular restaurants around and all of DC gets hooked on hot pot.