Shinjuku’s Seryna & High-End Shabu Shabu

Seryna is a high-end Shabu Shabu chain with branches all over Tokyo, Japan.  I decided to check out the Shinjuku branch for a snack.

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This branch is inside the Sumitomo tower on the 52nd floor.  The restaurant provides panorama views of Tokyo with its classic Japanese wood tables; however, the upscale restaurant does have issues with casual dress.  They took issue with my favorite 2pac t-shirt and shorts.  They didn’t say anything directly to me but I could tell they were speaking among themselves when I sat down at the table.  All I can say was, “Thug Life.  Westside.  Outlawz.”  Okay.  You get the point.

It took them more than 15 minutes to come to my table.  When they finally did, the server ask me if that was 2pac on my shirt and I politely replied, “Yes.”  After they took my order, the service improve dramatically cause I ordered their A5 Japanese Wagyu.  I think they thought I couldn’t afford the meal by the way I was dressed.  Never judge a book by its cover, folks.  Well, that only goes if it has a cover.  Some people don’t like wearing clothes at all.

Seryna serves a flavorless Shabu Shabu (i.e., water) and they have sukiyaki options too.  I already had Imafuku, so Seryna was my Shabu Shabu option.  Now, the food.

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• Ponzu & Goma Sauce – The thick goma sauce meshed well with the Japanese Wagyu.  It added a nutty flavor to it and it didn’t ruin the beef’s natural flavors.  The ponzu sauce had a nice light tangy taste to it.  The citrus based sauce enhanced the flavors of the veggies.  It’s like being really stone then you decide to have a few drinks.

  

• A5 Japanese Wagyu– I can never get enough of the A5 Japanese Wagyu.  The decadent rich and buttery flavors will always be top choice for me.  It’s why Seryna chooses to go with a flavorless broth.  They want to highlight the wagyu versus masking it with the broth.  It’s like beer goggles.

  

Lastly, Seryna initially had a few hiccups.  I didn’t appreciate the stare down I got when I first arrived.  However, the high-end Shabu Shabu experience was worth it.  The ingredient’s quality made up for the servers’ judgement.  I’m not going to lie though.  I dress the way I do to see if I would be treated differently.  I’m usually not but sometimes I am.

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