Taeki Chan When it comes to travelling to Hat Yai, food is always one of the highlights of the trip. And on this particular journey from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai, I had one buffet experience that turned out to be one of the most memorable meals of the trip — Bobo Shabu & Grill.
Bobo combines two things that are hard to resist: shabu-shabu and grilled food, served buffet-style. The concept is simple — choose what you like from the buffet, bring it back to your table, and cook it just the way you want.
But for me, one item stood out above everything else: the sliced pork.
The Sliced Pork Was My Favourite
I have eaten plenty of sliced pork at shabu-shabu restaurants in Malaysia, but somehow, the pork at Bobo tasted noticeably better to me.
What surprised me most was that it didn’t have that strong porky smell that I sometimes notice with pork. The slices were thin, easy to cook and had a pleasant tenderness and flavour.
I’m not sure exactly what makes the pork here taste different — whether it comes down to the quality of the meat, the way it is prepared, or simply the combination of freshness and cooking style — but I found myself going back for plate after plate.
For a pork lover, this alone made the visit worthwhile.
Shabu and Grill — The Best of Both Worlds
Of course, the sliced pork wasn’t the only reason I enjoyed Bobo.
The beauty of the buffet is being able to switch between shabu and grill throughout the meal. You can enjoy thinly sliced meats and other ingredients simmered in the hotpot, then move on to grilled items when you feel like something more smoky and savoury.
The buffet selection also gives you plenty of options to build your own meal, from meat and seafood to vegetables, noodles, fried items and desserts.
There is something satisfying about sitting down with a table full of ingredients and cooking everything yourself. It makes the meal feel less like simply eating and more like part of the travel experience.
And Yes… There Was Free-Flow Coke!
Now, this may sound like a small thing, but for me, it definitely added to the experience.
Bobo offered free-flow drinks, including two of my personal favourites — Coke and chrysanthemum tea.
A cold glass of Coke alongside a hot plate of grilled pork?
I’m sold.
It is these little things that can make a buffet feel even more enjoyable, especially when you are spending a good amount of time eating and trying different dishes.
Was It Worth Travelling From KL?
For me, absolutely.
After making the journey from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai, discovering a buffet like Bobo Shabu & Grill was a very satisfying part of the trip.
I particularly loved the sliced pork, enjoyed having both shabu and grill at the same table, and appreciated the free-flow drinks — especially the Coke and chrysanthemum tea.
But beyond the food itself, what I enjoyed most was simply the overall experience. It was relaxed, satisfying and exactly the kind of meal I look forward to when travelling to Thailand.
In fact, Bobo Shabu & Grill has become one of the best buffet experiences I’ve ever had.
If you’re a fan of shabu, grilled food and all-you-can-eat dining, this is definitely a place that made an impression on me.
And if you ask me what I would go back for?
That sliced pork. Without a doubt.
