Dumangang Shabu Shabu 두만강샤브샤브

The sign says shabu-shabu, but the kitchen near Nakseongdae turns out Chinese stir-fries and fried dishes instead. Mala xiang guo, a dry-tossed Sichuan stir-fry, comes moderately seasoned and loaded with ingredients. Yuxiang eggplant and fried eggplant win over even people who avoid the vegetable, and cumin lamb and di san xian (potato, eggplant and pepper) are regular orders. The mala tang soup tastes noticeably different from the usual version. Portions are large for the price, and the room is spacious enough for group dinners. Those gatherings tend to spread several dishes across the table with Yantai kaoliang liquor and beer. Evenings get crowded and noisy.