Wagamama was started in 1992 by Alan Yau, a London based restaurateur who subsequently opened Hakkasan and Yauatcha, both of which have been awarded a Michelin star.
I first went to Wagas when it first opened. I was initially taken by the odd canteen like seating. At first it felt a little bizarre to share a bench with total strangers, but I soon got used to it.
The food can best be described as modern Japanese. All orders are communicated to the open kitchen via PDAs. Once you've chosen the waiter writes down your order directly on the paper mat you eat on. The only issue with this form of taking orders is that the food often doesn't arrive at the same time. This bothered me at first but the food was so good and reasonably priced that not only I, but all patrons have seemingly let this small glitch go.
I have a few favourites that I always go back for. The Chilli Chicken Ramen, which is a large bowl of broth with noodles topped with char-grilled chicken, beansprouts, onions, coriander, chillies and lime (£8.95). This is so warm, hearty and filling. My second favourite is the Chicken Katsu Curry that comprises of deep fried panko chicken, rice and salad, covered in a curry sauce and garnished with pickles (£8.45). If I'm in a lighter mood then I'll have a bowl of sticky rice that I coat in soya sauce, chilli oil and shichimi chilli powder, all of which are already waiting for you on the table. And alongside that a Miso soup with pickles (a cheap lunch for under a fiver).
Of course Wagama has greatly expanded since the first time I visited. The brand has gone global and the menu is far larger, now offering desserts and sushi. The thing though is they've remained true to the dishes they started with way back in 1992.
Find Wagamas all around the UK, USA, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Australia, Kuwait and the U.A.E.
Wagamama
8.5/10
www.wagamama.com
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