Wagamama has launched a new vegan and vegetarian menu. The new menu, 29 dishes in total, offers vegan takes on popular Wagamama dishes including pad thai and ramen. A few weeks ago we got the chance to try it out.
The New Vegan Menu at Wagamama
The new Vegan Menu at Wagamama has been curated with the mantra that meat-free does not have to mean taste free (their words not mine). I do often find that Vegan and Vegetarian takes on popular meat dishes are regularly cooked by removing ingredients. They can lead to an unbalanced facsimile of the original dish. I’m happy to report this is not the case here.
Looking over the menu it’s clear that the team at Wagamama have taken their time to come up with an impressive array of dishes to please both vegans and those wanting to reduce their intake of animal based products.
Speaking to the Head Chef on the night, it was clear that Wagamama is not taking any half measures with the new menu. Every effort is taken to ensure that all vegan meals are cooked separately, such as cooking the tofu in the morning to ensure its kept separate.
It’s also great to be able to order everything off the menu in front of you – something that doesn’t happen enough.
Starters at Wagamama
First up was the Wok Fried Greens and Yasai Gyaza Steamed Dumplings.
The Wok-Fried Greens are steamed broccoli and bok choi, stir-fried in a garlic and soy sauce. To my surprise, this modest starter was easily the best – I would highly recommend you give them a go.
The Steamed Dumplings are lightly grilled and served with a dipping sauce.
Vegan Mains at Wagamama
I went with the Yasia itame, a dish I’ve never had before. A real zesty option that got better with every chopstick full, it comprises of rice noodles in a spicy green coconut and lemongrass soup, topped with chunks of tofu and vegetables. It’s finished off with stir-fried bean sprouts, red and spring onions, bok choi, peppers, mushrooms and chillies. A great option for those who prefer citrus flavours over spice. I will most certainly order this again.
It is worth pointing out that it did take me a good 15-20 minutes to eat so if you are in a rush this is probably not the best option.
My partner went with the Kare Burosu Ramen. According to the head chef, this is currently the most popular choice from the new vegan menu. It combines shichimi coated tofu and vegetables topped with stir-fried bean sprouts onions, book Choi peppers, mushrooms and chilli.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Wagamama without a pint of Asahi beer – also Vegan!
The only section that could do with a bit more work is the desserts section with only two types of sorbets currently on offer. Hopefully, this will be something they can work on.
There are even rumours that they are trailing a Vegan Katsu curry (I love the veggie version) – fingers crossed this comes to Manchester soon!
Overall, I’m impressed with the new menu and appreciative of the efforts of Wagamama. I’m intrigued to see what they add to the menu in 2018. Make sure you check it out soon!
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