Wagamama has recently unveiled the updated vegan menu for 2018. We got the chance to check it out this week – including the long-awaited Vegan Katsu Curry! Here’s what we had to say…
If you are looking for good vegan options in the Trafford Centre you can’t go wrong with Wagamama. Launched in 2017, the new vegan menu at Wagamama has been a big hit. It’s been fully updated for 2018 with even more options as well as a few surprises.
Looking over the menu it is obvious that Wagamama have taken their time to come up with an impressive selection of dishes to please both vegans and those wanting to reduce their intake of animal-based products – or as Wagamama put it ‘V-curious’.
Vegan Mains at Wagamama Trafford Centre
Lizzie went for Kare Burosu Ramen, one of our favourite dishes on the Vegan menu. The ramen combines shichimi coated tofu and vegetables topped with stir-fried bean sprouts onions, peppers, mushrooms and chilli. To ensure the dish is 100% vegan the staff cook the tofu fresh every morning, ensuring that it isn’t mixed in with any vegetarian dishes.
I ordered the Vegan Katsu curry, the latest addition to the vegan menu for 2018. Trailed last year, the Vegan Katsu curry, or Vegatsu as they call it, has finally been launched nationwide across over 130 locations. With the chicken version selling over 10,000 dishes a day (that’s 3.5 million sales a year!), a vegan version has been a long time coming.
If you’re wondering how they make it, the Vegatsu uses seitan, otherwise known as ‘wheat meat’ or ‘wheat gluten’. Seitan (pronounced ‘Say-Tann’) has become very popular over the last few years due to it’s surprisingly similar look and texture to meat when cooked – far closer to Quorn or other substitutes. If you’ve been to V-Revs in Manchester you’ll have had it before.
Whilst breaded wheat protein in curry may not sound the most appetising on paper, I’m happy to say that the Vegatsu knocks it out the park. Served with a summer salad side and lots of rice, the vegan katsu curry is more than worth the wait!
Vegan Side Orders at Wagamama
A trip to Wagamama would not be complete without adding a few sides to the order!
The first side to arrive was the Mixed Mushrooms and Panko Aubergine Hirata Steamed Buns. By removing the mayonnaise the buns become not only vegan-friendly but far tastier in my opinion as it allows the panko aubergine and mushrooms to really shine. They are perfect for sharing too!
If you can’t wait for your food to arrive go for some edamame beans with chilli. They will arrive straight away. Very moreish indeed.
If you’re really hungry I would highly recommend you try the Steamed Dumplings. Lightly grilled and served with dipping sauce, these yasai dumplings will go down a treat.
Another favourite of ours is the Wok-Fried Greens. Whilst the picture doesn’t do them justice, the steamed broccoli and bok choi, stir-fried in a garlic and soy sauce is simple yet very appetising. We order it every time we go.
Wagamama Notes and Observations
- Green Tea at Wagamama is Free of Charge (as long as you are eating). It’s not too strong either.
- During busy periods you can expect a queue at the Trafford Centre branch. However, it does move fast, so you’ll be sat down before you know it.
Overal, I’m more than impressed with the additions to the Vegan Menu at Wagamama. It’s great to see new dishes being added already. If you are still undecided make sure to check them out soon.
Wagamama
The Orient, R9, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA
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