Wagamama launches the worlds first Vegan Egg – We tried the dish to see if it tastes as good as it looks….
‘Bleeding’ burgers, sausage rolls and proper ice-cream. If there’s one thing this year hasn’t been short on is new plant-based foods to capture the attention of both vegans and non-vegans alike. The latest edition to that list is the Vegan Egg, Wagamama’s newest creation on their ever-expanding vegan menu. But can a vegan egg replace the real thing – and is it even trying to?
With all the fuss this week online and in the press, we had to check it out as soon as we could. We visited Wagamama Spinningfields to be one of the first to try the avant gard’n.
So… What’s it Like?
It may look like an egg but if you’re expecting to taste like one you are going to be disappointed. The team at Wagamama’s are at pains to point to that the vegan egg is very much its own thing. It’s best to try it with an open mind
I first tried the egg on its own. The overriding initial taste was of the coconut milk coating the inside of my mouth – far too strong to be enjoyed on its own. It’s a little jarring to get such a strong pungent flavour when eating something that looks egg-like. At this point, I’m worried that I’m not going to able to eat more than a few bites. Could this be the first vegan dish at Wagamama that I wouldn’t recommend?
Eating amongst the rest of the dish and it starts to make more sense. The egg acts as a sauce – without it could be too dry. Clearly, this is how it’s meant to be enjoyed and it works. Paired with the carrot juice, it’s hard to think of a better healthy lunch option.
What is the Vegan Egg Made From?
The vegan egg is made using miso egg white, Siracha mayo yolk cornflour and coconut milk. The ingredients and mixed together to create a pannacotta like substance before cooking and then putting into the egg mould. The yolk of the egg is made from Siracha mayo and is placed on top of the ‘egg white’ just before it’s served.
What is the rest of the Dish like?
With all the attention placed on the Vegan Egg I’ve not seen much focus on the rest of the bowl. Barbecued-Glazed seitan, caramelized king oyster mushrooms and asparagus on a bed of savoury rice – it’s enough to whet your appetite!
For me, it’s what’s served below the egg that really makes the dish. The avant gard’n is a terrific addition to the vegan menu.
Would you order the Vegan Egg again?
If you go in expecting an egg that you could serve up on toast and you’re only going to be disappointed. The vegan egg is not trying to be a like-for-like substitute. But, if you go in looking to try something you’ve never had before, the avant gard’n works.
Try the dish for yourself and let me know what you think. It’s certainly more interesting than a vegan sausage roll.
The Wagamama vegan egg is available across the UK now. Check the Wagamama website to find out more.
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