The Asian restaurant chain has branched out to serving Italian and Mexican-inspired meals.
I could not consider one factor about these dishes (Picture: Mia O’Hare)
Wagamama is thought for its big selection of Asian dishes from ramen, rice bowls, katsu curry and teppanyaki. Nevertheless, they’ve kicked off 2026 with two very uncommon additions to their menu.
The pan-Asian restaurant chain, which has branches all throughout the UK, actually determined to go all out by including Italian and Mexican dishes to their choices. It instantly caught my consideration once I noticed it, as I like all three cuisines. I additionally puzzled, how might they make it work?
I headed to my native Wagamama to strive it out for myself. Provided that they’re restricted additions, I knew I did not wan’t to waste any time in giving them a go.
I ordered each of the brand new dishes – tacomama and udonara. Even their names are a play on the Asian infusion to the traditional Mexican and Italian dishes.
The tacomama sees an assortment of Mexican and Asian flavours sit on two crispy open gyoza skins. It’s good as a starter or aspect.
Wagamama serves their dishes after they’re prepared however I used to be happy when my tacomama got here first. Teriyaki mushrooms, candy potato and kimchee mash, combined leaves, vegan mayo and pomegranate seeds all sit on the crispy gyoza.
They had been a lot greater than I used to be anticipating and an actual feast for the eyes as there was a lot color on my plate. I did battle figuring out easy methods to tuck in and determined a knife and work was the most suitable choice.
The flavours all labored completely and regardless of some reservations as to how it will all come collectively, I used to be fortunately confirmed improper. It was not like something I’ve had earlier than and every chunk gave me an asortment of flavours.
I’m not a vegan or vegetarian, and would sometimes order beef mince tacos if I used to be having Mexican meals. Nevertheless, I might truthfully not inform that I used to be consuming mushrooms as an alternative of meat – it was that succulent and flavourful.
Subsequent up got here the udonara, which if you have not guessed already is an infusion of Japanese udon noodles and an Italian carbonara. The dish featured thick udon noodles in a wealthy, creamy sauce with crispy vegan bacon, king oyster mushrooms and coriander.
Carbonara is my favorite Italian meal, as I a lot desire creamier sauces over tomato ones. I additionally love Asian meals, so this actually is a match made in heaven for me.
The noodles went so properly with the creamy sauce, I forgot I wasn’t consuming spaghetti or ‘actual’ cheese. And once more, the bacon was similar to the true factor regardless of it being vegan.
Recipe inspiration for the entire household plus chosen gives and competitions Subscribe Invalid e-mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may increasingly embody adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You possibly can unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
These dishes aren’t round for lengthy, and I’m very glad I attempted them for myself. Nevertheless, the one query I’ve been left with is how they managed to get mushrooms, creamy sauce and vegan bacon to style like the true factor?
I suppose that basically is a real praise from a meat eater, and a lesson to be learnt – do not be delay vegan dishes, particularly this Veganuary.
Leave a Reply