Wagamama’s Bold New Menu Brings Korean BBQ Wings, Wagyu Sliders and Ube Espresso Martinis to the Table
The pan-Asian restaurant chain is adding new dishes, Asian-inspired beverages, and customizable ramen and salads as it reshapes its U.S. dining experience.
Arlington VA – Wagamama is turning up the flavor with a major menu overhaul that brings together pan-Asian favorites, playful twists on American classics and a fresh lineup of cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks. The global restaurant brand, known for its Japanese-inspired cuisine and communal dining atmosphere, has introduced 26 new dishes and 15 Asian-inspired beverages as part of a broader effort to reinvent its U.S. restaurant experience.
Founded more than 30 years ago, their website explains their philosophy. Wagamama embraced “‘kaizen,’ meaning ‘good change,’ the philosophy that sits right at our heart. it shapes every dish we create and pushes us to find better ways in all that we do. we’re restless spirits. forever creating and making things better. We’ve been practicing kaizen since 1992, when we opened our first doors in London’s Bloomsbury. Inspired by fast-paced, Japanese ramen bars and a celebration of Asian food, Wagamama burst into life. we set out to create a unique way of eating. bringing the fresh, nourishing flavors of Asia to all.”
Wagamama is using customer feedback and changing dining preferences to guide its next chapter in the American market. “Today’s guests want more than a great meal – they’re looking for discovery, adventure, exploration and experiences they can share,” said Stephen Judge, CEO of Wagamama USA. “This new menu is a direct reflection of what our guests told us they wanted. We’ve expanded opportunities to customize, created exciting new flavor experiences and introduced a new beverage program that’s as bold and unexpected as our food. It’s a new era for Wagamama in the U.S.”
Korean BBQ Wings, Wagyu Sliders, and Build-Your-Own Ramen
The expanded menu adds new shareable starters, including Salt + Pepper Calamari, Korean BBQ Meatballs, Korean BBQ Wings, and Roti Canai. New categories include bao bun tacos filled with Fire Pork Belly, Short Rib or Thai Chili Shrimp, along with Wagyumama beef sliders in Korean Fire, Wagamama BBQ, Backyard and Teriyaki varieties. Crispy Togarashi French Fries round out the new offerings. One standout is the Teriyaki Wagyumama Beef Slider, which pairs a Wagyu beef patty with teriyaki sauce, Swiss cheese, crispy panko apple, red onions and pickled ginger mayonnaise. The combination brings sweet, savory, tangy and crunchy flavors to a familiar cheeseburger format.
Diners can also customize their own ramen and salads. New entrée options include Tonkotsu and Shiitake Miso ramen, plus Ahi Tuna and Thai Chili Shrimp poke bowls. Salad choices include Mandarin Salad, Wagamama Thai Salad and Yuzu Caesar Salad. The Bao Bun Tacos are made from pillowy soft, and tender Bao buns. A table favorite is the new Korean fried chicken made with Korean fried chicken with Korean BBQ sauce, and topped with sesame seeds and green onions. Or, try an original menu favorite, the Chili Hoisin Duck. The bun is filled with an abundance of shredded duck with hoisin sauce fresh chilis, cabbage, and scallions. Vegetarians are not left out as the Mushroom + eggplant bun contains a mix of mushrooms and panko crusted eggplant with a potsticker dipping sauce and garnished with mayo and cilantro. Leave off the mayo and the dish becomes vegan. Another vegetable delight is the Bang Bang cauliflower made with lightly battered cauliflower florets and garnished with red onions, and firecracker sauce with a garnish of ginger and cilantro.
Soba and ramen noodles dominate other portions of the menu. The Steak bulgogi is a staff and customer favorite, with flat iron steak glazed in bulgogi sauce with nihon soba noodles, fried eggplant, and kimchi. Or try a variety of ramen including duck leg in shoyu broth, shitake mushroom miso, or the tonkotsu make with pork belly in pork broth. Vegetarians and vegans will love the salads. The Mandarin salad features a variety of mixed greens, mandarins, edamame, and more with a rosemary soy ginger vinaigrette or the Wagamama Thai salad adds wonton strips, snap peas, carrots, cilantro, Fresno chilis, and peanuts to mixed greens and tossed in a Thai peanut vinaigrette. There are just so many good options for all diners including a well thought out children’s menu. Finish up your meal with Banana Egg Rolls, Chocolate Trilogy Cake, Apple Pie + Cinnamon Potstickers, and three ice cream flavors: coconut, mango and red bean.
Visit Wagmama hungry, leave ‘fat’ and happy! Good eats!
For menus, locations and reservations, visit wagamama.us.
