An Ode to Wagagama's

Wally here, taking a break from studies for a quick entry.

Ah, Wagamama’s. For those who have never been to this wonderful and ever-growing chain of “Asian-fusion noodle bars”, let me say that you have missed one of the most subtle and un-subtle dining experiences afforded to those of us here in the United Kingdom. As you arrive, often going downstairs to a basement room here in the London versions of this restaurant, you are greeted by a person who tucks you into a row of tables and communal benches next to your fellow diners. Okay, you say, I’m eating right next to other people and there’s a paper placemat on the table. Nothing fancy here. You’re quite right – and oh, so wrong.

The menu has enough exotic stuff on it that your head is swimming just trying to make sense of it all, so you pick out some items that you know most of the ingredients that are listed, and go from there. Maybe an appetizer, too, if you’re feeling adventurous, like our favorites, the goza, or pot stickers or fried dumplings, depending on where you’re from.  Your server takes your order on a PDA, writing your order # down on your paper placemat, and the order goes right to the kitchen, where fresh ingredients are combined to make your food ready. The food is served as soon as it is ready, by your server or whoever happens by the open kitchen, so not everybody gets served at once. This allows those not being served yet to drool and lust over the lucky person(s) who have been served, possibly asking for a taste of that wonderful-looking dish, or remarking how big that serving is. The servings are large here, another non-subtle feature.

So where’s the subtlety, you ask? It’s in the rich and beautifully blended flavor of the food you are served. For instance, my ginger chicken udon was gloriously complicated by the flavors of ginger, light  soy, shitake mushrooms, carrots, sesame seeds, spring onions, regular onions, spices and even cilantro in it. The combination was spectacular. These people are not afraid to mix it up, and Maria’s dish was just as complicated and the Yaki Soba was just as good. Did I mention the noodles are impossibly fresh and so flavorful you might be tempted just to order them plain? Ramen noodles out of the box( or cup) will forever have you remembering what REAL noodles are like, and remembering Wagamama’s fondly.

And when you have finished or almost finished that giant plate of happiness, you might think your dining experience is complete. Not so, noodle-breath – there is dessert yet to come! How can dessert be different, you ask? How about a chocolate layer cake with a hint of wasabi in the frosting? How about my favorite, the white chocolate ginger cheesecake with a caramel/chili sauce on the side? That’ll liven up your dessert course, trust me. And again, the flavors work so remarkably well together you’re  enchanted by the amazing combinations.

Have I made you drool yet? Well, get a drool bucket and get over here. We’ll take you to Wagamama’s!