VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN MENU AT WAGAMAMA

Wagamama has extended its vegan and vegetarian menu with a large variety of appetizing and tasty dishes to satisfy our tastebuds

This year we have definitely seen a huge rise in the vegan and vegetarian menus across Abu Dhabi and more widely around the world. We are just back from tasting newly added vegan and vegetarian dishes at Wagamama Abu Dhabi. Wagamama has introduced these new dishes to their vegetarian and vegan menu (separate from their regular menu).

Some of you are still wondering what the difference is between vegetarian and vegan dishes? While vegan dishes are plant-based and contain no animal products, vegetarian dishes may include dairy and eggs. Simple!

A haven for plant-based and vegetarian foodies

The menu is divided into different sections: sides that can also be considered as appetizers, mains and desserts. Invited to review this vegan and vegetarian menu during the World Vegan month (November), we must say we were spoilt for choice as the menu allows guests to explore the world of meat-free dining with 13 vegan dishes, and 11 vegetarian dishes, focusing on the idea that meat-free shouldn’t mean taste-free.

We decided to opt for a mix of vegetarian and vegan dishes and must say their new releases were a pleasure to try.

We first started with their bang bang cauliflower, which came served warm and quite spicy (32 AED): the crispy wok-fried cauliflower are wok-fried and coated in firecracker sauce. A flavorful sharing-style appetizer that we devoured in no time is topped with red and spring onions and is garnished with fresh ginger. We also ordered their vegan steamed Yasay Gyoza which comes as a set of five tasty steamed dumplings, served grilled with a dipping sauce aside.

Usually fans of ramen bowls, their kare buroso ramen was a hit at the table (55AED). Served in a large black bowl, this main is not only appealing to the eyes but a feast for the tummy. Shichimi-coated silken tofu and grilled mixed mushrooms come on top of a bed of udon noodles cooked in a curried vegetable broth, finished with pea shoots, carrot, chilli and coriander. A warm, comforting and filling dish we will definitely order it again on our next visit.

Our partner in crime went for a very filling hot yasai katsu curry (51AED). Apart from the large rice portion topped with a curry sauce we asked mild, the dish comes with a mix of eggplants, sweet potato and butternut squash slices coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, with some salad aside.

If you are in the mood for something sweet, go for their mango passion cheesecake (32AED), which is one of their best-seller desserts. After an appetizer and filling main, sharing a dessert for 2 is more than enough to finish on a sweet touch. We liked the balance between the pink guava sorbet flavor and the passion fruit coulis that gave it a kick. Glazed on top with passion fruit coulis and seeds, the vegan cheesecake had a rich and thick texture made with cashew coconut base; it was lying over a bed of oat crust and paired well with the refreshing pink guava sorbet coming aside.

If you haven’t visited Wagamama Abu Dhabi yet – there is one location only for now and this restaurant is located at the third floor at Abu Dhabi mall– this is definitely a casual place to consider whenever you want a wholesome Japanese dish packed with flavors. Their ramens and gyozas are a firm favorite but there is a lot more to explore on their menu. Service is always efficient, the restaurant is usually quite busy both on weekdays and weekends and has gained a great reputation amongst Asian food lovers.

If you arrive early enough, you can probably opt for a table facing the sea and Al Maryah Island.

We just hope Wagamama will expand across the Capital in the next few years.

WAGAMAMA ABU DHABI | Abu Dhabi mall, third floor

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