Jyot RandhawaReview: Wagamama Restaurant and Food

About the restaurant

The word wagamama (わがまま) is Japanese for “self-indulgent”, “self-centered”, “disobedient” or “wilful”.

Founded by Alan Yau, Wagamama is a British restaurant chain, serving Asian food based on Japanese cuisine. The first Wagamama was opened in 1992 in Bloomsbury, London. Now it is located in numerous other locations such as Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Gibraltar, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the UAE, and the United States.^[6] Wagamama has released two cookbooks in order to further extend its brand.

Price for two

Approx 200-250 AED

My experience

I have always been a lover of different cuisines, so pan asian/Japanese was no different. But the first thing that comes to your mind when thinking about japanese cuisine is sushi. The round rice mounts are not only delectable but are healthy too. There have been numerous places out there serving sushi successfully. But to my surprise, at Wagamama, the menu doesn’t end at it. This restaurant has a ton of different items to offer.

My first ever welcome at Wagamama was with a big bowl of rice, some soup kinda watery thing and a small bowl of pickles. Now this is one of my favourites and it has a name too! It is called donburi.

Similarly there are plates and bowls full of broth or noodles and different curry options. My another absolutely favourite is raisukaree. It is a mild coconut and citrus curry served with rice. Now here the service of this place deserves a special mention. The raisukaree originally comes with two options – chicken and prawns. And I being a whole-hearted vegetarian, asked for a yasai (veg) option. And believe me, within moments my request was granted and I was served the most delicious raisukaree ever. This has not been the single experience there. I have been behaving like a brat there, asking for more customised options and I’ve always come out with a happy and satisfied face.

The ambience is quite casual but comfortable. The one at Crowne plaza reminds me of my hostel eating area and the one at dubai mall has a neutral but warm vibe to it. The servers are good listeners and the service is prompt.