Wagamama is one of my all-time favourite restaurants, it was the first one I went to when I found out I had these intolerances and ever since I have held them in high regard. They focus on modern asian cuisine, with fresh food made to order in the kitchen, you can see the flames rising from the restaurant so a great experience for all!
People:
I've had such a mixture of experiences when it comes to my visits to Wagamama. I have practically eaten in this restaurant in as many cities as I have been to, it was my first and only stable restaurant I had for my first year. I will always remember my first waitress in the Westfield Shepherd's Bush restaurant, I was so nervous, it was my first time eating out since having all the intolerances and I was quite embarrassed by it all. I asked her straightaway as soon as I got there if I would be able to eat or if I should find somewhere else. She assured me I would be looked after and there would definitely be something for me to eat, she was so reassuring and kind to me that it made my first experience eating out absolutely painless and delicious as well! After that, I have had my fair share of up's and downs, but consistently throughout they have this one rule. The manager on shift must take an order when there are allergies or intolerances, which I think is great. It does come with its ups and downs, my friends always joke how long it takes to order and that they should start looking at food when I say I have intolerances. However, it means they take it all very seriously and they always ensure the right food comes out every time.
8/10 (purely on some servers who were quite rude to me on occasion in the Reading branch)
Food:
Now, this has changed recently and I am not great with change when it comes to my favourite restaurants and their menus. It has meant that I have had to relearn what I can and can't have, I had memorised what had to be amended to my favourite dish but now I can no longer have it.
My dish was the Yasia Cha Han Donburi, my amended version contained rice with, mushrooms, tofu, sweetcorn and mange tout. I know this doesn't sound amazing, but the flavours all coming together made me very happy each time. Unfortunately they changed their menu a few months ago so now I can't eat it as they have changed the recipe which means they cannot remove the sauce which contains Gluten, this makes me super sad!
What I have now is the Yasai Itame (no amendments), this is a soupy noodle curry kind of dish which is still full of flavour but it contains coconut. Coconut is one of my borderline tolerated food. So now when I am on edge of feeling unwell, I can no longer go to my Wagamama which is a real shame.
I have also tried the Yasai Pad Thai, this is served without the sauce and egg, it isn't the best but it is better when I am not in the mood for soupy consistency food or my borderline tolerance of coconut.
I always have Edamame with Salt without exception, I love them. I love Edamame Beans so much that you could call it an unhealthy addiction if they weren't so good for you! Anytime they are on the menu anywhere I get them and I would go to Wagamama just to have plain steamed rice and edamame just because I'm weird like that!
The food options have been a lot more restricted recently so the score is going to be lower, they have however just released a Vegan Menu which for those of you who are only vegan, let me just say it looks amazing! I wish I could have those items because that many beautifully fresh vegan items on one menu is incredible.
They also now have some crazy flavoured sorbets which are super tasty!
8/10 (if they add back my option or add more, this will change)
Allergies/Intolerances:
In Wagamama, they take allergies and intolerances seriously. As I mentioned before, anytime they have someone come in with an intolerance or allergy, they cannot take the order until the manager comes over and goes through all allergens with you. They then take the order with notes all over to say the allergens on both starters and main course to ensure it is correctly made. When the food comes out, they also read it back to ensure the right food is delivered and prepared to instruction.
The website and restaurant have their allergen menu available so readily, it not only tells you what allergens are in each dish but it also highlights what can be adapted in the dish make it free of that particular allergen. I used to use this with my Donburi as it could be made without the sauce and egg, and no pickles on the side, this then made it Becki Friendly.
They still have this option and I think it is great, it allows more fluidity with meals, for those with and without allergies. Not all people like all things so their flexibility is a strong point, they also have something for everyone so I will give them the score they deserve on this section.
Just be prepared to be treated especially well, the manager may even bring your dish to you (this happened to me a lot!).
10/10