Wagamama’s new vegan menu has got the online plant-based community excited – so Peterborough’s Vegetarian and Vegan group decided to hold one of its social nights at the local branch to see what all the fuss is about. I thought it’d be rude not to review my meal for the lovely vegan community out there.
I went for the kare burosu for my main. At £10.95 it was actually a substantial and very filling dish (it actually came in a bowl). The mushrooms interacted with the vegetable broth to produce a strong, rustic taste – mushrooms are my favourite meat substitute, so this was a definite thumbs-up from me. The wooden ladle provided to eat it with added to the rustic feel too.
The dish had a strong chilli kick – another plus in my book – which didn’t overpower the other flavours but complimented them perfectly. The soft tofu was delicious addition – and it was cooked just right. Tofu is a very hard ingredient to get right – Wagamama has succeeded here.
Wagamama didn’t skimp on the veg or the herbs in the meal either – and the udon noodles were divine – they are certainly my favourite noodles – thick and substantial. There was also plenty of fresh coriander to garnish the bowl.
I complimented my main with a side of yasai steamed gyoza – basically vegetable dumplings with a balsamic dip. They’re divine.
I’ve always been a huge dumpling fan, and these hold a perfect selection of vegetables the balsamic sauce is just the perfect compliment. A hint of chilli finished it off perfectly.
I also tried the wok fried greens and the broccoli and bok choi were delicious – stir-fried in garlic and soy sauce – they had just the right amount of crunch. I like broccoli cooked in soy sauce anyway, and this just reinforced the opinion of my taste-buds.
The edamame with salt side dish also gets a thumbs-up – it certainly had a kick to it. The salt definitely enhanced the beans’ natural flavour.
I had to try a dessert to finish off the evening – it’s vegan law. We had a choice of two sorbets and I went for the pink guava with passion fruit one – very nice it was too. I love a strong fruit flavour and this definitely didn’t disappoint in that department.
I chose a Kansho craft beer to wash down my food and I’m glad I did. The growth in the craft beer market is good news for vegans as we can actually drink a lot of them – and as most are made by independent breweries they score high on the ethical scale too.
This one had a pleasant zesty taste and looked like Irn Bru. It was light and, again, I enjoyed it very much.
You can check out Wagamama’s full vegan menu online – https://www.wagamama.com/our-menu/vegan
I have tried the yasai yaki soba before – I had that with rice noodles. I’m a mushroom fiend, so I pretty much go for anything with mushrooms and dish also impressed me. It’s not as substantial as the kare burosu but is a bit cheaper. It’s also less spicy – if you have a more delicate palate.
Wagamama must be commended for offering such a comprehensive vegan menu. The staff were also very friendly and helpful. The layout of the Peterborough restaurant is very welcoming. It’s well lit, unfussy and spacious. Wagamama also offers takeaway and delivery services.
An extremely pleasant evening.