Wagamama Vegetarian Menu UK 2026
Wagamama Vegetarian Menu: Complete Guide to Plant-Based Options (2026)
Vegetarian dining at Wagamama offers a delightful experience with a diverse range of dishes crafted to satisfy both taste and nutritional needs. This guide explores the Wagamama vegetarian menu, highlighting popular choices and nutritional information for those seeking flavorful meat-free options.
Walking into Wagamama as a vegetarian can feel overwhelming. The menu stretches across pages, filled with Japanese-inspired dishes that might contain hidden fish sauce or meat-based broths. You’re hungry, the waiter’s waiting, and you need answers fast.
This guide breaks down every vegetarian option at Wagamama, from their famous yasai katsu curry to lesser-known gems that deserve your attention.
What Makes Wagamama’s Vegetarian Menu Special?
Wagamama built its reputation on fresh, bold Asian flavors that don’t rely on meat as a crutch. Their vegetarian dishes aren’t afterthoughts—they’re carefully crafted meals that stand on their own.
The Wagamama vegetarian menu uses separate preparation areas for plant-based dishes in most locations. Their sauces get made fresh daily, and the vegetables arrive multiple times per week to maintain quality.
Each dish follows traditional Japanese cooking methods while adapting to plant-based ingredients. You’ll find proper umami depth without bonito flakes or dashi made from fish.
Best Vegetarian Dishes at Wagamama
Yasai Katsu Curry
This dish tops most vegetarian orders for good reason. Sweet potato, aubergine, and butternut squash get coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, then served over sticky white rice with curry sauce.
The curry sauce delivers that perfect balance—slightly sweet, mildly spicy, with enough richness to coat each grain of rice. The katsu stays crispy even after sitting in the sauce for a few minutes.
Price range: £12-14 depending on location.
Vegatsu
Similar to the yasai katsu but served as a donburi bowl. You get the same crispy vegetables over rice, but the presentation changes. Some locations add extra toppings like pickled ginger and spring onions.
Yasai Pad Thai
Rice noodles stir-fried with egg, beansprouts, leeks, and fried tofu. The tamarind sauce gives it that authentic sweet-sour taste you’d find in Bangkok street markets.
Ask for extra lime wedges. The citrus cuts through the richness and brings out the peanut garnish better.
Kare Burosu Ramen
A coconut and lemongrass soup base with rice noodles, tofu, bok choi, and mushrooms. This one works well for lighter appetites or when you want something warming without heaviness.
The broth gets its depth from miso paste and vegetable stock simmered for hours. Each bowl contains roughly 450 calories.
Wagamama Vegan vs Vegetarian Options
Here’s where things get interesting. The Wagamama vegetarian menu clearly marks vegan dishes with a green leaf symbol, while vegetarian items get a different marker.
Vegan dishes exclude all animal products—no eggs, dairy, or honey. Most curries fall into this category.
Vegetarian dishes may contain eggs or dairy. The pad thai uses eggs in the traditional preparation. Some sides come with dairy-based sauces.
The yasai katsu curry is vegan. The vegatsu isn’t because of the preparation method at some locations. Always check the current menu or ask staff about specific ingredients.
Starter Options for Vegetarians
Bang Bang Cauliflower
Korean inspired fried cauliflower with sweet and spicy sauce, spring onions, and sesame seeds. The coating stays crispy, and the sauce hits that addictive sweet-heat balance.
Each portion contains 8-10 cauliflower florets. Good for sharing or eating solo as an appetizer.
Edamame
Steamed young soybeans in the pod with salt. Simple, protein-rich, and comes out fast. Some locations offer a chili garlic version with extra kick.
Vegetable Gyoza
Five pan-fried dumplings filled with vegetables and served with dipping sauce. The crispy bottom and steamed top give you texture contrast in every bite.
Side Dishes Worth Ordering
The sides at Wagamama often get overlooked, but they complete a meal properly.
Sticky white rice – Plain but perfectly cooked. Acts as a blank canvas for curry sauces or spicy mains.
Wok-fried greens – Usually bok choi or Asian greens with garlic. Light, crisp, and adds freshness to heavier dishes.
Kimchee – Fermented vegetables with chili. Brings probiotics and tang to your plate. Check ingredients as some versions use fish sauce.
Comparing Popular Vegetarian Mains
| Dish | Calories | Spice Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yasai Katsu Curry | 680 | Mild | First-timers |
| Kare Burosu Ramen | 450 | Medium | Light meals |
| Yasai Pad Thai | 620 | Mild-Medium | Noodle lovers |
| Vegatsu | 590 | Mild | Quick lunch |
The yasai katsu delivers the most filling experience. The ramen works better for evening meals when you want something warming without feeling stuffed. Pad thai sits in the middle—substantial but not overwhelming.
Customizing Your Vegetarian Order
Staff at Wagamama can modify most dishes on the Wagamama vegetarian menu. Here’s what works:
Ask for extra vegetables in any curry. They’ll usually add more without charging extra.
Request spice level adjustments. The standard mild suits most palates, but you can bump it up to medium or hot.
Swap noodles in ramen dishes. Some locations let you switch egg noodles for rice noodles.
Add tofu to any dish for extra protein. Usually costs £2-3 more.
Skip the egg in pad thai if you’re vegan. The dish still works without it.
Drinks That Pair Well
The right drink elevates a meal from good to memorable.
Fresh juices – The apple and ginger juice cuts through rich curry sauces. Refreshing and slightly sweet.
Asian beers – Asahi or Sapporo complement spicy dishes without overwhelming your palate.
Green tea – Simple, traditional, and aids digestion after heavier meals.
Sake – Some locations offer it warm or cold. Works particularly well with ramen dishes.
Price Comparison Across Locations
Prices on the Wagamama vegetarian menu vary by location. A yasai katsu curry costs:
- Central London: £13.50-14
- Suburban locations: £12-12.50
- Airport locations: £15-16
Student discount brings 15% off in most locations when you show valid ID. The discount applies to food only, not drinks.
Lunch sets (available 11am-3pm weekdays at select locations) bundle a main with a side and drink for £12-15.
Common Questions About Vegetarian Options
Does the vegetable stock contain fish? No. Wagamama uses a proprietary vegetable stock made from onions, carrots, celery, and kombu seaweed.
Can I get the yasai katsu without curry sauce? Yes. Ask for the sauce on the side or skip it entirely. Some people prefer it with just soy sauce.
Do the noodles contain egg? Some do, some don’t. Ramen noodles typically contain egg. Rice noodles don’t. Check the menu symbols or ask staff.
Is the tempura batter vegetarian? Yes, but it’s not vegan due to egg content. Ask for specific ingredients if you have strict requirements.
Can I order half portions? Not officially, but staff will sometimes accommodate if you ask nicely. Better to order sides and share.
Do locations outside the UK have different menus? Yes. International locations adapt dishes to local tastes and ingredient availability. Always check the specific location’s menu.
How the Wagamama Vegetarian Menu Compares to Other Chains
Yo! Sushi offers fewer vegetarian mains but more variety in sushi options. Price points run similar.
Itsu focuses more on grab-and-go rather than sit-down meals. Their vegetarian selection feels limited compared to the Wagamama vegetarian menu.
Pho excels at Vietnamese cuisine but lacks the breadth of vegetarian options. Their menu centers heavily around meat-based broths.
Wagamama wins for vegetarians seeking variety, portion size, and depth of flavor. The dining experience feels more complete, and the kitchen handles dietary requirements better than most competitors.
Nutritional Breakdown
Most vegetarian mains at Wagamama contain:
- 450-700 calories
- 15-25g protein
- 60-90g carbohydrates
- 15-30g fat
The yasai katsu curry provides the most calories and fat due to the fried preparation. Ramen dishes tend to be lighter. Pad thai sits in the middle.
Each meal contains adequate vegetables to count as 2-3 of your daily portions. The sodium content runs high across the board (800-1200mg per dish), typical for restaurant Asian cuisine.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Start with the yasai katsu curry if you’re unsure. It represents the Wagamama vegetarian menu approach well—bold, satisfying, and properly seasoned.
Order a side of edamame while you wait. The main dishes take 10-15 minutes to prepare, and you’ll appreciate having something to nibble.
Ask for the spice level you want upfront. The kitchen can’t adjust it after preparation starts.
Don’t fill up on sides. The mains are substantial enough to satisfy most appetites alone.
Check the daily specials board. Some locations rotate seasonal vegetarian dishes that don’t appear on the standard menu.
Conclusion
The Wagamama vegetarian menu delivers solid plant-based options that stand up to scrutiny. The yasai katsu curry deserves its popularity, but don’t sleep on the ramen or pad thai. Each dish shows proper attention to flavor, texture, and presentation. Whether you’re vegetarian by choice or trying to eat less meat, the menu offers enough variety to keep you coming back.
