Wagamama

So something s little exciting going on at the fort a little different to your normal fast food by wagamamas would now be my first choice. It’s big and bright and the staff are very friendly.
Ever time would be a Katsu chicken curry! But now times have change so I opted for the sirloin steak ramen. Now wasn’t real ramen but it was very good it was kind of a mash up between phở and ramen.
Duck Goya again not totally authentic but very nice this was served with a stick dip that tastes a little syrup like.
Not the worst chain joint always rely on a decent Katsu curry.

It’s probably the best food place in the fort now. You walk in and it feels brand spanking new. It’s bright and there is plenty of room. The décor is pleasant as it always is at this chain. The staff were exceptionally friendly which again is the norm.
So all good so far and we move on to the food. Two dishes were selected. First up some duck gyosas with a side of plum tasting sauce. There were lovely, but they were not gyosas, they were more like mini pastries. Good food, but miles away from being authentic Asian gyosas.
Mains was meant to satisfy my craving for some top class ramen. Unfortunately it was more medium class. The beef chilli ramen is not bad, it’s got a good portion of meat and it’s spicy enough, but it’s poor in terms of matching the real things. The broth lets it down badly, you can tell there is no substance to it. Ramen stock should be cooked for hours, this seemed liked ten mins. Also there was far to much going on, lime, red onions, bean sprouts… It needs to be kept more simple and where is the boiled egg! All a bit disappointing
3 stars. You won’t hate it, but you won’t love it. Chain food…

I’d go with A-​OK for this visit, my friend and I were at the Fort as it is handy for her to be able to drive to and me to get the bus to. Wagamama is new and we both like spicy food. I’ve only ever been to Wagamama once and it was years ago so I was looking forward to trying some new food.
The staff were really friendly and welcoming, greeting us at the door and offering a choice of seating; I like that they have a range of seats, some at the window for groups of up to 4, some by the kitchen for small groups and some at benches for larger groups. It was fairly busy even though we arrived fairly early into most people’s lunch time but we chose a seat by the window where we could also have a nosey into the kitchen. The menu is quite large, and it does say that you can customise it (e.g. change your stock from chicken to vegetable), and they have condiments on the table to adjust the spice level (pepper, chilli sauce, reduced salt soy and also soy sauce).
The drinks menu is pretty good, lots of alcohol free options (and plenty non standard beers), they also have a special kids menu where adults can also choose from the freshly made juices– a nice touch. I was super excited to see a mango and coconut drink, which was new to me (made by Bottle Green, who also make nice elderflower flavour things as well).
I had forgotten that at Wagamama the food arrives completely randomly, when it is made. Other restaurants seem to be able to do courses, so I am not sure why they do this! We had ordered vegetable gyoza to share, which came first (absolutely delicious dough with fresh vegetables inside, served with a tangy dip, very moreish). My friends chicken chilli ramen came next, but she had to send it back as she felt that the broth was too cold. Such a shame. We chatted and drank our drinks, but then after what seemed like ages my food came so she sat with nothing in front of her whilst I tucked into mine. There were only two pieces of tofu, which was a bit on the sparse side, but lots and lots of different types of mushrooms which were well cooked and most flavoursome. The broth was a little salty for my tastes but the combination overall worked really well. I’d eaten almost half of my ramen bowl by the time my friends new bowl came out. but this time she said it was perfect. Hers came with a large chicken breast, which was decidedly more generous than my tofu!
It was not an unpleasant meal, the serving staff were great and I’d happily go back again sometime if we happened to be there, but nothing I would specially rush back to have given the random order of food service and my friend’s experience with the stock.

Just back from our first venture into wagamamas at the Fort. It was quiet enough to get a seat with plenty of room and they were very accomodating of our 14 month old daughter. Crayons were handed out after checking it was ok with us and the staff were attentive without being instrusive. My Yakisoba was delicious with a strong ginger aroma and had plenty of kick to it. The Chicken Katsu Curry got the thumbs up from my husband and certainly looked to be the most popular dish in the restaurant. The kids menu is varied with good portion sizes — Molly loved her chicken noodles and edamame beans. Also enjoyed the free green tea!

Mega busy as Father’s Day and also Tea time — only waited 5 mins after they said possibly 15. Lovely surrounds marble, concrete and wood. Beautiful glass lamp shades with filament bulbs and skinny strip lighting with smoked mirrors and open ceilings with the air con blacked out. Good buzz about the place but sold out of a few beers but they have others they can offer xx.