Wagamama Trafford Centre - VIP Preview Lunch

Last month, hubby, the little one and I were lucky enough to get an exclusive VIP sneak preview of Wagamama’s largest restaurant, opening at the Trafford Centre. Wagamama is easily one of my favourite places to eat (I still remember my first ever visit to their restaurant in Kensington when they first opened), so I jumped at the chance.

When approaching the restaurant, it looks modern and chic and it’s only when you walk in, that you realise how big it is. It’s a tardis, with 295 seats across two floors, the trademark open kitchen spanning the length of the ground floor and a new feature…you can sit and eat at the kitchen and watch the chefs hard at work.

I was really impressed with the fit-out, which feels much more like a bar/restaurant, with a mix of wood, stone, metal and atmospheric lighting. A great spot for some pre or post cinema grub.

We were treated to a walk-through of the restaurant by Executive Chef, Steven, who also talked us through some new and exciting additions to the menu…two of which were a tweaked version of their classic ramen dish and which he and his chefs would be demonstrating how to cook. When I heard the words “beef brisket” and “ramen” in the same sentence, my ears pricked and I made my way to the kitchen to watch the dish be brought to life in front of my very eyes. The other dish was a King Prawn and Samphire ramen.

You could tell there were some “pre-opening” nerves in the kitchen, but the chefs were eager to get cooking and the place really came to life once they had a few orders!

Steven talked us through the complexities and depths of flavour in the new dish and the aromas from the kitchen were mouth-watering. He also talked us through how things like the size and shape of the bowl were important to enjoying the dish and maximising the flavour. Then it was laid out in front of us to dig into and boy was it good! There was an impressive piece of brisket, which just fell off the bone on top of a huge bed of noodles, with vegetables and a delicious broth.

Beef Brisket Ramen

King Prawn and Samphire Ramen

Fresh Fruit Juice

Now I don’t usually opt for ramen, as I find there is too much broth, which by the end of the dish feels a bit bland. Not with the Beef Brisket Ramen! There is a deep beefy flavour and a slight undertone of heat coming from the chillis that carries the whole dish through from start to finish.

Once the demos were over, we could order dishes for ourselves and I ordered this one and devoured every last bit of it (along with the obligatory duck gyoza….would be rude not to!).

I could go on all day raving about the dishes at Wagamama, but chances are you already know and like the food, that’s why you’re reading this. What I would say is that the new restaurant in the Trafford Centre is seriously impressive and a welcome addition to the other eateries in the food hall. So be sure to stop on by!

Thanks Wagamama – full-up and time for a nap!