Wagamama Bullring

I don’t often review big chain restaurants like Wagamama, but I will admit, I love Wagamama food, so when I was invited to come and review the newly refurbished Bullring restaurant, I kindly accepted and went along on Sunday.

The restaurant now boasts an open kitchen, where you can see the chefs cooking on the teppan, and booths for a more private dining experience than the signature long benches.

When we arrived on Sunday afternoon the restaurant was busy. Pots clanging, grills hissing, children laughing and groups of friends chatting over bowls of steaming hot soup. Although it was loud and busy, it was still relaxed and service was attentive despite a nearly full restaurant.

After a quick look at the menu and ordering some iced tea and a fresh tropical juice, we decided to go for a mixture of starters to share.

First up were fried duck gyoza with a cherry ponzu sauce. The pastry was perfectly golden without a hint of grease, while the duck inside was still pink and tender (just how I like it). I’m so used to hoi sin sauce with duck that the cherry ponzu dip was a nice surprise. It paired with the duck very well in an unexpected way.

Next up was the chilli squid, a huge pile of crispy pieces doused in a spicy seasoning mix. This was a large portion, easily big enough for 2 to share and still be satisfied. The squid was cooked well, tender and not chewy. I loved the way the squid was cut to allow the seasoning to get into all the crevices and give it a really punchy flavour.

Then lastly was the Korean beef and red onion hirata bun. I love any form of steamed bun and this was no exception. The bun was sticky and soft, the beef was flavoursome but I have to say out of the two, I think the pork bun is the better one.

For our mains, well it had to be ramen. Steven went for the chilli steak ramen.

I opted for pork ramen.

Both bowls arrived steaming hot and loaded with toppings. Mine was garnished with pickles, pea shoots and fat slices of belly pork. The seaweed broth was really tasty, but was a little salty, and the generous portion left me feeling very full!

Steven enjoyed his too, saying the broth was spicy and delicious. Although we were full, we couldn’t help but share a dessert that Steven has wanted to try for ages. We went for the sweet rice balls with coconut and a passionfruit sauce. These sticky rice balls were rolled in coconut and deep fried, so they were crisp and sweet. The passionfruit sauce was mouthwateringly lovely. Although it isn’t a dessert I would choose for myself, it was a good dish and Steven enjoyed it.

Our bill came to around £53 not including service charge. I had been given £30 in Wagamama gift vouchers for my review, so in total we paid £23 (again not including service charge).

I can’t say I’ve ever had a bad meal at Wagamama, but even so I really enjoyed the food at Wagamama Bullring. The open kitchen was mesmerising, service was quick and all the staff were helpful and friendly. A great spot for lunch and guaranteed good food.

Cx

I was sent 2 £15 gift vouchers from Wagamama for my review. The remainder of the bill was paid by me and I am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions are, as always, my own.