Wagamama Just Added Vegan Ribs and Chili Squid to the Menu

Wagamama to Launch Amazing New Vegan Menu!

(Updated January 7, 2021)

Wagamama just launched a special vegan menu to celebrate Veganuary 2021.

The popular British chain — which produces Asian food based on Japanese cuisine — now serves vegan sticky ribs, along with plant-based versions of cult favorites duck donburi and chili squid, all of which use a mushroom base.

The vegan ribs also include soy protein, while the duck combines shredded seitan with shitake. Finally, the chili “squid” is made with pulled king oyster mushrooms. Wagamama has also veganized its Firecracker Curry by swapping chicken with crispy tofu.

The new vegan menu is part of the “Small Choices, Big Change” campaign, which aims to reduce its contributions to climate change. The brand also announced its plans to make the entire main menu 50 percent meat-free by the end of the year, including the complete removal of all red meat.

By adding vegan versions of its most popular dishes, Wagamama aims to encourage what it calls “sustainable swaps,” enabling customers to cut back on meat without cutting out their favorite dishes.

“This new menu clearly embraces the opportunity to create vegan versions of fan favorites, while also introducing guests to new innovative plant-based options. It will appeal to non-vegans and vegans alike, and we can’t wait to try it,” said Veganuary’s International Head of Communications Toni Vernelli.

Wagamama to Launch Amazing New Vegan Menu!
In addition to the new dishes, Wagamama’s menu has a variety of vegan options. | Wagamama.

Wagamama’s expanding vegan menu

Wagamama has significantly expanded its vegan menu in recent years. The 2021 additions join tofu ramen, a seitan kokoro bowl, and six vegan curries — including the popular seitan katsu. Veganuary 2019 saw Wagamama launch vegan egg, and in 2020 the brand introduced tuna-style watermelon to the menu.

Additional items are vegan-adaptable, and a variety of starters, sides, and sorbets are also free from animal products. Wagamama offers child-sized versions of its popular vegan dishes.

“We believe that vegan choices should be so delicious that everyone should want to include in their lives,” said Wagamama CEO Emma Woods. “Whether a strict vegan or someone who has never thought of themselves as a vegan before. As Covid causes us all to press pause on so many things, let’s make sure we fast forward the small decisions which can better our planet.”

Wagamama’s vegan chili squid and no duck donburi are only available as eat-in meals. Vegan sticky ribs, tofu firecracker curry, and tofu raisukaree can be ordered to eat-in, for delivery, or for click+collect. However, nationwide coronavirus restrictions currently restrict dining in.