Wagamama - London

Wagamama noodles was one of my “splurge” meals in my poor student days.  Some noodles, some edamame and an elderflower juice was easily £15, which translated to $30 given the weak dollar at the time. But I loved it. Trendy, clean, consistent quality of the noodles. Back in the day, there were only three Wagamamas in all of London, and I mainly went to the one in Soho.

The name apparently means “selfish” or something like that. You’re supposed to throw your face down into the noodle bowl and slurp it all up with no concern of politeness for rationing the food or lip smacking.

Now Wagamama is a widespread chain, with many shops all over London and beyond. This one we went to in Moorgate is like any other Wagamama. Dependable, efficient, with a staff of unknown gender preference except it’s definitely not yours.

Soup noodles are such a large portion you really can’t expect to consume the whole thing. It’s a good option during the cooler months when a hot spicy soup will warm you up.

My preference is the amai udon, #43, and has been for years. Pan-fried udon noodles with fried tofu, prawns, spring onion, mungbean sprouts, tamarind sauce and crushed peanuts. The only sad part of the dish is the lime wedge, which is often dry and mealy and yields perhaps a single drop of lime juice to dress the dish. But it’s expected - this is hardly the Mediterranean.

My beverage, while normally the elderflower presse, was freshly made carrot and ginger juice. I thought that was best after the long flight.

My dining companions got the toropikaru senzai ramen, and the yaki soba.

I like the details of the interior. Hooks on the wall to hang a jacket, hooks under the table to hang a handbag, and the table under the table to place whatever you can’t manage to hang.  All this to keep the tables streamlined and clear of the disorganized baggage we hang off ourselves daily.

Wagamama (Moorgate)
1a Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9SS
Wagamama
Nearest tube: Moorgate