Samantha Kain and David McGinlay find out if this trend lives up to the hype.

The phenomenon that is Wagamama has finally touched down in Edinburgh. It opened three weeks ago on Lothian Road, not too far from Campus and the main student residential areas. The long queue for a table is not only a sign of the popular reputation that precedes Wagamama but is also a clear indicator of Edinburgh’s need for an affordable, trendy, non-buffet style Asian Restaurant.

We were shown to our table, an intimate table for four shared with another couple. We were not too fussed about having to sit next to strangers as it is a well-known ideology of the Wagamama Chain to promote communal seating. Thankfully, our neighbours had experienced it before as well. However, we have come to the conclusion that this is not the venue for a first date.

The service was fast and the waiting staff were friendly and helpful. We were pleased to find that the waiters were not the overly passionate, overly attentive, pestering kind that can be found in similar restaurant chains. This helped to set us at ease considering the slightly awkward situation we found ourselves in. After placing our order we were warned that our dishes would arrive at different times. We thought nothing of it at first, but despite this warning, we felt it was quite excessive when one main arrived around fifteen minutes after the first.

Now, onto the most important part:the food. The menu has something to suit almost everyone and offers a wide range of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. We highly recommend three in particular, the favourite being beef kushiyaki, a side from the specials menu. The beef was tender and extraordinarily tasty, the subtle hints of lemongrass with a sweet soy glaze bringing depth to the dish. The duck gyoza (deep-fried duck and leek dumplings) and ebi katsu (prawns deep-fried in panko breadcrumbs) were also delicious. The tori kara age (deep-fried chicken pieces), however, seemed to lack in flavour in comparison to the other side dishes and was a little too chewy for our liking.

Being noodle lovers, we were swayed towards the spicy soup based mains opting for Kare noodle, itame with chicken which can be served with tofu for any veggies out there. Like a Thai Green Curry in soup form, it had just the right chicken-to-vegetable ratio and was full of flavour whilst not overwhelming the taste buds. The other main we chose was teriyaki chicken donburi, which was well-cooked but fairly bland, lacking the bite expected in Far-Eastern cuisine. A small portion of chillies solved the problem giving the dish the kick it needed. The dishes were served in a traditional style, adding to the experience of Wagamama. Prospective customers useless with chopsticks need not fret, the understanding staff bring more familiar cutlery with every main.

Asahi beer was a great accompaniment to the main dishes, we found it incredibly refreshing and reasonably priced. The drinks selection was varied, though a little pricey. Those on a budget can opt for green tea which is both healthy and free.

A great way to end the meal is with a shot of Sake, Japanese rice wine. This was delicious and a change from the usual sambuca, tequila or other shots that would start a night out. A great way to end a great meal.

The food is relatively affordable and extremely filling. Wagamama has a fun, vibrant, friendly and trendy environment, suitable for everyone. It has all the hallmarks to be a regular on the student scene. It is a great start to a night out or somewhere to go and enjoy a delicious meal after a heavy day in lectures.

1 Castle Terrace
Corner of Lothian Road
Edinburgh
EH1 2DP
0131 229 5506

Opening hours:
Mon to Sat: 11am - 11pm.
Sun: 12.30pm to 10pm