Wagamama, Subiaco

LOCATION
In Subiaco Square, steps away from the Subiaco train station and Rokeby Road, Subiaco’s main street.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Known and loved by Londoners since 1992, Wagamama has been taking Australians by storm since its arrival in Sydney some time ago. After years of having to wait for a Sydney visit to enjoy a bowl of the restaurant’s tasty noodles, Wagamama has set up shop in Subiaco Square and has been doing a fabulous trade. Wagamama’s vision is quite simple: to combine great, fresh and nutritious food in a sleek yet simple setting with helpful, friendly service and value for money. And I’m happy to report the restaurant has made this vision a reality. Basing its food on Japanese-style noodles, soups and rice dishes, the menu is extensive and usually has something to tempt even the fussiest of eaters.

Using ramen noodles as the main ingredient, the soups at Wagamama are full of fresh flavours. The chilli beef ramen is one of my favourites with marinated grilled beef tenderloin, chilli, red onion, bean sprouts, coriander and more in a very tasty pork and chicken stock. If soup doesn’t float your boat, perhaps try the yaki soba; teppan-fried soba noodles with chicken, egg, shrimps, sesame seeds, pickled ginger and lots of other goodies. Or there’s the Western-world favourite – teriyaki beef, chicken or salmon. There’s something strangely addictive about this teriyaki and the quality of the produce makes it very moreish. There’s also a strong emphasis on sharing food at Wagamama. That’s not to say you have to split a prawn with the stranger next to you, but rather order dishes that let you and your guests share and experience a range of flavours. The more the merrier! Just remember that dishes are sent to tables as soon as they are cooked so your food may not arrive at the same time as your dining guests.

Karen Bilsby