If I started this post telling you how much of a
Waga fan I've always been then I'd be lying. In truth, I'd only been once before a few years ago and I found the experience neither here nor there. However, with a new one having opened it's doors in the suburbs (Speke retail to you and me) I was invited down to try out the menu and I was fully interested to see what was on offer just a short drive from my front door. In all honestly, I loved it.
Cool, simple, minimal whatever you want to call it, the new restaurant is unsurprisingly more stylish than it's
New Mersey counterparts (there's a new TGI's and a Nando's next door). Likewise, the food, drinks and dining experience were so much more than you'd expect from such a big chain with a well thought out, ethical menu and
restaurant philosophy. This one's a chain with a bit of a conscience.
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| Jinzu |
After much deliberation the starters were ordered as always, with excess. After a couple of pre-dinner Jinzu G&T's and nearly choking myself to death on some Edamame beans (apparently you don't eat the skin-who knew?!) the table was filled with plate after plate of delicious Asian-inspired starters like dumplings, gyoza and chilli fried squid. Highlights for me included Bang Bang Cauli (£4.75), roasted cauliflower in a sticky glaze along with the new Tama Squid (£6.95)- crispy balls of squid topped with 'dancing' bonito flakes. Absolute nightmare to pick up with a chopsticks but so delicious.
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| Beef Tataki |
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| Bang Bang Cauli |
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| Tama Squid |
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| Lollipop Prawn Kushiyaki |
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| Chilli Squid |
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| Chicken Gyoza |
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| Pork Belly, Panko Apple, Sriracha Bao |
Having gone a wee bit overboard on the starters (I think it was 9 in total) and with my poor attempt at a holiday diet in mind we decided to be a tad more reserved with the mains. Yaki Soba Noodles with chicken and prawns (£9.50) were good but paled in comparison to my Grilled Duck Donburi (£14.25). A comforting bowl of sticky rice, roasted duck and spring onion with a runny egg yolk to sauce it all up. A side bowl of fiery Kimchi was just what the doctor ordered to liven it all up, but I advise you mix it in with your dish rather than munching it straight up if you value the use of your tastebuds.
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| Yaki Soba |
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| Raisukaree Curry |
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| Duck Donburi |
Past experiences with Asian style restaurants meant I didn't have high hopes on the dessert front but just like the rest of the menu I was completely surprised with what we had and, after inhaling a Banana Katsu with Salted Caramel Sauce (£5.95), was fuming with myself for not having it sooner. A Chocolate Layer Cake (£5.95), something I'd never pick from a menu, tasted like a Sara Lee Gateau and a Ferrero Rocher had a love child although I'd also recommend the White Chocolate and Ginger Cheesecake (£5.95) if you're after something a little lighter.
I was completely surprised by the menu at Waga's at I'm definitely planning on going again, might avoid the Edamame next time though.
Find the new Wagamama-
here.
