Wagamama

Wagamama is a British-headquartered restaurant chain, serving Asian food inspired by the flavours of Japan. The name 'Wagamama' translates to 'selfish' in Japanese, reflecting the company's philosophy of ordering dishes to arrive when they're ready rather than in the traditional sequence of courses.

History

Alan Yau, a British restaurateur, founded Wagamama in Bloomsbury, London in 1992. The restaurant was one of the first to use a communal table system, which has since become a hallmark of the Wagamama brand. In 1997, Wagamama was sold to the restaurant division of the UK-based private equity firm Graphite Capital.

Menu

Wagamama's menu offers a variety of Japanese cuisine including ramen, teppanyaki, donburi, and curry. The menu also includes a selection of side dishes, salads, and desserts. Wagamama has been praised for its innovative approach to Asian cuisine, and for its commitment to using fresh ingredients.

Expansion

Since its inception, Wagamama has expanded rapidly both in the UK and internationally. As of 2021, there are over 200 Wagamama restaurants worldwide, including locations in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and across Europe.

Criticism and Controversy

Wagamama has faced criticism for its treatment of staff, including allegations of unfair pay and poor working conditions. In 2018, the company was fined by the UK government for failing to pay the minimum wage to some of its workers.

See Also

• List of restaurant chains in the United Kingdom
• Japanese cuisine
• Alan Yau