logo
wagamama launches new summer menu as it says 'Food is life'

wagamama launches new summer menu as it says 'Food is life'

Wales Online13-06-2025

wagamama launches new summer menu as it says 'Food is life'
The restaurant says it is the most expansive launch since it was founded in 1992
wagamama has created what it calls its most powerful and expansive launch since it was founded in 1992, Food is Life. Food is Life is 'a celebration of food's emotional power and cultural importance'.
wagamama is launching a bold new summer menu that showcases personalisation, freshness and feel-good food. Among the innovations are brand-new pho noodle soups, made with a yuzu broth and served with konjac noodles – a high-fibre, low-calorie alternative.

Guests can choose from three topping options - chicken thigh, hoki fish, or king oyster mushrooms. Each bowl is finished with red pepper, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime.

In response to increasing demand for choice and dishes that can be personalised wagamama has also introduced a build-your-own donburi. Guests can create their own bowl from protein selection and double-ups for bigger appetites to fresh toppings and vegetables of their choice. The new donburi format now includes cauliflower 'rice' as a fresh base alternative.
There are also new summer salads like sweet chilli salad with a choice of caramelised chicken or tofu, and a pad thai salad, inspired by the brand's teppanyaki dishes.
Article continues below
Steve Mangleshot, Global Executive Chef at wagamama, said: 'wagamama has always been distinctive, from our open kitchens to our communal benches, we were born different. In a world of sameness, we're doubling down on that difference. With 'Food is Life', we're reminding the world that food isn't just something you consume. It's something you feel. Something that can change your day, and even your life and it can be enjoyed anytime, any occasion."
Steve added: 'We've listened closely to what our guests want, and we're excited to introduce a summer menu that gives them more fresh and nourishing flavours like our light and fragrant phos, vibrant salads, and personalised build-your-own donburis.'
wagamama is also launching new non-alcoholic drinks including Saffron Picante, Strawberry spritz and a Kickstart juice.
Article continues below
On the dessert side, wagamama is introducing miso caramel banana bread, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce
Emma Colquhoun, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer at wagamama, said: 'Food is Life is at the heart of wagamama, it represents fresh, innovative dishes as well as the relaxed and friendly environment it is served. In a world that often moves too fast, we're championing food as a source of connection, creativity and care."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

I know biggest mistake ailing Poundland made, says firm's ex-boss Steve Smith as he reveals he offered to rescue chain
I know biggest mistake ailing Poundland made, says firm's ex-boss Steve Smith as he reveals he offered to rescue chain

Scottish Sun

time9 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

I know biggest mistake ailing Poundland made, says firm's ex-boss Steve Smith as he reveals he offered to rescue chain

GETTING POUNDED I know biggest mistake ailing Poundland made, says firm's ex-boss Steve Smith as he reveals he offered to rescue chain Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER Poundland boss Steve Smith has revealed he offered to rescue the struggling high street chain four weeks ago. But the multi-millionaire, who launched the bargain-hunter's paradise in 1990, was too late to save 68 shops which will now close following a major restructuring deal. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Ex-Poundland boss Steve Smith has revealed he offered to rescue the struggling high street chain Credit: Nigel Iskander In an exclusive interview, Steve told The Sun on Sunday: 'I felt really sad when I heard the news. Poundland was my baby, really, so it's emotional for me.' Steve came up with a rescue plan, but last week, Polish owner Pepco Group sold Poundland to US investment firm Gordon Brothers for £1 after a slump in trading. 'I wanted to help' And he believes the downturn was a result of no longer having every item priced at a pound. Over recent years, stores have introduced more expensive items such as cleaning products, frozen foods and multibuy deals. READ MORE ON BUSINESS BYE BYE Family-run retailer closing with 'everything must go' due to Labour tax hikes The Government has pushed up National Insurance payments, which cost businesses millions every year Steve Smith He said: 'As I see it, there were a number of problems — crucially the decision to move away from the £1 an item formula. 'Another big issue is the state of the British high street. 'The Government has pushed up National Insurance payments, which cost businesses millions every year. 'Rates are going up, too, but the local councils don't even take away retailers' rubbish any more. Theft is another massive problem. In some places it has doubled in the last 18 months because we don't have enough police. As well as that, retailers have to deal with inadequate parking for customers. 'I would have introduced a loyalty points scheme for customers that offers them incentives like free parking. 'It feels to me like councils want to shut down the British high street.' Walkthrough Poundland's first £1million store When former market trader Steve, 63, turned 18 and wanted to launch a business of his own, his father Keith gave him the idea of starting up a shop where every item cost £1. Together, the pair co- founded Poundland, opening their first shop in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, in December 1990. It made an astonishing £13,000 on day one. Steve went on to build an empire of hundreds of stores around the country and employed more than 8,000 people. But the pressure of running a multi-million pound business took its toll. In 2006, he took the tough decision to sell his final shares in the business for £250million. I offered to buy back the company from the Pepco Group to turn it round, but they turned me down Steve Smith He said: 'I used to get up in the morning, my daughter was asleep, I used to get back home and she was asleep. Before I knew it, she was 16.' But he admitted: 'It was as though somebody had died when we sold. I felt I had taken it as far as I could without further major investment, but when I heard the business was in trouble, of course I wanted to help. 'I offered to buy back the company from the Pepco Group to turn it round, but they turned me down. 'I was too late. I had the backing of some very wealthy entrepreneurs who wanted to invest — like me, they still believe in the concept and more importantly the people that work there. 'Now, the business I built into a multi-million pound company has been sold for £1, and it breaks my heart. 'So proud' 'I could see where it was going wrong and my parents would be spinning in their graves to see what has happened to our beloved business. 'They died within months of each other in 2022 and were so proud of the company, they even had a Poundland museum in their home.' While around 650 stores will be saved by the new deal for now, a further 82 loss-making shops could be set to close their doors soon. Poundland also plans to scale back its chilled range and close its frozen and digital distribution site at Darton, South Yorkshire, this year. Another warehouse in Bilston, West Midlands, is to close in early 2026. Around 1,000 shop staff and 350 warehouse workers in the UK will be affected by the Poundland restructure, but none in Ireland.

Marriage Diaries: Should I get a prenup for my second wedding or trust my husband-to-be?
Marriage Diaries: Should I get a prenup for my second wedding or trust my husband-to-be?

Telegraph

time12 hours ago

  • Telegraph

Marriage Diaries: Should I get a prenup for my second wedding or trust my husband-to-be?

Should you be planning the end of your marriage before you've even tied the knot? This is the question that's been plaguing me for the past few weeks. I'm 58 years old, and next March will be marrying Steve, 60. It will be a second wedding for both of us: I have three young adult daughters and he has a son. Steve and I are taking great pleasure in planning the next stage of our lives together. But – in between conversations about which location would suit our intimate ceremony, and what dress I should wear as a 50-something bride – I can't help but wonder whether we should get a prenuptial agreement. I'm so preoccupied about this decision that it's been keeping me awake at night. I've been fully open with Steve about my dilemma. He's quite relaxed about the subject, and isn't offended (at least, that's what he tells me) but doesn't think a prenup is necessary. I think this comes down to how we both experienced the end of our last marriages. My divorce from my ex-husband came through six years ago. It was nasty and protracted and expensive, mostly because my ex tried to hide money abroad and attempted to bully me into submission when I was hoping to appeal to his – ultimately absent – better nature. In the end, I had to hire a top family law firm. After a draining process – which ended up in court with a finance dispute resolution – I received a fair settlement. But it cost me the best part of £50,000 and a whole lot of tears. On the other hand, Steve's experience of divorce was far more pleasant. He and his wife had an amicable 'no fault' settlement, which barely involved lawyers. His son was also grown up, so it was less traumatic for everyone. After the sale of the London marital home, my children and I moved into a small cottage in West Sussex which I decorated with great care: I feel happy and settled here. I love my current home so much that Steve has agreed to move in with me while he rents out his Yorkshire house. When it comes to our respective finances, Steve and I are comfortable, but neither of us are rich: I'd say that financially, we are in a similar situation. We are both self-employed in the arts world and our properties are worth about the same. Prenuptial agreements didn't used to be binding in the UK, but I've consulted a lawyer who has told me that – done the right way – they can be. The problem is, setting up a legally watertight agreement could cost up to £4,000. My best friend is telling me that I'm being cynical and defeatist. Having known me for most of my life, she agrees that Steve is a far nicer man than my ex. I should embrace this happy new path with joy, she says, and not throw shade on the occasion by being negative. But she hasn't been through the pain of divorce: she hasn't seen how a white-wedding day can turn into a miasma of bitterness and hatred. I'm just not sure I could go through all that again. All I really care about is keeping this well-loved roof over my head, should we separate – this basic security is everything to me. 'We're both nice people,' says Steve. 'In the worst-case scenario we would sort it out, and I would never take your home from you.' But is it naive to believe this statement, uttered when things are at their rosiest? Surely one of the gifts of reaching midlife is learning from experience, and not making the same mistakes again. Should I listen to my gut and instruct a lawyer? Or am I being negative and doomy – and would my time (and money) be better spent on booking a super-luxurious honeymoon?

wagamama launches summer menu with build-your-own bowls and non-alcoholic drinks
wagamama launches summer menu with build-your-own bowls and non-alcoholic drinks

Daily Mirror

time13-06-2025

  • Daily Mirror

wagamama launches summer menu with build-your-own bowls and non-alcoholic drinks

wagamama has launched its new summer menu, which includes pho noodle soups, build-your-own rice bowls, and miso caramel banana bread, as well as a new brand platform In a major move, wagamama has launched 'Food is Life', a new brand platform and summer menu designed to reinforce what the brand says is a commitment to fresh, innovative food and meaningful dining experiences. The 'Food is Life' platform is described as the 'most powerful and expansive' launch since wagamama's founding in 1992. According to the brand, 'Food is Life' is a celebration of food's emotional power and cultural importance, focusing in on the belief that food is much more than just fuel. The new platform is being rolled out alongside a bold summer menu that emphasises personalisation, freshness, and feel-good food. ‌ ‌ Among the highlights are brand-new pho noodle soups, featuring a fragrant yuzu broth and konjac noodles. It has also introduced a build-your-own donburi concept, following demand for better personalisation. Diners can create their own rice bowl, choosing from a range of proteins, fresh toppings, and vegetables, with the option to swap in cauliflower 'rice' as a lighter base. The summer menu also boasts vibrant new salads, such as a sweet chilli salad with caramelised chicken or tofu, and a pad thai salad inspired by the brand's popular teppanyaki dishes. These are targeted at customers seeking healthier meals without compromising on flavour. Steve Mangleshot, wagamama's Global Executive Chef, said: "wagamama has always been distinctive, from our open kitchens to our communal benches, we were born different. "With 'Food is Life', we're reminding the world that food isn't just something you consume. It's something you feel. Something that can change your day, and even your life, and it can be enjoyed anytime, any occasion." ‌ In addition to the new food offerings, wagamama is also introducing a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including the spicy Saffron Picante, Strawberry Spritz, and an invigorating Kickstart juice. For pudding, the menu presents miso caramel banana bread, served warm with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce. The new brand platform is being brought to life through a campaign titled 'wagamama when'. It aims to emphasis the 'unscripted moments' in people's lives where wagamama plays part, either when you're craving comfort, or when your day needs a boost. Emma Colquhoun, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer at wagamama, said: "With 'wagamama when', we're celebrating those real, everyday moments when food brings people together."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store