Wagamama’s bold bowls have landed in Mumbai—and it's totally worth the hype

If you’re into pan-Asian food, chances are you’ve heard of Wagamama in London or at least spotted it in one of those perfectly moody travel reels. Inspired by Japan’s bustling ramen bars, this modern Asian dining concept flipped the script on how we eat noodles and more. The restaurant brought together the warmth of communal seating, the speed of street-side service, and fresh, soul-hugging flavours that linger long after your last slurp. Over the years, Wagamama has become a cultural icon across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, and now, Mumbai gets to join the club.

Planting its first flag in India, right in the heart of South Mumbai, Wagamama has set up shop inside the iconic Cambata Building at Churchgate. One glance in and you’ll spot the similarities in design and aesthetic between the London and Mumbai outposts—communal dining, bench-style tables, exposed brick and concrete textures. It's minimal yet warm and inviting, making it almost impossible not to show up for a bowl (or three) of something fresh, bold, and nourishing. And of course, the open kitchen at the heart of it all, so you can watch the action. The best part? Every dish is made to order; no reheating, nothing hidden behind swinging kitchen doors. Moreover, the service was spot on—efficient, timely, and with steaming plates of food arriving fresh and fast.

Wagamama’s Mumbai debut menu plays like a “best of” playlist from their global repertoire, with over half the dishes vegetarian or vegan, a smart move for the city’s palate. First up, the appetisers. The bang bang prawn lives up to its name—crispy, flavour-packed prawns tossed in a sticky-sweet, lightly spicy sauce that’s dangerously addictive. The bang bang cauliflower has a similar reputation, crispy golden florets with unmatched flavour.

As someone who thoroughly enjoys baos, the lamb baos did not disappoint. A pillowy soft bao with a juicy, sweet and spicy lamb filling that didn't feel too heavy on the palate or my appetite. And if lamb isn't your go-to, then you can always opt for the chicken or mushroom baos that are just as promising.

A few starters in, it was time to dive headfirst into noodle heaven. I had my heart set on the chicken tantanmen ramen—a rich, nutty broth with tender cubes of spiced chicken, half a tea-stained egg, tangy menma, a hit of kimchee, and a drizzle of chilli oil, all tied together with fresh spring onion. It’s deeply comforting but never too heavy. And then there’s the cult favourite: chicken katsu curry. Think crisp, golden chicken cutlets (or the veggie-friendly yasai version) swimming in a silky, fragrant curry sauce—the kind of dish that just wraps you up in a warm hug.

The menu keeps the essence of Wagamama intact—fresh, comforting, and distinctly its own. Of course, you can expect local twists, seasonal specials, and spice-kissed creations to make an appearance, all tailored for the Indian palate while staying true to Wagamama’s playful spirit.

For me, dessert is never an afterthought; it’s the perfect finale. Wagamama’s menu had me momentarily dazed with its tempting options, but my dinner companion and I finally narrowed it down to two: the matchamisu and the chocolate layered cake. Dessert, in my book, must always involve chocolate in some form, and as expected, the chocolate cake was decadently rich. Even though I was completely stuffed by the end of the meal, I couldn’t stop going back for more. The matchamisu, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise. I’m not really a matcha person—yes, I usually find it a little grassy—but this version had a softer, sweeter flavour. It’s the ideal pick for anyone who prefers a less-sweet dessert, and if you’re a matcha fan, it’s a definite must-try.

Drinks are crafted to match the menu’s pace and punch. Fresh-pressed juices feel like the healthy yin to your ramen’s hearty yang, while Asian-inspired cocktails keep things spirited (literally). Mocktails lean fruity and refreshing, making them a great option if you want something lively without the alcohol.

In a city that loves bold flavours and unpretentious dining, Wagamama feels like a natural fit. It’s casual without being careless, fast without feeling fast-food, and designed for everyone—from the solo diner who wants a quick ramen fix to the group that’s ready to camp out with bao buns and cocktails.

If you’re the kind of person who believes a good meal can turn your day around, Wagamama might just be your new happy place. Just don’t blame us if you end up making “just one ramen bowl” a habit.