Wagamama’s latest menu has two flavours; with and without calories

It’s now a legal requirement for large businesses to show calorie information on menus.

A large business employs 250 or more people.

I think it’s a great idea because I want to know how many calories I’m eating. I’ve lived and worked with people with food intolerances and allergies, so I know how hard it can be.

But what if you don’t want to know? What if you want to relax, not think about calories, and enjoy the food on just one menu?

Wagamama’s latest menu, the summer one with the chicken katsu curry salad, comes in two flavours; one that shows calories and, if you want it, one that does not. I assume this meets the legal requirements, and I think it solves the “what if I don’t want to see it?” situation.

Wagamama menu with calories

Wagamama menu without calories

I mention the chicken katsu curry because Wagamama has given it “a makeover”. The press release I was sent (it happens!) says the chicken katsu salad is now 578 kcal.

Lucy Mountain, who I’m told is an anti-diet entrepreneur (diets and healthy eating almost always being different), is on board with the non-calorie menu. Lucy told the press;

As calorie labelling becomes mandatory for all high-street menus, the role of education on how nourishment goes beyond simply calorie counting, is more vital than ever. Which is why I’m so passionate and proud to be partnering with wagamama on this campaign to bring their balanced and holistic ethos to life.

Around 1.25 million people suffer with an eating disorder. Many sufferers therefore are likely to be met with the challenge of feeling safe while dining out at restaurants like wagamama. Which is why it’s brilliant to see that wagamama are offering guests a calorie-free menu, to help alleviate the trauma of what can already be an extremely difficult event for sufferers. I’d encourage other restaurants to do the same.”

Waggas is now part of The Restaurant Group, a British company that owns Chiquito, Coast to Coast, Frankie & Benny’s and Garfunkels. Waggas is my favourite from that list. As 2020 saw a shareholder revolt over a proposed pay package to the CEO Andy Hornby, I’ve mixed feelings about that, but I acknowledge Covid-19 has not been easy. So far, 250 restaurants have been closed in the Group, which is about 4,500 jobs.

On the plus side, “wagamama” can be translated as disobedient or naughty child.

Ordering Wagamama in Edinburgh

• You can find Waggas on Deliveroo.

• They’ve their own site for click and collect. They even have flexitarian recipe books.