wagamama is starting 2026 with a playful push into global fusion food, unveiling two brand-new plant-based dishes that blend pan-Asian flavours with unexpected international influences. Launching nationwide on 5 January 2026, the new udonara and tacomama reflect a growing appetite among UK diners for boundary-breaking cuisine inspired by food cultures from around the world.
The new additions build on wagamama’s reputation for experimental, soulful cooking, combining comfort food nostalgia with contemporary, TikTok-driven trends that are shaping how we eat today.
Japanese-Italian fusion takes centre stage with udonara
Leading the launch is udonara, a Japanese-Italian mash-up inspired by the viral carbonara-style noodles that first appeared in Japanese noodle bars and have since taken social media by storm. wagamama’s take reimagines the classic Italian pasta dish through a distinctly pan-Asian lens.
Instead of spaghetti, the dish features thick, chewy udon noodles, coated in a rich and creamy plant-based sauce. It’s finished with crispy vegan bacon, king oyster mushrooms and a garnish of fresh coriander cress, delivering depth, texture and umami in every bite.
Designed as a new main dish, udonara taps into two major food trends: the continued rise of plant-based dining and the growing popularity of cross-cultural comfort food.
tacomama reinvents the taco with an Asian twist
Joining udonara on the menu is tacomama, a side dish that pushes fusion food even further. Inspired by Mexican street food, this dish swaps the traditional taco shell for a crispy open gyoza wrapper, turning a familiar Asian staple into an unexpected hero ingredient.
The gyoza shell is generously loaded with teriyaki mushrooms, Korean-style sweet potato mash, mixed leaves, vegan mayo and a sprinkling of pomegranate for freshness and bite. The result is a colourful, playful dish that blurs the lines between continents while staying rooted in Asian flavour profiles.
A natural evolution of wagamama’s fusion journey
According to Global Executive Chef Steve Mangleshot, these new dishes have been in development for the past eight to ten months and are a direct response to changing consumer tastes.
“We wanted to take our fusion journey further, exploring bold flavours that surprise our guests and meet their evolving tastes,” he said. “These dishes offer a playful and unexpected twist that’s perfect for anyone looking for something new and exciting this January.”
wagamama has long experimented with playful fusion, from its much-loved cranberry katsu seasonal specials to the vegan fish + chips launched in 2022. With udonara and tacomama, the brand continues to push creative boundaries while staying true to its pan-Asian roots.
When and where to try the new dishes
Both udonara and tacomama will be available at wagamama restaurants across the UK from 5 January 2026, while stocks last. The dishes are entirely plant-based, making them accessible to vegans and flexitarians alike.
For full menu details and restaurant locations, visit the official wagamama website: https://www.wagamama.com/
As fusion cuisine continues to evolve, wagamama’s latest launch proves that crossing cultures can still deliver comfort, creativity and bold flavour — all in one bowl (or gyoza).
