Canal Street Manchester samples the new summer menu at Wagamama, St Peter’s Square, Manchester – and discovers some instant sunshine classics.
There’s a certain buzz about a new menu, especially when it promises to capture the essence of summer. So, when Wagamama at St Peter’s Square in Manchester invited us, Canal Street Manchester, to try their new summer offerings on Wednesday, 21st May, we were eager to see if they could deliver that sun-drenched feeling on a plate. As a Canal Street VIP Card venue, where cardholders can enjoy a complimentary side dish, Wagamama is already a firm friend, and this new menu only strengthens that bond.
Our culinary journey began with a delightful duo of starters. The Chicken Gyoza were perfectly prepared, little parcels of savoury joy. Alongside them, the Korean Barbecue Beef Bao Buns offered a wonderful fusion of tender beef with just the right kick of spice, all nestled in soft, pillowy buns – a light yet satisfying start.
Moving onto the main courses, the theme of fresh, vibrant flavours continued. The Pho with chicken thigh was a comforting yet surprisingly light broth, generously filled and aromatic. However, it was the salads that truly sang of summer. The Pad Thai Salad was an ingenious twist on the classic, deconstructing the familiar noodle dish into a lighter, zestier salad form that felt both novel and satisfying.
The absolute star of the show, though, was the Sweet Chilli Salad with caramelised tofu. This dish was a masterclass in balance – the sweetness of the chilli, the satisfying texture of the perfectly caramelised tofu, and the crunch of fresh vegetables. Served with crisp lettuce cups that made for perfect, spoon-like mouthfuls, it’s an ideal choice for a solo lunch but would also be brilliant for sharing.
To accompany our meal, we explored the non-alcoholic drinks menu – and what a treat it was. The Lick Starter Fresh Juice was an immediate burst of refreshment. For something a little more complex, the Saffron Picante offered a subtle warmth and intriguing spice, while the Strawberry Spritz was pure summery delight in a glass. Each was so thoughtfully crafted that we genuinely didn’t miss an alcoholic option.
For dessert, a delicate Raspberry Snow Cake provided a light, sweet finish, perfectly complemented by a Classic Espresso, a new addition for the summer, which gave a welcome caffeinated lift.
Overall, Wagamama has truly captured the spirit of the season with this new menu. The dishes are bright, inventive, and packed with flavour, offering a fantastic selection of lighter options perfect for warmer days. The non-alcoholic drinks are a triumph, proving that exciting and sophisticated options don’t need alcohol. It’s brilliant summer food, plain and simple, and a very happy addition to Manchester’s dining scene.
By James
For Canal Street Media