Wagamama has launched a new menu item, reworking a classic British dish that diners have called "utter madness."
Described by the restaurant chain as its "boldest menu innovation," the new dish is fish + chip ramen.
This limited-edition meal blends "classic British heritage with wagamama’s signature pan Asian and soul food ethos," according to the brand.
The ramen features noodles in a curry broth, topped with tempura-battered hake, crispy sweet potato chips, and crushed edamame, finished with pea shoots, coriander, and chilli.
Research commissioned by wagamama surveying 2,000 people found that half of Gen Z (51%) feel traditional British meals are dated, with 52% actively seeking out modern culinary mashups instead.
This served as part of the inspiration for the new dish, as Steve Mangleshot, Global Executive Chef and Brand Ambassador at wagamama, said, “Innovation sits at the heart of the wagamama bench.
"Fusion food and 'brit-ish' nostalgia is a major market trend guests love when executed with playfulness and quality.
"We wanted to deliver something genuinely fun and unexpected for October, welcoming everyone to pull up a bench and join the debate regardless of whether they consider it a masterpiece or madness."
The launch follows research commissioned by Wagamama, which found 51 per cent of Gen Z diners consider traditional British meals dated, while 52 per cent are seeking modern culinary mashups.
How did wagamama diners react to the fish + chip ramen?
The fish + chip ramen officially launched on Wednesday, October 7 and plenty of diners reacted to the dish being revealed on social media.
On Instagram, one person said: "I’m weirdly excited hehe!!"
Sharing similar sentiments, another commented: "This is utter madness.
"Can't wait to try it."
One person simply put: "I'm intrigued."
Meanwhile, another said: "As someone who works for wagamama, I was unsure about this dish at first then I tried it and it's actually quite nice."
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Not everyone was so keen, as one posted on Facebook: "Some things just shouldn’t be fusioned".
Another wrote: "What is going on in your boardroom meetings????"
Enthusiasm was present among some, though, as one commented: "As the most British person alive, this is making me howl with excitement."
Will you be looking to try the fish + chip ramen? Let us know in the comments.
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