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Wagamama restaurants have made Japanese-style food fast and fun for a new generation, primarily in London, but now increasingly beyond it. Bernard
Barbuk reports
The menu says: "Welcome to Wagamama". This is a "new-style noodle bar, modelled on the ramen shops that have been popular in Japan for over 200 years". It adds that there are no starters or desserts; that for most appetites one noodle or rice dish and a side order will be sufficient, and that orders will be taken with the aid of hand-held electronic [radio] keypads which send them "to the appropriate station in the kitchen", after which they are served immediately, so if you are in a group you won't necessarily all be served at the same time.
Ramen are Chinese-style thread noodles, as the menu's glossary explains. Eight main-course ramen dishes are offered, in big bowls with chicken and pork stock, or vegetarian, plus various toppings. You are advised to slurp them to maximise the oxygen and thus the flavour There are also udon [thick]...