Going for a quick bite in Bristol on a busy weekend can prove to a frivolous affair; even attaining the simplest of toasted sandwiches from a seemingly efficient sarnie shop can be a dauntingly drawn-out affair, resembling the wait to see a bank manager than what should be simple food-fast. However do not fear, for in our busy metropolis there is some salvation, taking the somewhat more flavoursome guise of authentic oriental cuisine: Wagamama on the triangle is a quick stop boiling pot of delicious flavours and, even on a busy Saturday afternoon, we were in and out for a two-course treat within half an hour.

On arrival we quickly received our drinks to refresh us from the stomp up Park Street and were straight onto ordering. We got a tasty butternut squash and wasabi salad, a ramen miso soup and a range of tasty bites to accompany. Although the canteen style restaurant was packed with happy shoppers, our food was with us within a matter of minutes and didn’t fail to impress: fresh, flavoursome and plenty of it – just what the doctor ordered. Wagamama works due to the packed out restaurant meaning that food can be cooked quickly to order and not be sat around going bad whilst they wait for a lonely customer to walk through the door. But as with any good food place, this relies heavily on the cycle of happy return customers.

The food we had was fantastic. The soup was well seasoned and exceptionally filling and the sides of duck dumplings and tempura battered squid were melt in the mouth, leaving us wanting more; obligingly we went for the white chocolate cheese cake with a ginger sauce. Bellies full we picked back up our bags and were back out in to the manic streets of Bristol.

My first experience of Wagmama was of a busy vibrant restaurant. The canteen style and the quick-fire pace of this restaurant might not suit everyone but it does not fail to deliver on taste and an ability to accommodate almost all the busy people in our diverse city through an impressive menu capable of meeting any veggie, vegan or dietary requirement alongside ample buggy parking and high chairs. In this modern busy lifestyle Wagamama does very well and next time you’re shopping laden and in need of speedy respite, you would do very well to give it a try.

www.wagamama.com

Dave Penfold