wagamama, the internationally renowned pan-Asian restaurant brand, has officially debuted in India, opening its first location in the heart of South Mumbai.
Housed within the beautifully restored Cambata Building, home to the iconic Eros cinema in Churchgate, the new opening marks a bold step for the brand as it brings its signature energy, nourishing cuisine, and communal spirit to a dynamic new market.
Born in London in 1992, wagamama redefined casual dining with its fresh, made-to-order dishes, served with speed and soul, inspired by the ramen bars of Japan and the bold flavours of Asia.
Rooted in kaizen – the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement – the brand has become a global mainstay across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond and is now present in over 18 countries worldwide.
“We don’t just serve food, we serve energy,” said Francisco Neves, Senior VP of Franchise and Partnerships, “wagamama is a kitchen for the soul. Playful, purposeful, and powered by good food that uplifts. India has a rich appreciation for flavour, freshness, and culture, and Mumbai was the ideal city to begin this journey.”
The new Mumbai site blends wagamama’s global identity with the character of its surroundings. Nestled between Marine Drive, Nariman Point, and Fort, the location bridges the city’s colonial heritage and contemporary bustle.
Inside, the design language is unmistakably wagamama – minimalist, modern, and warm. Shared wooden benches foster community, while an open kitchen brings immediacy and transparency to the experience. Concrete textures and soft tones are paired with subtle Asian cues to create a space that feels globally inspired yet comfortably grounded.
The launch menu showcases the brand’s greatest hits, including favourites like chicken katsu curry, yasai yaki soba, firecracker chicken, and ramen bowls such as tantanmen and kare burosu.
Small plates feature a range of bao buns, gyoza, and bang bang cauliflower, while dessert highlights include the golden banana katsu. Over half the menu is vegetarian or vegan, and Jain-friendly options are clearly labelled, catering thoughtfully to local dietary preferences.
To complement the menu, diners can choose from fresh-pressed juices, Asian-inspired cocktails, mocktails, and a curated selection of wines and spirits.
While the opening menu remains faithful to wagamama’s global core, the brand’s commitment to kaizen means continued evolution is guaranteed. Expect future editions to include locally inspired innovations and seasonal offerings tailored to the Indian palate.
wagamama’s Indian opening is led by K Hospitality Corp, one of the country’s leading F&B operators. With a track record of launching and scaling international dining concepts across India, K Hospitality brings both operational strength and cultural nuance to the partnership.
Francisco added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with K Hospitality to bring wagamama to India. Mumbai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a world-class food culture; an ideal first step for our journey in the region.”
Next on the expansion map is Delhi NCR, with more cities to follow in due course. True to brand ethos, every opening will be thoughtfully executed, prioritising quality, guest experience, and sustainable growth.
Wagamama India is also firmly aligned with the brand’s global sustainability commitments. The menu is plant-forward, packaging is responsibly sourced, and initiatives are in place to minimise food waste and reduce carbon emissions through systemic, long-term change.
So whether you’re here for a quick solo slurp, a group drink night, or a long lunch with conversation, wagamama invites you to pull up a bench, share a bowl, and eat with intention. Mumbai, let’s make mealtime mindful again.
