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Axios DC
Wagamama is finally opening its first DMV location
By Anna Spiegel,
24 days ago
It's 2008. D.C. ramen staples Toki Underground and Daikaya are still years away from opening. And British-born Wagamama just announced they're expanding to D.C.
Fast forward 16 years and a huge D.C. ramen wave later, and the first DMV branch of Wagamama U.S. — the eighth in the country — is opening in Clarendon on Thursday.
Why it matters: If the adage, "Good things come to those who wait" is true, we're in for some very good ramen.
Zoom out: Wagamama was early on the ramen trend in the UK, opening its first location in London in 1992.
The chain now claims over 200 locations worldwide. Wagamama US brought the brand stateside over a decade ago.
Flashback: Wagamama US has teased, scouted, and even signed a lease for a D.C.-area location over the years before refocusing plans on expanding elsewhere in the states.
After a shift in ownership and a global pandemic later, they landed on the former Oz space in Clarendon.
Dig in: The big noodle shop — 131 seats inside between communal tables and booths, 47 seats outdoors — serves Wagamama's core menu of shared plates (dumplings, bao buns), rice and noodle bowls, Japanese curries and ramen.
Wagamama's ramen broths are entirely chicken-based. The stock bolsters a variety of bowls like grilled duck ramen, spicy shrimp, and kimchi or chili-chicken (there's also vegan).
The intrigue: The brand is hyping its Arlington location as a semi-wellness brand (tagline: "eating positively") and has a partnership with Clarendon's SoulCycle where riders can get Wagamama rewards.
The shop is opening with a fresh juice program, though diners can swing the pendulum and dig into crispy chicken karaage with a matcha mule or Vietnamese espresso martini.
If you go: Wagamama , 2950 Clarendon Blvd. An opening party is planned for August 1 at 7:30pm. Tickets ($40) include a welcome drink, tastings, happy hour deals, and DJ tunes.
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