Hot Sweet Fried Vegan Chicken | Crispy Wagamama Favourite

fried vegan chicken

Wagamama’s Hot Sweet Fried Vegan Chicken features crispy vegan chicken coated in a sticky agave and citrusy yuzu sauce. It’s topped with crunchy mixed pickles for a tangy bite and served with a zesty vegan mayo on the side. This flavorful dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory, making it a satisfying and vibrant choice for plant-based food lovers.

Nutritional Information

The Wagamama hot sweet fried vegan chicken is a bold and flavorful plant-based entrée that brings crispy vegan chicken pieces coated in a sticky agave + yuzu sauce. Topped with mixed pickles and served with a zesty vegan mayo on the side, it’s a dynamic fusion of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Before you dig in, here’s the Wagamama hot sweet fried vegan chicken | yuzu nutritional information to give you a clear overview of what this indulgent vegan option contains.

Per ServingPer 100 g
energy (kcal)804346
Energy (kj)3,3421,436
protein (g)39.416.9
carb (g)41.517.8
of which sugars (g)29.212.5
fat (g)5222.3
sat fat (g)5.82.5
sodium (g)1.70.7
salt (g)4.31.9
fibre (g)5.62.4

Allergen Info

Contains: Cereals containing gluten (wheat), soya, sulphites

May Contain: cereals containing gluten (barley), sesame

The phrase “may contain” is used to let you know that, while an allergen isn’t purposely added to a recipe or dish, there’s still a chance it could be present. This usually happens when the company making an ingredient thinks there could be a risk of cross-contamination — meaning small traces of allergens might accidentally end up in the product during things like manufacturing, handling, transport, or storage.

Calories & Nutrition Insights

The Wagamama Hot Sweet Fried Vegan Chicken comes in at around 804 calories per serving, making it one of the heavier side dishes on the menu. This means it delivers almost as much energy as some of Wagamama’s larger mains, so it’s best enjoyed as a sharing plate or as a more indulgent treat.

What stands out most is the protein content — about 39 grams per serving. That’s quite high for a plant-based dish and makes it a filling option for anyone looking to boost their protein intake without eating meat. However, this benefit comes with a trade-off. The dish is also very high in fat, with over 50 grams per portion, and much of that comes from frying. This makes it richer and more indulgent compared to lighter vegan starters like edamame or bang bang cauliflower.

The carbohydrate count (41 grams) is moderate, but the majority of it comes from sugars in the sticky yuzu glaze — nearly 29 grams of sugar in total. That makes it sweet and flavorful, but also something to watch if you’re limiting added sugars.

Sodium is another point to consider. At 1.7 grams of sodium (around 4.3 grams of salt) per serving, it’s on the higher side, especially if paired with other salty mains or sides. This is something individuals watching their salt intake should keep in mind.

On the positive side, the dish provides a decent 5.6 grams of fibre, which supports digestion and helps balance out some of the heaviness.

Health & Dietary Notes

This dish is a strong fit for plant-based eaters who still want a satisfying, protein-rich option. With nearly 40 grams of protein per serving, it works well for gym-goers or anyone looking to add more protein to their vegan diet. It’s also very filling, so it can replace a main course if you don’t want to order a large bowl.

On the flip side, it’s high in fat and calories, making it heavier than other vegan sides like edamame or wok-fried greens. If you’re counting calories or prefer lighter bites, this may not be the best pick. The sweet glaze also adds a lot of sugar, so it’s less suitable for those aiming to cut back on sweet sauces.

Sodium is another factor to keep in mind. With over 4 grams of salt per serving, it’s not ideal for people watching their salt intake. Eating it alongside other salty mains could quickly push you over daily recommendations.

From an allergen perspective, this dish contains gluten and soya, and it may contain sesame. That makes it unsuitable for gluten-free or soy-free diets.

Overall, this vegan chicken is best for those who want a protein-packed, indulgent treat and don’t mind the extra fat or salt. If your health goals lean toward lighter, low-sugar, or low-sodium eating, a different vegan starter might be a better fit.

Taste & Texture

The Vegan Chicken has a bold mix of flavors that hit you right away. The crispy coating gives each bite a satisfying crunch, while the inside stays tender and juicy, much like real chicken. The sticky yuzu glaze is the star — it’s sweet at first, then brings a citrusy tang that brightens up the whole dish.

There’s a hint of smokiness from the frying that balances the sweetness, keeping it from feeling too heavy. The glaze also adds a glossy, slightly sticky texture that clings to the coating, making every mouthful packed with flavor. Paired with the vegan mayo, you get a creamy, cooling contrast that cuts through the richness.

The pickles on top add a sharp, crunchy bite, which keeps the dish from becoming one-dimensional. Together, you get layers of crispy, sticky, tangy, creamy, and refreshing textures all in one plate. It’s indulgent but balanced, making it stand out from lighter vegan sides like edamame or bang bang cauliflower.

Pairing Suggestions

Here are some ideas to enjoy the Wagamama Hot Sweet Fried Vegan Chicken even more, by pairing it with complementary drinks, sides or desserts:

Sides

  • Rainbow Pickles — Their sharp, vinegary bite (mooli, cucumber, aubergine & turnip) cuts through the richness and sweetness of the chicken, refreshing the palate.
  • Vegetable Yasai Gyoza — Light, pan-fried, with a soft vegetable filling. The contrast of crispy outside + mild inside makes it a good match without adding too much heaviness.
  • Kimchee — Fermented, spicy & tangy, offering a bright “oomph” that offsets the sticky, rich character of the chicken. Great to lighten each mouthful.

Drinks

  • A citrusy lemonade or yuzu-based drink would pair well, because the acidity will help balance the sweetness and richness.
  • Try a light iced tea (unsweetened or lightly sweetened) to provide cooling relief between bites.
  • If you want something bolder, a sparkling water with lime or a citrus twist helps cleanse the palate without adding extra sugars.

Dessert

  • Vanilla Pod Ice Cream with Passion Fruit Sauce — The creamy vanilla paired with tangy passion fruit offers a sweet finish that doesn’t feel overly heavy after a rich, fried main.
  • Smoked Chocolate Caramel Cake — For those who want something richer, the deep chocolate and caramel tones continue the indulgence but working nicely because it’s dessert, so the contrast in texture (soft cake vs crispy fried chicken) makes the whole meal feel more satisfying.

These pairings help bring a balance: fresh and acidic components to cut through richness, lighter sides so the meal doesn’t feel too heavy, and desserts that feel like a treat rather than over-indulgence.

Price Comparison

The Wagamama Hot Sweet Fried Vegan Chicken is priced at £9.00, putting it in the lower-mid range of Wagamama’s sharing / small plates or “side-sharing” offerings.

Here’s how that stacks up with other items:

  • It costs less than most Big Plates like Chicken Katsu Curry (~ £13-£14) or Firecracker Curries.
  • It’s more expensive than many simple sides or appetizers, which are generally around £4–£6.
  • It sits around the same price as similar sharing-oriented dishes in the sharing menu.

In terms of value, it’s not a budget option, but it’s also not premium. It’s mid-range: more luxury than a basic side, but significantly cheaper than full mains and large bowls. This makes it a reasonable choice if you want something substantial without committing to the cost of a big plate.

Better Alternatives

  • If you love the idea of crispy vegan chicken but want something lighter, try the Bang Bang Cauliflower. It has the same crunchy, flavorful coating but with far fewer calories and less fat, making it easier on the stomach while still delivering bold taste.
  • For those who prefer more heat, the Vegan Firecracker is a strong alternative. It brings a much spicier sauce compared to the sweet yuzu glaze, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a dish with a real kick.
  • If you’re after something bigger and more filling, go for the Vegan Katsu Curry. It’s a full main plate with crispy vegan cutlets, rice, and curry sauce, giving you a complete meal that feels more substantial than a side.

Each of these swaps offers the same plant-based appeal while matching different moods — light, spicy, or hearty.

To close out, Wagamama Hot Sweet Fried Vegan Chicken is a must-try for those looking for fresh and flavorful food. I love how it brings together bold flavors and high-quality ingredients in every bite. If you love exploring dishes like I do, check out Wagamama’s full menu and discover even more tasty options you’ll definitely want to try!

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