Wagamama Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns

The Wagamama Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns feature crispy pork paired with tangy apple slaw for a refreshing crunch. Coated in rich Korean barbecue and okonomiyaki sauces, the flavours blend sweet, smoky, and savoury notes perfectly. Served in soft, pillowy bao buns, this dish offers a satisfying mix of textures and bold Asian-inspired taste in every bite.

Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns Price: £9.00

Ingredients

Apple Slaw | Korean Barbecue + Okonomiyaki Sauce

Nutritional Information

The Wagamama Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns combine rich, crispy comfort with tangy freshness. Each soft, steamed bao holds golden fried tonkatsu pork layered with crunchy apple slaw for a refreshing sweetness. The duo of Korean barbecue and okonomiyaki sauces adds smoky, savoury depth with a touch of umami and sweetness. A perfectly balanced bite of crunch, softness, and bold Asian-inspired flavour.

	Per Serving	Per 100 g
energy (kcal)	3676 kJ / 797 kCal	1199 kJ / 260 kCal
fat (g)	40.30 g	13.10
Saturated Fat (g)	6.40 g	2.10
Carbohydrates (g)	85.10 g	27.80
of which sugars (g)	28.70 g	9.40
Protein (g)	21.90 g	7.10
Salt (g)	5.10 g	1.70
Fibre (g)	4.00 g	1.30
sodium (g)	2 g	0.7

Allergen Info

Contains:
Cereals Containing Gluten (Wheat) | Eggs | Soya

Adults and youth aged 13 and older typically require an average of 2,000 calories per day to meet their energy needs. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 generally need around 1,500 calories daily. However, these are only averages, and individual calorie needs may vary depending on various factors.

Extras Available

Add a Drink?

Coke (vg) (139 kcal) – £2.80
Diet Coke (vg) (1 kcal) – £2.80
Coke Zero (vg) (1 kcal) – £2.80

End on Something Sweet

Raspberry Snow Cake (v) (579 kcal) – £4.80
Chocolate Brownie (v) (357 kcal) – £4.30
Lemon Yuzu Muffin (v) (452 kcal) – £3.80

Calories & Nutrition Insights

The Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns are one of the richer small-plate options on the Wagamama menu, delivering 797 calories per serving. For a bao-sized dish, this is on the heavier end, so it works more like a mini-meal than a light starter. If you’re comparing within the bao category, these buns sit higher in calories than many of the lighter vegetable or chicken-based bao choices.

A big portion of the calories comes from the 40.3 g of fat, which includes a moderate 6.4 g of saturated fat. This gives the dish its signature crispy-pork richness and satisfying mouthfeel, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re limiting higher-fat foods. The 21.9 g of protein adds a solid amount of fullness, which helps balance the higher fat content and makes the buns feel more substantial than many other bao options.

The 85.1 g of carbohydrates—with nearly 29 g of sugars—mainly come from the fluffy bao buns and sweet tonkatsu-style glaze. This makes the dish a bit sweeter and gives it that sticky, glossy finish. The 5.1 g of salt (about 2 g of sodium) makes this a high-sodium choice within the bao category, typical of fried pork and tonkatsu sauces. Anyone watching their salt intake should be cautious, especially if pairing it with other salty dishes like ramen or fried sides.

With 4 g of fiber, it offers only a small boost in digestion-friendly roughage, which is common for bao dishes in general. Overall, these Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns land in the heavier range for Wagamama side plates. They’re best suited for someone craving a rich, indulgent, protein-packed starter or someone turning the bao into a light standalone meal. If you’re aiming for a lighter or lower-sodium choice, going for a veggie-based bao or pairing these buns with a fresher, greener side can help balance things out.

Price Comparison

Here’s how the Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns compare with the other options on the Wagamama bao buns menu, helping you quickly judge whether they offer good value for money.

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns – £9.00
These are priced exactly the same as the Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns. If you’re choosing between the two, the decision comes down to whether you prefer crispy chicken or fried pork.
Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns – £9.00
At this price, they sit in the mid-range for Wagamama small plates. They offer a solid serving size and a richer calorie profile without costing more than other bao options.
Korean Barbecue Brisket Bao Buns – £9.00
These share the same price point, making them a direct comparison. They’re a good alternative if you want a smoky, slow-cooked flavor instead of the sharper tonkatsu glaze.
Oyster + Shiitake Mushroom Bao Buns – £9.00
Also priced the same, these are the closest plant-focused alternative. They’re lighter in calories but equal in cost, ideal if you want something less rich without spending less.
Hoisin Pulled Duck Bao Buns – £9.00
These match the £9.00 price as well. They tend to feel more premium in flavor thanks to the duck and hoisin, but they don’t cost more than the Tonkatsu Pork option.

Overall, the Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns are firmly a mid-range choice, matching every other bao bun in price. The value you get depends on whether you prefer their richer, fried-pork profile or one of the lighter or sweeter options in the same price tier.

Taste & Texture

The Pork Bao Buns deliver a bold mix of crisp, tender, and sweet-savory flavors in every bite. The pork is fried to a light crunch on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside, giving the filling a satisfying contrast. The tonkatsu-style sauce adds a glossy sweetness with a gentle tang, coating the meat in a rich layer that enhances its savory depth.

The bao bun itself is soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy, creating a warm cushion around the crispy pork. Each bite blends the bun’s pillowy texture with the pork’s crunch, making the combination feel both comforting and indulgent. A hint of freshness from the garnish—usually crisp slaw or spring onion—adds a cool bite that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

Overall, these bao buns feel rich and well-rounded, offering a harmony of sweet, crunchy, and tender elements that make them one of the more satisfying small plates on the menu.

Pairing Suggestions

If you’re browsing this part of the menu for the first time, here’s a quick look at all the dishes available in this section. It’s a mix of classic Turkish starters, warm comfort bites, fresh salads, and hearty mains—perfect whether you’re sharing with friends or building a full meal on your own.

Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns + Edamame with Salt-The simple, lightly salted edamame brings freshness and a healthy pop of green. It balances the richness of the fried pork by adding a clean, vegetal contrast.
Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns + Wok-Fried Greens-Warm broccoli and bok choy in garlic-soy make for a tender, savory side. These greens complement the bao’s crisp pork and help lighten the overall meal feel.
Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns + Rainbow Pickles-The pickled turnip, cucumber, and aubergine bring a tangy crunch to every bite. Their acidity cuts through the bao’s sweetness and fat, making the duo more balanced.
Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns + Cloudy Lemonade-A fizzy, citrusy lemonade cleanses your palate between bites. Its tartness brightens the savory pork and refreshes you as you eat.
Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns + High Five Juice-This fresh juice blend (melon, pineapple, lemon, apple, orange) adds fruity vibrancy and light sweetness. It’s a wholesome drink that lifts the heaviness of the bun without overpowering it.
Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns + Wagamama Juice Sorbet-For dessert, the bright, fruity sorbet offers a cool, refreshing end. Its light, clean flavour is a perfect way to offset the fried richness of the bao.
Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns + Banana Katsu-If you want a sweeter finish, the fried banana with caramel and ice cream delivers. Its warm crunch and sweetness pair beautifully with the umami pork for a satisfying contrast.

For anyone who enjoys food that’s fresh, bold, and full of flavor, Wagamama is always worth a visit. Each dish is made with care, using high-quality ingredients that bring out the best in every bite. If you’re ready to explore more delicious options, check out Wagamama full menu and find your next favorite dish!