Wagamama’s Bang Bang Cauliflower is a vibrant plant-based starter featuring crispy cauliflower coated in a bold, spicy firecracker sauce. It’s garnished with fresh red and spring onions, then topped with fragrant ginger and coriander. This dish offers a perfect mix of heat, crunch, and fresh herbs, making it a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or side.
Nutritional Information
The Wagamama Bang Bang Cauliflower is a popular plant-based starter featuring crispy cauliflower florets tossed in a spicy firecracker sauce. It’s garnished with red and spring onions, then topped with fresh ginger and coriander for a burst of flavor and freshness. Before digging into this fiery favorite, take a look at the Wagamama Bang Bang Cauliflower nutritional information below to learn more about its calories, ingredients, and key nutrients.
| Per Serving | Per 100 g | |
|---|---|---|
| energy (kcal) | 448 | 244 |
| Energy (kj) | 1,871 | 1,017 |
| protein (g) | 3.4 | 1.9 |
| carb (g) | 38.7 | 21 |
| of which sugars (g) | 9.5 | 5.2 |
| fat (g) | 30.8 | 16.7 |
| sat fat (g) | 2.4 | 1.3 |
| sodium (g) | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| salt (g) | 1.0 | 0.6 |
| fibre (g) | 3.1 | 1.7 |
Allergen Info
Contains: Cereals containing gluten (barley, wheat), soya, sulphites
May Contain: 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
Wagamama Menu Prices lists Bang Bang Cauliflower at 448 kcal per serving, with about 30.8 g fat, 38.7 g carbohydrates (≈9.5 g sugars), 3.4 g protein and 3.1 g fibre per portion.
At 448 kcal this side sits in the medium-to-heavier range for Wagamama sides. It has noticeably more energy than light veg sides such as wok-fried greens (≈148 kcal) or edamame (≈246 kcal), but is still below some very indulgent sides like Crispy Chilli Mushrooms (≈647 kcal).
The high fat content (≈31 g) largely comes from the batter/frying and the creamy, spicy firecracker-style sauce, which is why the dish eats like a rich, treat-style starter rather than a light vegetable side. If you’re watching fat, this is a key number to consider.
Carbohydrates (~39 g) and the sugar component (~9.5 g) mean the dish supplies quick energy and a touch of sweetness from the sauce. If you pair it with a carb-heavy main (katsu curry, rice or noodles) the overall meal will be quite filling.
Protein is low (≈3–4 g), so Bang Bang Cauliflower won’t do much to increase satiety or support post-workout recovery on its own. To balance the plate, add a protein-focused main or share this as a side with a higher-protein dish.
Sodium/salt is worth watching: the page lists 0.4 g sodium (1.0 g salt) per serving, which is roughly 17% of the UK adult maximum recommendation (6 g salt/day). That makes the side a meaningful contributor to your daily salt intake if you’re trying to limit sodium.
Health & Dietary Notes
Wagamama Bang Bang Cauliflower is a vegan-friendly side dish, so it’s a good choice for plant-based diners who still want something bold and satisfying. It works well if you’re looking for a starter that feels indulgent without involving meat or dairy.
At 448 calories, it’s heavier than lighter veg-based sides like edamame or wok-fried greens, so it’s better suited to those who want a more filling starter or something to share. If you’re counting calories closely, this might not be the best everyday choice, but it can fit into a balanced meal when paired with a lighter main.
The dish is high in fat because of the batter and sauce, making it more of a treat option rather than a lean, everyday side. People aiming for a low-fat diet may want to swap it for plainer vegetable sides.
Sodium levels are moderate, so if you’re watching salt intake, it’s something to be mindful of. Adding other salty mains or sides may push the meal higher in sodium.
The cauliflower provides some fibre, but with low protein, it won’t keep you full for long on its own. Pairing it with a protein-rich main like tofu firecracker or a ramen can help balance your meal.
Taste & Texture
The Cauliflower delivers a crispy crunch on the outside with tender, soft cauliflower inside. Each bite balances the light batter crispiness with the natural bite of roasted cauliflower, making it both hearty and snackable.
The dish is coated in a spicy firecracker-style sauce that brings heat and tang in equal measure. It’s not overpoweringly hot, but it leaves a warm, lingering spice that builds as you eat. The sauce is slightly sticky, giving each floret a glossy, flavorful coating that clings to the crunch.
Fresh toppings of ginger and coriander brighten the flavor, cutting through the richness of the sauce with a sharp, zesty note. Red and spring onions add extra crunch and a hint of sharpness, giving contrast to the sweet-spicy glaze.
Pairing Suggestions
Bang Bang Cauliflower pairs perfectly with a light ramen such as Chicken Ramen. The broth helps balance out the richness of the spicy sauce while adding warmth and comfort.
To finish, a lighter dessert like Coconut Reika Ice Cream works beautifully. The cool sweetness resets your palate after the heat of the Bang Bang Cauliflower.
Price Comparison
Wagamama’s Bang Bang Cauliflower is priced at £6.00, placing it solidly in the mid-range tier among the restaurant’s side dishes.
In summary, Bang Bang Cauliflower offers good value for those seeking a flavour-forward, satisfying side without stepping into the higher-priced “premium” bracket. Compared to light vegetable sides, it costs a bit more—but compared to heartier or protein-rich options, it’s a budget-friendlier pick.
Better Alternatives
If you want a lighter option, pick Wok-Fried Greens. It’s much lower in calories and fat than Bang Bang Cauliflower, so it keeps the meal fresh without adding heaviness.
Each alternative works for a different need: choose Wok-Fried Greens to keep calories down, Chilli Squid for extra spice, Chicken Katsu Waffle or Edamame Corn Fritters for a big, filling plate, and Vegan Sticky ‘Ribs’ if you want a satisfying, protein-rich plant option.
To close out, Wagamama Rainbow Pickles 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!
