Waba Grill Menu 2026: Teriyaki Bowls, Plates & Salads

Waba Grill is a fast-casual chain based in Southern California known for teriyaki rice bowls and plates made with fresh, simple ingredients. The menu centers on lean proteins — chicken, beef, salmon, and shrimp — grilled and served with steamed rice and vegetables, all drizzled with the signature WaBa teriyaki sauce. The concept is protein-focused, approachable, and relatively clean compared to typical fast food.

Waba Grill positions itself as a healthier fast-casual option. The menu features grilled proteins (not fried), steamed vegetables, and the option of brown rice instead of white. Many bowls and plates are relatively high in protein and low in saturated fat. Calorie counts vary by protein and portion size — chicken and veggie options tend to run lower than beef. Check the official WaBa Grill nutrition page at wabagrill.com for current per-item nutrition data.

Yes. The Veggie Bowl and Veggie Salad are fully plant-based — steamed broccoli, carrots, and cabbage with WaBa teriyaki sauce over rice or greens. The sauce itself is also vegan-friendly. Brown or white rice sides and steamed vegetables are vegan as well. Confirm with your local store if you have specific dietary requirements, as shared cooking surfaces are common in fast-casual kitchens.

Waba Grill operates primarily in Southern California, with locations in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles area, San Diego, and surrounding regions. The chain has also expanded to a limited number of locations in neighboring states. Use the store locator on wabagrill.com to find the nearest location and confirm hours.

Yes — customization is a core part of the Waba Grill experience. You can choose your protein (chicken, beef, salmon, shrimp, or veggie), your base (white rice, brown rice, or greens/salad), and your vegetables. Extra protein can be added to most bowls for an upcharge. The WaBa sauce is the standard finish, but sauce amounts can typically be adjusted on request.

Yes. Waba Grill offers a Kids Menu with smaller portions of the popular chicken and beef teriyaki bowls, sized and priced for younger diners. This is a useful option for families looking for a simpler, protein-focused meal for children without the full adult portion.

Several Waba Grill items are naturally gluten-free or can be ordered gluten-friendly — the salads with grilled protein and many rice-based bowls without soy-heavy sauces. However, the signature WaBa teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce, which typically contains gluten. Guests with celiac disease or serious gluten intolerance should consult the restaurant directly and review the allergen information on wabagrill.com.

WaBa sauce is Waba Grill's proprietary teriyaki-style sauce — a blend of soy sauce, sweeteners, and seasonings that gives the chain its signature flavor. It is used on all proteins and is a key differentiator for the brand. The sauce is available on the side or as an extra add-on if you want more. It is described as slightly sweet, savory, and umami-forward — characteristic of California-style teriyaki.

Waba Grill and Panda Express are both fast-casual chains serving Asian-inspired food, but the menus differ. Panda Express is primarily Chinese-American (orange chicken, beef broccoli, fried rice, lo mein) while Waba Grill focuses on teriyaki-style rice bowls and plates with a simpler, more protein-forward menu. Waba Grill bowls tend to be lighter and less sauced than Panda Express entrees. Waba Grill is also a regional California chain rather than a national one.