Category: Ramen

JINYA Ramen Bar opens its new location in Uptown Phoenix

Bowls of hot ramen continue to see its popularity grow even during the triple digit temperatures of an Arizona summer. That’s no more obvious than the success with JINYA Ramen Bar that opened its first Arizona location in Chandler in 2021. Last week franchisees opened their second location in historical Uptown Phoenix expanding its ramen culture around the valley. The concept was started by Tomo Takahashi in 2010 and has over 50 locations with more set to open. The Japanese philosophy of “kaizen”, meaning “continuous improvement” has JINYA giving the best ramen guests to enjoy.

“Since opening our first location in Chandler, Arizona 2 years ago, we’ve felt so welcomed by the community,” says owner Daradee Olson. “We’re excited to be in such a lively part of the city with our newest location so close to all of the economic development in the Central Phoenix area. The JINYA experience is like no other, and we just can’t wait to continue sharing it with local residents and all the visitors that flock to Phoenix from all over the world.”

JINYA Ramen Bar
Spicy Tuna Tacos- All photos courtesy of JINYA Ramen Bar

At JINYA Ramen bar guests will experience a modern Japanese ambiance while enjoying their slow cooked ramen. The rich broth is simmered for 20 hours before being combined with noodles and toppings including chashu pork, a seasoned poached egg and more. The menu offers signature ramen bowls along with build your own bowls. Signature ramen bowls include Spicy Chicken, Shrimp Wonton and Spicy Umami Miso ramen. Vegetarian and gluten free bowls are also on the menu along with Small Plates and Chef Specials of Spicy Tuna Tacos, a JINYA Bun and Pork Spare Ribs. Rice and Curry Bowls are also popular dishes. A full bar is available to enhance the customer experience to pair with ramen or Japanese tapas.

The Phoenix location is at 5120 N. Central Ave. and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information and to view the menu visit their website.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Ramen Hood opens its second location in Chandler

The locally owned fast casual Ramen Hood is celebrating the opening of its second location at 1940 W. Chandler Blvd. The first location of the build-your-own ramen shop opened in 2018 in north Scottsdale and and Founder and CEO James Xie couldn’t be happier. Xie was inspired by his love of food and Japanese culture when he decided to open the upscale concept.

“We’re excited to officially celebrate our second location in Chandler, and what better time than during National Noodle Month,” said Xie. “You don’t have to be an experienced traveler to enjoy real ramen – we use a combination of traditional and contemporary methods while using fresh, quality ingredients, just like ramen shops in Japan. Best of all, you can create your own signature bowl with as many ingredients as you want.”

To celebrate the opening and National Noodle Month a March 29th grand opening is planned from 4-7 p.m. 20% of the days proceeds will be donated to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children. Expect a ribbon cutting with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce at 4-5 p.m. and a ramen eating contest at 5:30. Those interested can see the rules on their Facebook page and contact the restaurant via social media. The first 25 to attend will receive a $10 gift card and all month long customers who mention National Noodle Month will receive 10% off. For more information visit their website.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

JINYA Ramen opens first Arizona location in Chandler

As we said goodbye to April we said hello to the first Arizona location of contemporary Japanese restaurant JINYA Ramen. Downtown Chandler’s New Square development is where franchisee Daradee Olson opened the 40th location of the concept that was founded in 2010. Olso discovered the concept while vacationing in Utah and having lived & traveled in Southeast Asia she wanted to bring the concept home to Arizona.

JINYA Ramen offers bowls of broths slow cooked for 20 hours and handmade noodles. Fuji water is used for broths because its 99.9% free of impurities and noodles go through a special aging process before they are cooked. 12 signature ramen are on the menu and including chicken, pork and vegetable based broths. Guests can customize their bowl with more than 25 add-ons. In addition to ramen guests can order starters, salads, small plates and rice bowls that can be prepared vegan or vegetarian.

Local and Japanese craft beers, wine and signature cocktails are available at the bar. The sake menu has been curated by both Olson and General Manager Stephanie Daniels who are certified sake sommeliers.

According to Olson, “After eating at JINYA for the first time, I knew this was the style of ramen I had been searching for in the United States. When I returned home, I immediately began the process of bringing a JINYA Ramen Bar to the Valley.” Olson is so passionate about the concept she has plans to open four more locations in greater metro Phoenix over the next four years.

Guests can enjoy themselves inside the 60 seat restaurant that includes a ramen bar or on the patio with views of downtown Chandler. The modern & sleek atmosphere includes lively music and views of the kitchen in action from the ramen bar. JINYA Chandler is at 130 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, Ariz., 85225. For more information, call 480-758-5198 or visit their website.

Ramen Hood opens serving Build-Your-Own-ramen bowls

The fast casual Build-Your-Own restaurant concepts seem to be catching more steam as Ramen Hood opened in north Scottsdale recently. The strip mall shop off the loop 101 at Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. already has a captive audience.

Ramen Hood
All photos courtesy of Ramen Hood

Guests enjoy ramen bowls made with authentic Japanese ingredients along with rice bowls and Japanese specialties including Gyoza, Karaage Fried Chicken and  Steamed Bao. Wash your meal down with the popular Asian soft drink Ramune aka Marble soda or a Japanese tea.

Why Ramen Hood?

“Ramen is one of my most favorite foods in the world. Every time I visit Japan, my first stop is finding a mom and pop ramen restaurant. The best ones are always very low-key, no frills, but always have long lines,” says James Xie, owner of Ramen Hood. “I realized there isn’t really anything comparable in Phoenix. I want people here to know what real ramen is like, and to not be intimidated in trying new styles and flavors.

Ramen bowl with tofu

Walk up to the counter at Ramen Hood and pick a Ramen or Rice bowl then add a protein(Cha Siu Pork, Tofu, etc) broth, sauce and toppings and in minutes you’ll have an Instagram worthy meal.

“Ramen can be way more exciting than the instant packets we ate in college. And at Ramen Hood, we make it just as easy to enjoy!”

“I’ve spoken to many ramen chefs throughout Japan who graciously gave me advice on combining different ingredients, as well as helped me come up with a few new ideas to create the perfect bowl of ramen,” says Xie, who has worked in the restaurant industry since he was 15. “I think it’s these trade secrets that will really make Ramen Hood stand out in the Valley and resonate with people who may not be familiar with traditional ramen.”

Ramen Hood is in the Gateway 101 shopping center at 15807 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Suite 105. Scottsdale 85260. For more information check out their website.