On April 29, 2021, at 11 a.m. JINYA Ramen Bar is bringing its contemporary Japanese dining experience to downtown Chandler’s New Square development. The franchise-owned concept originated in Studio City, California in 2010 and has since expanded to include 40 North America locations. At JINYA, ramen is serious business, where each bowl is prepared with meticulous attention to detail. To celebrate the grand opening, April 29 to May 5, JINYA Chandler will be offering $10 bowls of their JINYA Tonkotsu Black, Spicy Chicken Ramen, and Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen.
The two key ingredients for an exceptional ramen are the broth and the noodles, which is why they take center stage at JINYA. Each broth is slow simmered for 20 hours, using only FUJI water, which is 99.9-percent free from impurities. Handmade noodles undergo a special aging process before they are cooked and served. JINYA offers signature broths that feature a balance of flavors from whole pork bones, chicken and vegetables, with just the right amount of bonito, dashi, miso, kombu and other classic Japanese ingredients. The result is a rich broth that is thick, full-flavored, and unforgettable.
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The franchise owner of the Chandler location, Daradee Olson, was inspired to bring a JINYA to her home state after stumbling upon the concept while vacationing in Utah. Olson lived in Taiwan for six years, which allowed her the opportunity to visit 42 countries throughout Southeast Asia. She grew very passionate about Asian culture and cuisine, and after returning to Arizona, she longed for an authentic bowl of ramen.
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.
JINYA serves 12 signature chicken, pork, shrimp or vegetable-based ramen creations, which can be completely customizable from a selection of more than 25 add-ons. Kick up the heat with the Spicy Chicken Ramen with chicken broth, chicken chasu, kikurage, spicy bean sprouts, green onion and thin noodles. A creative take on ramen, the Sprouting Up Ramen features pork and chicken broth, pork chashu, kikurage, spicy bean sprouts, green onion, half seasoned egg, crispy Brussels sprouts, black pepper, ginger, and thick noodles. Shrimp Wonton Ramen is a simple but tasty creation of pork and shrimp broth, shrimp and chicken wontons, green onion and kikurage with thick noodles.
The menu also features a variety of starters, including salads and small plates. In the Salmon Poke Mini Tacos fresh salmon poke is served in a crispy wonton shell, topped with cilantro. The JINYA Bun is a sweet and savory small bite of slow braised pork chashu, cucumber and baby mixed greens, nestled inside a steamed bun with JINYA’s original bun sauce and mayonnaise. The Crispy Chicken appetizer features juicy, garlic-pepper fried chicken thighs, served with baby mixed greens and JINYA’s house ponzu sauce. A Japanese street snack, Takoyaki is battered octopus balls, served atop egg tartar and drizzled with mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, green onion and smoked bonito flakes.
For those who want to skip the ramen, JINYA offers several rice bowls, as well as rotating chef’s selections. The California Poke Bowl is loaded with salmon, spicy tuna, shrimp, seaweed salad, masago, avocado and cilantro. Tokyo Curry Rice showcases a Tokyo-style curry with ground chicken. The current quarterly chef’s specials, available through the end of May include Tonkotsu Curry Tsukemen (dipping noodles) and ground pork Lettuce Wraps.
JINYA Ramen Bar offers a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan friendly dishes. A perfect starter, the Brussels Sprouts Tempura are crispy Brussels sprouts, sprinkled with white truffle oil. The Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen is a base of vegetable broth with tofu, onion, green onion, kikurage, crispy onion, garlic chips, garlic oil, chili oil, sesame seeds, and thick noodles. The Vegan Rice Bowl features plant-based “meat”, crispy chickpeas, kale, pickled red cabbage, crispy garlic, roasted pine nuts, and vegan curry ranch dressing. In the Vegan Bun, a plant-based steamed bun is stuffed with a pea protein patty, guacamole, cucumber and vegan mayonnaise.
JINYA showcases a full bar menu of local craft and Japanese beer, wine, and sake. Aside from Japanese sake, JINYA Chandler carries the only awarded sake made outside of Japanese, Arizona Sake, which is produced in Holbrook. For guests who really want to explore the world of fermented rice wine, Olson, as well as General Manager, Stephanie Daniels are certified sake sommeliers.
JINYA also offers perfectly paired signature cocktails, such as the Lycheetini with Jinro Soju, lychee syrup, and fresh lychee or the Suntory Toki High Ball, served from a special machine that results in a drink that is ice cold, perfectly blended, super fizzy and smooth. This is accomplished because the machine dispenses the whisky and soda at very cold temperatures to keep the ice from diluting the drink, and a high-powered carbonation tap pumps out five times the carbonation of regular soda water.
JINYA Ramen Bar features a fun, upbeat atmosphere with a modern, sleek interior and lively music. The nearly 3,000 square foot restaurant seats 60 guests indoors, which includes ramen bar seating with direct views of the kitchen action, as well as a long community table perfect for gatherings. The outdoor patio space seats 42 and offers views of the buzz in downtown Chandler.
JINYA Chandler is located at 130 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, Ariz., 85225. For more information, call 480-758-5198 or visit www.jinyaramenbar.com/locations/chandler.
