Oodles of comforting noodle bowls at Jinya Ramen Bar
Popular ramen chain Jinya is ladling a range of noodle bowls — from traditional varieties to some offbeat combinations — in Orlando’s Thornton Park. While Jinya seems to have their recipes down to a science, their service still needs a little tweaking.
What I would try a second time Made with chicken thighs, Jinya’s crispy chicken ($4.99-$12.99) had the right amount of crisp and juice. The bites were paired with a tart ponzu sauce that we barely touched. The chicken was more than well-seasoned with garlic pepper.
What I didn’t like
I searched for any semblance of fish in the spicy tuna mini tacos ($5.95). The tuna was overtaken by multiple sauces.
The spiceless dish was a disappointment, especially because the wonton taco shell was addictively crunchy.
What I would put on Instagram
Jinya knows how to ladle together an eye-catching bowl of ramen. My bowl contained the “Sprouting Up Ramen” combination: pork and chicken broth that balanced a slice of braised pork, gooey soft-boiled egg, a small pile of sliced green onions, kikurage mushrooms and, of all things, halved Brussels sprouts.
The pork was the standout ingredient — chopsticks tender
and full of flavor — but the sprouts weren’t half bad in the ginger-infused broth.
Brussels sprouts in ramen. Who knew?
Other eats
The Tokyo Curry Rice bowl ($6.95-$10.95) was a warm, simple bowl of comfort food that was perfect for the momentary chill that came over Central Florida recently. The spice-filled gravy-like curry contained ground chicken and melded together with the steamed rice.
Our comfort food feast didn’t let up as we ordered the panna cotta ($3.95) for dessert. The sweetened cream melted in our mouths as we scooped up bites dotted with graham cracker and vanilla ice cream.
How I was treated
While our server was friendly and sweet, she seemed distracted, double checking our orders several
times throughout the meal. All of our dishes arrived at our table as ordered and at a regular clip.
On another visit, the hostess seemed completely thrown by a large party and didn’t react well.
My next visit
Winter is coming, making wolfing down ramen sound more and more appealing. Thankfully, Jinya’s ramen bowl selections seem nearly endless with a set menu of 12 signature ramens, a seasonal chef ’s special option and the ability to tweak any bowl with a variety of toppings.
For bar-hoppers
Jinya’s pretty bar serves wine, cocktails, Japanese whisky, sake and a respectable lineup of craft beers.
For those with special diets
Jinya helpfully marks gluten-free and vegetarian items on the menu, but the lineup skews more toward vegetarian dishes. Spinach noodles are offered as a substitution for gluten-free diners.