JINYA has a new location opening up in Willbrook Mall, and we got to go visit a day early, before their grand opening on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026.
To celebrate this occasion the restaurant will be giving away 100 bowls to the first 100 guests starting at 11am when they open.
They are located in the food pavilion area of the mall, and are joining other chain restaurant neighbours like Tap & Barrel, OEB, and Sing Sing. Here, they will be offering their modern Japanese style street food with origins in Japan and inspiration from California. The menu offers traditional recipes intermingled with fusion takes. We would try a handful of both below.
There aren’t any location specific items, but they do have two new limited time only Chef’s Specials that we tried. An appetizer and a ramen only available until the end of August.
The former was a set of five Potato Mochi Balls. Fried potato and mochi shell filled with cream cheese. The room was surprised by how good these were, and everyone I spoke to said they loved it and would want to have more. I really enjoyed the mixed texture of the chewy mochi and mashed potato, interlaced with the spreadable chalkiness of the cream cheese. Flavourful as is, this didn’t need any dips or sauces.
The latter was a Creamy Tonkotsu Ramen. Pork and soy broth with pork chashu, half a seasoned egg, green onion, kikurage, leek, crispy garlic, and spicy garlic miso. Served with thin noodles it was delicious, delivering on the name’s promised creaminess. It was tasty, and I found similar to their original tonkatsu, but just with more of the above mentioned mouth-feel and garlic.
As good as this was I still prefer my usual JINYA go-to, which is the Tan Tan Men. I enjoy this for its subtle spice, additional texture from all the bits of ground pork, and its depth of flavour from its savoury chicken soy broth and rich sesame essence. There are also plenty of other toppings to offer a good variety of textures. This comes from tender pork soboro, fresh baby bok choy, vibrant shredded leek, chili sesame seeds, chili oil, and its thick noodles.
The Salmon Aburi Oshi Sushi is pressed salmon sushi, serrano chill, and their JINYA sauce. Equal parts rice and cream, this ate more like and I enjoyed it more as a compact rice bowl. This is given its gummy texture, extra tangy cream dressing, and little emphasis on the fish itself.
Another of my JINYA go-to’s is the Brussels Sprouts Tempura. I love a good sprout, and appreciate these as a good side when you want some vegetables. Not the crispiest, the breading offering little flavour and no grease. The menu lists it being dressed in white truffle oil, I have never tasted any, but do find them tasty as is, without any additional seasoning or sauce.
The Crispy Chicken were deep fried, juicy chicken thighs without the bones, dress in their original garlic pepper. Available in an order of 5 or 10 pieces and served with a side salad of mixed baby greens and JINYA’s original ponzu sauce. I thought the chicken salty enough without a dip in ponzu that overwhelmed with salt. I did however want a creamy dip of some sort to add flavour interest and to balance out all the grease fry with acid.
The Salmon Poke Tacos are a creative way to make poke handheld. Miniature in size with cubes of chopped up salmon, tomatoes, cilantro, and onions; nestled within a crispy wonton taco shell. Surprisingly filling despite their petite appearance.
This was much like their JINYA Bun. Steamed white bun stuffed with slow-braised pork chashu, cucumber, baby mixed greens, JINYA’s original bun sauce, and mayonnaise. The bun and meat were equally soft with an even 1:1 ratio of compatibility. The latter so gummy that it stuck to the roof of your mouth. The pork so fatty that it needed the greens to help cut into it and offering some freshness. This was heavy and I am glad it only comes in an order of one.
I was not a fan of the Spicy Creamy Shrimp Tempura. I found the shrimp over sauced in JINYA’s original spicy mayonnaise. I know they were meant to mimic the classic “ebi-mayo”. However having them coated in sauce made the batter that the shrimp were fried in moot. It became mush in the mouth with the sweet and sour flavour overwhelming any mention of the shrimp. As it I felt like I needed a base, a plainer starch to have it with.
That is where their Garlic Rice comes in. This is exactly as it reads. Fried rice with a generous number of whole garlic cloves. It is served on a sizzling hot iron plate, where a whole egg is poured over it table side and a staff member is on hand to help you mix everything as the heat of the pan continues to fry the rice. You are recommended to allow the rice to further cook for a crispier crunch. We added a side of pork charsu for additional flavour and texture.
JINYA also has quite a colourful drink menu with plenty of flavours and theatrics to set a more jovial tone, especially if enjoyed on their sun soaked patio out front.
We tried most of their signature cocktails, starting with the Smokey Wokashi Old Fashioned, which is a literal smoke show. A classic Old Fashioned with Suntory Toki, Demerara, Angostura Bitters, and Orange Bitters. It is smoked table side for a visual treat and one that enhances the flavour of the cocktail through scent.
The Flying Violette was a sweeter cocktail with Roku Gin, Elder Flower Liqueur, Creme de Violette, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Lemon, Blueberry, and Egg White.
For something more tropical and patio friendly the Malibu Sunrise is Espolon Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, Lime Juice, Orange Juice, Passion Fruit, Serrano, Egg White, Orange Bitter, Cranberry Juice, and a Tajin rim.
E Tomo E Tomo E Tomorrow looked like a tropical paradise with its fuchsia hue and its orchid garnishes. Hiku Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower, Raspberry, Hibiscus, Lemon, Cranberry, and Bubbles.
The Ringo Mule was refreshing and served great as a digestive in a copper cup. Remy Martin VSOP. Amaretto, Cinnamon Demerara, Apple, Lemon, Ginger Beer, and Angostura Biters.
In short as the only spot for ramen in the mall, this is a welcomed addition, especially as everything we had was delicious and everyone enjoyed their meal and time.
JINYA Ramen Bar – Langley
19705 Fraser Hwy Unit 525, Langley, BC V3A 7E9
(604) 777-2999
jinyaramenbar.com
