Recently, my boyfriend and I had a delightful lunch date at Kinya Ramen in Linden, NJ; a cozy spot at the Linden Commons that’s been creating waves with its authentic–yet-stylish Japanese eats. Here’s how our midday ramen escapade unfolded:
Setting the Scene
We arrived in the late afternoon and were promptly seated in one of the cozy, wood-toned booths. The vibe strikes a nice balance; relaxed enough for casual conversation, yet elevated with subtle design touches hinting at Kinya’s authnetic “gold standard” concept.
The Star: Kinya Ramen Bowl
We decided to order their signature bowl—a Kinya Ramen Bowl which had us salivating at the mouth as our server placed our bowls on the table.
- What’s Inside the Bowl: Pork Broth with Black Garlic Oil, topped with Bean Sprouts, Bamboo Shoots, Seasonal Boiled Egg, Scallion, Narutomaki Fish Cake, Nori, 24k Edible Gold. Served with Golden noodle. Chicken or Pork Chashu
The bowls come in generous portions, ideal for sharing or a hearty solo meal.
Appetizer Delight: Gyoza & Sushi
When it comes to appetizers, you can’t go wrong with gyoza and sushi. At Kinya Ramen, both did not disappoint. Their menu offers a pork or veggie gyoza plate and the array of sushi rolls did not disappoint. During this particular visit, I opted for their Golden California Roll that’s comprised of crabmeat, avocado, cream cheese, and cucumber, inside a deep fried roll.
Sweet Sip: Bubble Tea
No ramen date feels complete without a refreshing drink. The bubble tea at Kinya Ramen was refreshing, smooth, not overly sweet, with just enough chew; perfect to cleanse the palate between spicy curry bites .
Local Buzz
- On DoorDash, one fan raves: “THIS WAS THE BEST RAMEN I’ve had!”
- Grubhub reviews praise the combo deals: “Ramen Combo with shrimp tempura ramen and pork gyoza. Delicious!”
- Foodies on social media call Kinya Linden “the best Asian food I’ve ever had”—with matcha and pork ramen as standouts.
Final Impressions
- Ambience: Casual-chic, friendly service, quick seating even at peak lunch. LOVE the booth-style eating!
- Food: Top-notch ramen with bold flavors and generous toppings, well-executed appetizers.
- Extras: Bubble teas, sushi, yakitori, and even gold-flaked “Golden Ramen” for something extra special.
If you’re craving ramen with a twist, or a relaxing lunch spot to break up your weekend, Kinya Ramen in Linden delivers an unforgettable experience. Can’t wait to return and explore more off the menu!
Pro Tips
- Try the ramen combo: pick a ramen and an appetizer for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
- If you like spice, don’t miss the Curry Ramen.
- Save room for bubble tea, perfect to cleanse the palate or cool it down after spicy slurps.