The second the weather dipped, we knew it was officially ramen season. So we made our way to JINYA Ramen Bar in Perkins Rowe and it ended up being one of those dinners that you keep talking about days later.

Walking in, there’s this instant energy. It’s cozy but lively. You can smell the broth before you even look at the menu, and you can see the kitchen moving with intention. It already felt like we were in good hands.

And we truly were.

Our service was exceptional from start to finish. Not just “good restaurant service,” but genuinely thoughtful. Our server took the time to explain the broths, the noodle differences, what pairs well together, and gave recommendations like someone who actually eats there and loves it. When she suggested we trust her on the Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen, she said it with confidence. We’re very glad we listened.

We started with the Matcha Lychee Lemonade mocktail, which was bright and refreshing with just the right balance of citrus and subtle earthiness from the matcha. It felt like a fun, elevated way to kick off a cozy night.

Then the ramen hit the table, and it came out impressively fast without sacrificing a single bit of quality. Everything was steaming hot, beautifully presented, and clearly fresh.

The JINYA Chicken Ramen was exactly what you want when it’s cold outside. Rich chicken broth layered with flavor, tender chicken chashu, spinach, green onion, and fried onion for texture. It’s typically served with thin noodles, but we opted for thick noodles for a heartier bite and it was the right move. Every spoonful tasted like it had been simmering with purpose.

Then came the Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen, and this is where things got serious.

Vegetable broth with tofu, onion, green onion, spinach, crispy onion, garlic chips, garlic oil, chili oil, and sesame seeds, all wrapped around thick noodles that held onto every drop of flavor. It was creamy without being heavy, spicy without overpowering the depth of the broth, and unbelievably savory. This vegan ramen was better than any ramen we’ve ever had. It had that rich umami quality that makes you pause mid bite just to appreciate what’s happening.

We also ordered the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, which might be one of the most addictive small plates in Baton Rouge. Crispy grilled sushi rice topped with spicy tuna and sliced Serrano pepper, delivering the perfect crunch and heat in every bite. We could have easily ordered another round.

The Spicy Tuna Tacos followed, tucked into crispy wonton shells and topped with cilantro. Light, crunchy, flavorful, and gone in minutes.

We also ordered the Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, which might be one of the most addictive small plates in Baton Rouge. Crispy grilled sushi rice topped with spicy tuna and sliced Serrano pepper, delivering the perfect crunch and heat in every bite. We could have easily ordered another round.

The Spicy Tuna Tacos followed, tucked into crispy wonton shells and topped with cilantro. Light, crunchy, flavorful, and gone in minutes.

Beyond the dishes themselves, what stood out most was how seamless everything felt. The kitchen staff was clearly attentive and dialed in. Plates came out quickly but never carelessly. Nothing felt rushed. Nothing felt forgotten. It was the kind of coordination that only happens when a team genuinely cares about what they’re serving.

That dedication makes sense when you learn more about the brand. As they share on their website, “Anyone from Japan can tell you: the two key ingredients in ramen are the broth and the noodles.” At JINYA, each of their six signature broths is slowly simmered for more than twenty hours, balancing whole pork bones, chicken, vegetables, bonito, dashi, miso, kombu, and other classic Japanese ingredients to create something thick, rich, and unforgettable.

Founder Tomo Takahashi grew up with ramen as an everyday ritual in Japan. After moving to the United States and struggling to find that same authenticity, he decided to build it himself, bringing his family’s legacy and philosophy to life here.

It’s no surprise that Travelers Today named JINYA one of the Five Best Ramen Spots in America or that LA Weeklyrecognized their vegan ramen. When you experience the level of care in the broth, the noodles, and the hospitality, it all clicks.

Cold weather in Baton Rouge does not last long, so when it shows up, take advantage of it. Grab a bowl. Try something new. Trust your server. Order the crispy rice. Maybe even get two ramens just to compare.