Fan-favorite steamed pork bun to be served on select LAX–HND flights this spring
Los Angeles, CA (RestaurantNews.com) JINYA Ramen Bar is teaming up with Japan Airlines to bring one of the restaurant’s most popular menu items to the skies. From March through May, guests flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo-Haneda on select flights will be able to enjoy JINYA’s signature Nikuman as part of the in-flight meal service.
Available on Flight JL15, the savory steamed bun – filled with seasoned pork and wrapped in pillowy-soft, fluffy dough – will be prepared onboard using a steam oven. The offering gives travelers a taste of JINYA’s chef-driven approach to Japanese comfort food, turning the flight into a flavorful journey of its own. The collaboration represents more than a menu feature, it reflects a celebration of cultural connection and hospitality.
“Partnering with Japan Airlines is a natural fit – together, we’re creating a moment that immerses travelers in Japanese culinary culture at a time when it matters most,” said Tomo Takahashi, founder and CEO of JINYA Ramen Bar. “This collaboration allows Japan Airlines to create a meaningful touchpoint with a menu item we’re passionate about, while giving JINYA the chance to share our mission of promoting Japanese cuisine in the U.S. It’s a win for both brands and, most importantly, a flavorful moment that travelers can enjoy before landing in Tokyo.”
Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of kaizen, or continuous improvement, JINYA has built a reputation for meticulous execution – from slow-simmered broths to perfectly aged noodles. As a Japanese-founded concept built on introducing authentic ramen culture to American guests, JINYA has long positioned itself as a bridge between Japan and the United States. Partnering with Japan Airlines, a Japanese company operating one of the most traveled international routes between the two countries, underscores that shared commitment to hospitality, heritage and cultural connection.
Japan Airlines operates nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport and Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport). Additional details about in-flight meal offerings can be found on the airline’s website. For more information or to find a nearby JINYA Ramen Bar, visit JINYARamenBar.com.
About JINYA Holdings
JINYA Holdings was founded in 2010 by Tomo Takahashi – who was named among the most influential restaurant CEOs in the country in 2022 by Nation’s Restaurant News. JINYA Ramen Bar has been recognized among the Franchise Times Top 400 Franchise Brands, named one of Nation’s Restaurant News’ 100 Under 100, honored as FSR’s Breakout Brand of the Year in 2023, and celebrated as NRN’s Fastest-Growing Asian Concept in 2024. JINYA’s focus on kaizen – the Japanese practice of continuous improvement – means its guests will always experience the best ramen out there. From the water used to prepare its broth to the special aging process that its noodles undergo, JINYA pays meticulous attention to everything that goes into its guests’ bowls.
JINYA Holdings has over 80 restaurants with multiple new locations in the pipeline, including two new concepts launching in 2026. JINYA also operates bushi by JINYA, Robata JINYA, Saijo and JINYA Ramen Express. For more information, visit JINYARamenBar.com and follow JINYA on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. To learn more about JINYA’s franchising opportunities, visit JINYARamenBar.com/franchise.
Contact:
Paul Donahie
Champion
908-239-8679
pdonahie@championmgt.com
