There’s something especially satisfying about a steaming bowl of ramen, with its savory broth, tender noodles, and flavorful toppings. So when we heard that Yoshinoya had added two new Shoyu Ramen bowls to its menu, we were eager to give them a try. We chose both the Grilled Chicken and Gyudon Beef Premium Ramen, along with an order of Crispy Tempura Shrimp. With its long history of serving Japanese comfort food, Yoshinoya has built quite a following for its signature beef bowls, and we were curious to see how its newest additions would measure up.
Two New Ramen Bowls Worth Trying
Shoyu, the Japanese word for soy sauce, is one of the classic styles of ramen, known for its deeply savory broth. Yoshinoya’s take on the dish combines that familiar Japanese flavor with the meats that have become staples of its menu.
The Grilled Chicken Shoyu Ramen offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. The chicken complements the seasoned broth, while the crispy onions add a welcome crunch. The marinated egg brings a little extra richness, making the dish even more satisfying. It’s a hearty bowl without feeling overly heavy.
The Gyudon Beef Shoyu Ramen is especially appealing if you love Yoshinoya’s signature beef. The thinly sliced, seasoned meat has that distinctive sweet and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the shoyu broth. It’s an enjoyable twist on the restaurant’s traditional beef bowl, replacing the familiar bed of rice with noodles.
Both varieties are also available in spicy versions for those who enjoy a little extra heat.
The Regular Shoyu Ramen starts at $9.99, with a choice of Gyudon beef or grilled chicken. The Premium version adds crispy onions and a marinated egg and starts at $11.49. Prices may vary by location.
Yoshinoya’s New Shoyu Ramen
Crispy Tempura Shrimp on the Side
Of course, we couldn’t resist trying the tempura shrimp, too. Golden and crispy on the outside with tender shrimp inside, it’s a delicious addition to the meal.
The light, crunchy batter makes the shrimp particularly enjoyable alongside the ramen. It’s also a nice option for sharing, although an order can easily disappear before anyone gets around to offering.
More Than Just a Beef Bowl
One of the appealing things about Yoshinoya is that it offers a different kind of fast-food experience. Instead of the usual burgers and fries, the menu features Japanese-inspired comfort foods, including its popular beef and chicken rice bowls.
The new ramen selections give customers another affordable option for lunch or dinner, particularly those who appreciate Japanese cuisine but don’t necessarily have the time for a sit-down restaurant.
A Fresh Look for a Longtime Favorite
Along with introducing its new ramen dishes, Yoshinoya is refreshing its overall look with updated menu boards, new in-store materials, and changes to its social media presence. A redesigned website is also in the works.
It’s a sensible way to modernize a restaurant with more than a century of history while maintaining the Japanese culinary traditions that helped establish its reputation.
As Yoshinoya CEO Paul Nishiyama explained in the company’s announcement, the ramen launch is a natural extension of the restaurant’s tradition of creating satisfying bowls with quality ingredients and comforting flavors.
A Japanese Favorite With More Than 125 Years of History
Yoshinoya’s story began in Tokyo in 1899, when it opened as a small restaurant specializing in Gyudon, a traditional Japanese dish made with thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savory-sweet sauce and served over rice. The combination of good food, generous portions, and affordable prices proved to have lasting appeal.
Today, Yoshinoya operates and franchises more than 2,000 restaurants throughout Asia and the United States, including approximately 100 locations in California. Its American headquarters is in Torrance, California.
The new Shoyu Ramen menu launched October 21, 2026, at participating Yoshinoya locations.
For more information, the full menu, visit Yoshinoya America. For a Yoshioya restaurant near you, click: restaurant locations.
