Pizza Hut has never been one to shy away from unconventional pizza toppings, but their latest creation might just be their most daring yet: the Shoyu Ramen Pizza. This eyebrow-raising fusion dish combines the familiar comfort of a pizza with the savory depth of Japanese shoyu ramen. But is this culinary mashup a stroke of genius, or a step too far? Read on to learn more about this one-of-a-kind pizza, including what exactly goes into it, where you can get your hands on one (if you dare), and, most importantly, whether it actually tastes good.
What’s in Pizza Hut’s Shoyu Ramen Pizza?
Pizza Hut’s Shoyu Ramen Pizza is an innovative fusion that combines Japanese ramen’s bold flavors and the comforting appeal of pizza. This unique creation starts with a crispy crust base, generously coated with a soy sauce-infused tonkotsu (pork bone) sauce, delivering a deep, umami-rich taste. It is then layered with springy ramen noodles, minced pork back fat, and thick-cut chashu (roasted pork) to capture the essence of a traditional ramen bowl. A touch of red ramen seasoning enhances the authenticity, while a blend of garlic, Gouda, and mozzarella cheeses adds a creamy, savory finish. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh green onions completes the dish, providing a burst of flavor and a nod to classic ramen toppings.
What inspired Pizza Hut’s Shoyu Ramen Pizza?
Pizza Hut’s Shoyu Ramen Pizza takes inspiration from Japan’s beloved Jiro-style ramen, a bold and intensely flavorful dish known for its soy sauce-infused broth, thick noodles, cabbage, and fatty pork. This ramen style has developed a cult following, with dedicated fans—called “Jirolians”—seeking out its hearty and indulgent experience. By translating these rich, umami-packed flavors into a pizza format, Pizza Hut aims to deliver the same satisfying depth of taste in a unique, shareable, and convenient way.
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What does Pizza Hut’s Shoyu Ramen Pizza taste like?
The Shoyu Ramen Pizza from Pizza Hut has sparked mixed reactions among those who have tried it. Folks at Unseen Japan shared their thoughts on this unconventional fusion dish.
Unseen Japan writer Jay Allen noted that the pizza visually resembles a bowl of ramen spilled onto a pizza crust—an unusual sight that isn’t necessarily unappetizing but not particularly inviting either. His biggest critique was the overwhelming carb-on-carb composition, describing it as “a slew of extra carbs on bread with a few thin slices of meat.” While he found the chashu (roasted pork) surprisingly flavorful, he felt it lacked the cheesy meatiness that defines a classic pizza.
Meanwhile, Jake Adelstein, journalist and author of Tokyo Vice, was far less impressed. His verdict? It’s edible—if there’s nothing else available.
On the other hand, reporter Eric Margolis was the most enthusiastic, offering a simple yet unexpected review: “It’s pretty good, actually.”
Where is Pizza Hut’s Shoyu Ramen Pizza available?
Pizza Hut’s Shoyu Ramen Pizza is available for a limited time, from February 3rd to March 9th, at 579 Pizza Hut locations across Japan. This unique offering is currently exclusive to Japan and is priced at 2,350 yen (approximately 15.48 USD) for the pizza alone, or 2,540 yen (approximately 16.73 USD) with a bottle of Black Okinawa Ryu Tea. For those wanting a more substantial meal, a side set including chicken and fries is available for 3,888 yen (approximately 25.61 USD).