Ramen lovers in downtown Vancouver will like this news!
Back in early June, we told you about Nin Nin Ramen taking over the old Wabukuro spot near International Village.
Now the ramen house has quietly soft-opened as of June 27, and we swung by on day one to see what the Horin team’s new concept was all about.
Right from the sidewalk, you’re greeted by a giant statue of their mascot, Nin Nin – a ninja-suited shiba inu – proudly standing guard outside the door.
It sets the tone for the full experience inside: cute, efficient, and ramen-focused.
Before seating, staff let us know they’re still in soft opening mode, meaning no takeout just yet and no cash accepted.
Once inside, you’re led to a U-shaped ramen bar lined with solo dining seats and soft glow pendant lights.
The vibe blends minimal Japanese decor with playful nods to their ninja theme – look out for ninja stars on napkins and staff aprons, mascot bowls, and Nin Nin artwork on the walls.
Each seat has its own touchscreen menu so you can browse, customize, and eventually pay for your order directly.
It’s a sleek self-serve system and pretty fitting for downtown solo lunchers.
Menu-wise, it basically mirrors Horin’s setup but with a slightly more fun twist.
You’ll find bowls like the Red Tonkotsu, White Tonkotsu, and Black Tonkotsu with the usual chashu pork belly, naruto fish cake, green onion, and customization galore.
You can choose noodle thickness, oil level, spiciness, and even whether your chashu is seared.
They also offer a mild-spicy vegetarian Green Bowl with tofu, spinach, and sesame miso, as well as sides like curry rice and matcha pudding.
We ordered the Red Bowl with added egg and mild chili.
The pork broth was rich, flavourful, and super close to Horin’s signature taste.
A staff member confirmed that they use a similar recipe.
One fun surprise?
Their membership pricing.
Most items are listed with two prices, and while we originally ignored it thinking it was a paid program, it turns out it’s totally free to join.
All they need is your phone number or email.
That instantly knocked our $13.90 ramen down to just $12.90.
In today’s ramen economy, that’s hella steal.
Bottom line: if you like Horin’s ramen but want it in a more playful, casual setting, Nin Nin is exactly that – a Horin dupe with a cuter skin.
And we’re totally here for it.
Nin Nin Ramen now joins a wave of new spots in Vancouver, including Red Wasabi, Lucia, and Sainam.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 660 Abbott Street, Vancouver, BC