It looks like Vancouver’s ramen scene is about to get a new contender and it’s got some seriously cute mascot vibes!
Back in April, we reported that Wabukuro, the Japanese bento and convenience store off Keefer near International Village, had quietly closed and was undergoing a mysterious transformation.
The spot, once stocked with karaage bentos and shelves of snacks, had been closed for “maintenance” since November 2024.
But those covered windows and construction noise told us something bigger was brewing.
And now we finally have a glimpse at what is taking over.
We spotted the new signage go up last week, confirming what many suspected: Wabukuro is officially no more and is being reborn as Nin Nin Ramen.
The new sign features an adorable ninja-shiba inu mascot slurping up a bowl of ramen, paired with bold, cartoon-style branding.
Peeking through the windows, you’ll also spot a mural of the same character on the inside, reinforcing the playful vibe of this upcoming ramen spot.
While the team behind it hasn’t formally announced anything, this is a brand-new ramen concept from the same folks who brought us Horin’s flagship Robson location and the Burnaby Metrotown stall.
Unlike Horin’s sleek and refined tonkotsu-focused setup, Nin Nin seems geared toward a more casual, family-friendly feel.
There’s still no word on the exact opening date or what kind of ramen will be on the menu (shoyu? miso? spicy tan tan?).
The Horin team has remained tight-lipped, but it will be interesting to see what Nin Nin has in store for locals as the area already has other ramen joints like Taishoken and Torimaru.
Nin Nin will be joining other upcoming food spots in Vancouver like Kavita, Bouquet Cafe, and Rollz.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
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