A world of goodies awaits inside. Photo: Meira Gebel/Axios
If you're looking for a Japanese ramen bar, boba cafe and convenience store all wrapped into one, might I suggest Mini Mini Shop.
Here you'll find shelves packed with imported snacks, sodas, sweets and even stationery, pens, plushies and other cute accessories.
The DIY ramen bar is the biggest draw. There's cult-favorite brands like Shin Ramyun, Buldak and Sapporo Ichiban in a wide range of flavors and noodle types.
Creamy miso tonkotsu udon, spicy seafood-black garlic vermicelli as well as curry ramen and cheese are just a few of the harder-to-find varieties rarely stocked in American grocery stores.
Not only does it make for a pretty inexpensive lunch — most packs start at $2.50 while additional toppings like pork chashu, spam and hard-boiled egg are $1.25 extra — it feels like stumbling into a tiny Tokyo corner store in the middle of Portland.
If you go: Mini Mini Shop (3912 North Vancouver Avenue) is open daily at noon.