This Montreal depanneur lets you make ramen in-store and it feels like a 7-Eleven in Japan

If you've been to Japan, you know they have an elite convenience store culture. Places like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Ministop — their version of a Montreal depanneur — are one-stop shops where you can do everything from pay bills to pick up packages to grab a bite to eat.

We're not just talking about chips and chocolate, either. At konbini (Japanese convenience stores), you can actually find good food, including onigiri, egg sandwiches, fried chicken and — of course — instant ramen, which you can cook yourself in the store and eat there as a quick, inexpensive meal. And, now, you can do the same thing in Montreal.

While you can't pay bills or pick up packages at Le Fullsun, a modern dep meets Asian grocery store meets banh mi café in The Village, you can make your own fully customized ramen and dine there, turning this fast snack into a hearty meal while still eating on-the-cheap and on-the-go.

Le Fullsun has everything you need to make a delicious instant noodle dish, not only in terms of equipment, like a hot water machine, but also in terms of its extensive selection of 65+ ramen choices, including vegan options, Halal options and hard-to-find brands and flavours from Japan and Korea.

The way it works is simple: just pick your ramen, which costs between $0.99 and $2.49 per package, and cook it with Le Fullsun's machine.

Next, pick your toppings, which range in price from $1 to $3 each. Toppings include beef, ham, chicken, Vietnamese ham, Japanese tofu, fish cake kamaboko, fried eggs, crab sticks, kimchi, fresh eggs, cheese, bean sprouts, shallots and marinated carrots with radish.

Then it's time to chow down.

FYI there's an added $1 charge for a "cooking bowl" when you opt to make your ramen in-store, but you can still spend under $4 total if you keep toppings minimal.

Aside from ramen, Le Fullsun has a large selection of Asian snacks, drinks, condiments as well as other grocery items to buy and taste — whether you're looking for a beverage to compliment your meal, a sweet dessert or some sriracha to bring home.

Plus, there's a full menu of bánh mì sandwiches and smoothies, both of which have excellent reviews on Google and social media.

If you can't afford to fly to Asia, you can still have a Japanese / Korean convenience store experience and enjoy delicious Vietnamese street food without leaving Montreal. All it takes is a walk, drive or metro ride to The Village to check out Le Fullsun.

These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.

This article has been updated since it was originally published on July 15, 2024.