Giraffe

"Japanese cuisine (and culture) would not be as prevalent as it is today in Portland without the work of Gabe Rosen, who led the way in opening izakayas (Biwa), late-night ramen shops (Noraneko), and now Giraffe, his own version of a beloved Japanese convenience store. Giraffe is parked inside of Cargo, a 2,000-square-foot home furnishings store in Inner Southeast Portland, where, coincidentally, most of the city’s high-end furniture stores, and Rosen’s other projects, are located. Rosen curated the items in Giraffe with the stuff you’d expect to find at a Lawson’s in Shibuya. Guests who walk in are greeted by a deli case of sandwiches, including egg salad and tonkotsu; an impressive spread of chips and sweets; and yes, drinks like Pocari Sweat."

"Known for curry donuts and comforting sandwiches and ochazuke." - Eater Staff

"Giraffe Goods, the shop specializing in Japanese egg salad sandwiches, closed earlier this year due in part to difficulties with the ongoing pandemic." - Alex Frane

"Giraffe Goods, a Japanese deli located within the larger Cargo artisan mall in Inner Southeast Portland, is known for its signature egg salad sandwich. Opened by Kana Hinohara Hanson and Gabe Rosen in late 2018, the deli quickly gained popularity for its unique take on the Japanese convenience store-inspired sandwich. The sandwich features pastel-yellow-and-green egg salad with a soft-boiled egg at its center, marinated in tamari, sake, konbu, and mirin, and is complemented by chopped parsley. It became an Instagram sensation and a favorite among Portland's food critics and chefs." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

"Giraffe hawks everything from kombu and Kewpie to bento boxes and red bean croissants, with a small pantry section and a grab-and-go cooler with katsu sandwiches. The pastries, from Beaverton’s Oyatsupan, are definitely worth it for a post-shopping treat." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden