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    Ekiben

    4.7 (2.1k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 3:30 pm, 4:30 PM - 11:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Ekiben Takeout

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    EKIBEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Ekiben

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    Reviews With Photos

    Spencer W.

    recommended to me & definitely best spot! Very flavorful and delicious AND interesting! Small shop with counter seating. Had tempura broccoli and chicken bun sando. Looking forward to coming back to try the other items!

    Ancho chile pork and tempura broccoli
    Alyssa T.

    I have never eaten such delicious asian fusion food. Food: 5/5 do yourself a favor and give into the hype. The neighborhood bird is a great curry chicken thigh dish, and the bowl gets 2 full chicken thighs with rice and veggies. My friend got the pork sandwich and that was exquisite. The tempura broccoli was good, but it did taste more like brussel sprouts for some reason even though it was definitely broccoli. Loved it either way. Service: 5/5 the kind cashier helped me and my friend make our choices and gave us good input on the dishes we asked about. Ambiance: small storefront with a few places to sit, probably could sit 10 in total. Order at the counter and wait for your order for about 10 minutes. Street parking, with some free spots and some paid.

    Kay H.

    This is for a to-go order experience. I have had my eye on trying their food for a while now. I kept it simple with the neighborhood bird bun. I love a good bun sandwich. I received the spicy version. The portion was solid and tastebuds were on fire, but in a good way! Nothing like a healthy encouragement to have a full glass if water with your meal. I don't do fried foods often, but it was a really nice change of pace.

    Chicken bowl
    Starvel D.

    I discovered this place during the recent furlough. They were offering free meals to furloughed employees, so I stopped by. This location is about 40 minutes away from me and it was a well worth the drive. I went twice in one week. This location is pretty cozy. There aren't any traditional tables inside. They just have a few long rectangle tables along the perimeter with barstools. The decor is all black and white, so it's clean and simple. The playlist will definitely keep your head bobbing. When I was there, it was a lot of old-school hip-hop - Biggie, Nas, and the Fugees. For the entrées, you can get either a bun on a bowl. Although I love a bao bun, I opted for a bowl both times because I wanted a heartier meal. On my first visit, I played it safe & had the neighborhood bowl. When I opened the box, I immediately knew three things for sure. I could tell it was made with love, the smells told me that this dish was gonna be good, and I knew those pickled veggies were made from scratch not from a jar. This bowl had Taiwanese curry fried chicken topped with sambal mayo & herbs over a bed of rice. On the side were some house-made pickled veggies - pickles, red onions, and mango-papaya slaw. I wouldn't change one single solitary thing about this dish. For me it was perfect. The chicken was crispy, not fried hard, and well seasoned. I'm not sure of all the ingredients in the mayo but it was yummy, complimented the dish well, and didn't overpowered the other ingredients. I'm a fan of pickled red onions, but wasn't sure how I would feel about the other pickled veggies; I ate all of them. There was no pickled veggie left behind. Lol. The pickles had a slight sweetness to them, and I really enjoyed the texture of the slaw mixed in with the chicken and the rice. On my second visit, I decided to take a chance and try the ancho chili pork bowl. I don't eat a lot of pork and it's rare that I order it when I go out. Since the first visit went so well, I had high expectations for this pork bowl. Omg, I'm so glad Ekiben exceeded them. I don't know what I was expecting, but I wasn't expecting this. There were all of these wonderful chunks of tender pork coated in this lovely sauce. I don't think I've ever had tender pork before. Despite the bowl's name the sauce wasn't spicy. It was just a lil' touch of heat balanced with all the other herbs & spices in the sauce. While I enjoyed both bowls, this one was my favorite. I also tried the crab rangoon egg roll. It was like a crab rangoon on steroids. Unlike a rangoon, where you have maybe 2 tablespoons of filling, this egg roll was packed to the brim with imitation crab meat, cheese, & green onions. They make them fresh to order so it was piping hot and the red duck sauce was on point. It was a tasty appetizer, but I'm not sure I would order it again. Considering the bowls are $18, I felt like $10 was a bit much for one egg roll. During both visits, they were out of the crispy shrimp. Fingers crossed the next time I stop by, I can give the crispy shrimp bowl a try. Next year, I want to be more intentional about visiting Baltimore restaurants. This one is definitely going in the rotation.

    Tempura broccoli
    Michelle G.

    My cousins who live in the Baltimore suburbs recommended this place on my most recent visit to Baltimore and I really enjoyed it. My friend on a separate trip to Baltimore went here and also said it was super good. We tried most of the menu including the tempura broccoli, both kinds of shrimp, tofu, and chicken. Personally the chicken was a bit of a skip to me, but I thought both shrimps and the tofu were so good. I am not a vegetarian but I would recommend getting the tofu anyways. Delicious. There are barely any seats in here and you just have to fight for one or wait if it's busy so not ideal for groups but yum.

    Sherrice C.

    10 years of Ekiben!! I don't need to write a crazy long review, you can read what everyone else has to say and see all the awards they've won. Ekiben always has the best service and the best food. Anytime anyone comes to visit me, I take them to get a Neighborhood Bird bowl. Here's to 10 years of Ekiben and hopefully 100 more!!!

    Jennifer N.

    Visiting Baltimore for the first time, my friends highly recommended this place and so I placed a pick up order which was very easy to do via their website! This location is definitely very small and cozy with not too much available seating and so it looks like their business model is more traditionally pick up and take out, though I did see a group of friends eating at a table together right outside the restaurant! I was torn between choosing the neighborhood bird bowl or the neighborhood bird bun but my friend had told me that the chicken is ginormous and so when you order it with the bowl, it's more bang for your buck and I 100% agree! The chicken was so flavorful with the right amount of spiciness and it had this delicious sauce that was poured over it. I also really really loved the different sides that it came with such as the pickle vegetables and the slaw. We also can't help we get a side of their buns just because of how fluffy they looked in the photos and they were indeed so soft impaired really great with the chicken! I also found it really neat that they make their own drinks in house and so I tried a white strawberry Matcha and the Yuzu white peach which were both delicious! Overall, this was such a great casual place that I would 100% see myself going back to for both lunch and dinner if I lived in Baltimore. The chicken is honestly so amazing and I still think about it to this day.

    Neighborhood Bird Box
    Umar M.

    I am a simple man and it is very easy to make me happy. Just give me good food and I don't care about anything else. I went to this place after being super disappointed by another really expensive place. Please read my other reviews to find out which place I am talking about. CONNECT THE DOTS! Let me tell you this.... EKIBEN DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! I ordered the neighborhood bird box and bruh.... I mean bruuuuuhhhhhhh..... This bird box hit me the feels. Chicken thighs fried to perfection over a bed of rice next to pickled cucumber, papaya salad and pickled onions which spice sambhal mayo drizzled on it. Say what! This was everything I needed to heal myself physically and emotionally. I am complete! 5/5 this place is S tier!

    Pho cheesesteak egg roll
    Emi V.

    Oh my goodness is this place so good! Some items are more expensive than others, but the plates are huge portions that could be split into two if you really wanted to. The neighborhood bird plate comes with two big chicken pieces that are oh so moist and well seasoned. I suggest getting it with rice instead of the bun. The restaurant is fairly small with only a few seats available so I highly recommend taking it to-go or bringing it to the waterfront to sit and enjoy the view. The employees are always nice and fast to ring you up.

    Ordering counter
    Ana B.

    The food here isn't healthy by any means but I trick myself into thinking it is by always getting extra pickles and herbs. I am so obsessed with this establishment, not necessarily because of the food but because of what they do for the community, they recently announced that all government furlough employees get free Ekiben if they order in person which is really impressive. They also do an amazing Halloween turn out where you get everything half off and it's something they don't have to do but they choose to do it for the community. I've never come in here and never not seen another person. I feel like they just always have a constant stream of people in through their doors. I also think what makes this establishment so successful is that everyone who works there is really really happy and are just really nice to all of their customers. All their locations are super tiny, but I think that also adds to the appeal of a place that really feels tightknit.

    Ribs bowl
    Sheneil B.

    Don't walk to try those ribs!! Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon, it was quite busy which made the wait about 25 mins, but it was worth it. It was so cool to hang out and watch the rhythm of the kitchen, they truly have fun working. Got to try their new ribs plate which was yummy, and the classic chicken was it's usually tasty. Thanksgiving hours are posted though

    Wall menu
    Patrick L.

    My daughter lives in DC, and while I've visited her many times over the years, I had never made it up to Baltimore until recently. She insisted we go mostly for this chicken sandwich place -- and wow, Ekiben completely lived up to the hype! The famous chicken sandwich on a bao bun was otherworldly -- perfectly crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, tucked inside that soft steamed bun. I honestly wish we had an Ekiben near me in LA because I'd be there every week. Despite being packed on a Saturday around lunchtime, the service was incredibly friendly and helpful. We grabbed our food to go and ate by the nearby pier, soaking up the glorious early October weather -- the perfect Baltimore afternoon. The restaurant itself is small, so plan to take it to go - but the music was bumpin' while we waited for our order! If you're anywhere within 100 miles, make the detour and put Ekiben on your must-try list. You won't regret it. Loved every bite! 5 stars

    Spicy Neighborhood Bird Bowl
    Peyton L.

    This place ROCKS!!! Amazing food - spicy neighborhood bird bowl (chicken) is my favorite. Huge portions - basically an entire rotisserie chicken in there. Will last you 2-3 meals with leftovers. Just so delicious and unique. Pickled cucumbers, pickled onions, sticky white rice, perfect sauce. Highly recommend Ekiben!!! To-go is equally as tasty.

    Neighborhood Bird bun & tempura broccoli

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    Ask the Community - Ekiben

    Is this restaurant halal or kosher?

    This restaurant doesn't explicitly mark itself or any of its dishes as halal or kosher, but it is clear enough about the ingredients in each dish if you are concerned about those.

    Can I call and make a reservation?

    I don't think so. The indoor space is very small and casual. It seems like people grab a space if available or carry out.

    Are there any peanut products in the neighborhood bird bowl?

    Don't recall nuts as an ingredient, but you might want to contact them directly in case they use peanut oil. There was a note on the site saying soy is in almost everything and to contact them about allergies.

    Does this restaurant accept Venmo scan to pay?

    I'm not sure, but I don't think so.

    View All 8 Questions

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    Kneads Bakeshop - tuna salad

    Kneads Bakeshop

    (382 reviews)

    $$

    Inner Harbor

    We had such a great experience here--twice!…read more The staff was amazing and made us feel very welcomed and taken care of from the moment we walked in. Both our server and the host were super attentive and made sure we understood the menu and specials, which we really appreciated. The ambiance was beautiful--very clean, cozy, and just a really nice place to sit and enjoy your food. It does get busy, but they're very organized and communicate wait times right away, which makes a big difference. Now the food: Donuts: SO good--soft, flavorful, and definitely a must-try. Cheesecake: A little on the firmer side rather than super creamy, but still tasty. Margherita pizza: Great flavor (9/10). Personally I'd love a bit more cheese, and it's on the thinner side, but for the price and portion, it's still a solid choice. Pulled pork special: 10/10--absolutely delicious. Fried pickles: 9/10--slightly salty for some, but definitely worth trying. We dined in and also did takeout on two different days, and both experiences were consistently great. Definitely a spot we'd come back to!

    Kneads Cafe -- My kids are giving it a solid 5 stars, and honestly... they're not wrong…read more The space is bright and welcoming, the food is delicious, and the counter service is quick and efficient. From an adult perspective, we walked into what looked like total chaos--a packed restaurant--and immediately thought we'd made a mistake. But then we realized you can order at the counter and head upstairs to grab a seat. Total win-win. We went with two cappuccinos, a lineup of sweet treats, and an incredible steak, egg, and cheese sandwich that absolutely delivered. Hands down one of our best Baltimore finds--we're already looking forward to coming back when football season rolls around.

    The Little Hungarian Bake Shoppe

    The Little Hungarian Bake Shoppe

    (7 reviews)

    Canton

    I found it easy to place an order online. It was ready for pickup when I arrived…read more I ordered a sweet and savory chimney cake. Savory: I ordered a sandwich on the cheese and jalapeno chimney cake. I thought it was a great balance and ratio of the fillings to bread. And the chimney cake was moist. Definitely very pleasurable to eat. Sweet; I ordered the coconut one with sweet cream.. I was surprised that the sweet cream came as a side not actually filled in. I found it a little hard, and Kn curious if it'd of tasted better if I ate it right away. I wish it was same texture as the savory one. The sweet cream had the sweet salty flavor, which i know some people love. I just wasn't a big fan of it. Overall, I'm glad I tried and would def try again.

    I've walked by this place a few times and always wanted to try it -- finally stopped in, and I'm SO…read moreglad I did! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly, and the cozy, homey vibe immediately stood out. There are just a few small tables, which makes it feel extra welcoming and intimate. We ordered the Italian sandwich with jalapeño and cheese bread, and wow -- the bread was amazing! Perfectly baked and full of flavor. Definitely recommend adding the chipotle dipping sauce. I don't usually like chipotle sauces, but my husband ordered it and after one taste, I wished I had my own. We also tried the crepes, and they were fantastic. You can tell they're freshly made and homemade with care. I got the Nutella, strawberry, and walnut -- highly recommend the walnut! It's finely minced and mixed into the crepe, which adds the perfect texture and flavor. The only thing I wish they offered was a fresh fruit topping option like chopped strawberries or bananas. Overall, I highly recommend this spot. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and it's such a great addition to the neighborhood. Can't wait to come back!

    Ekiben - asianfusion - Updated May 2026

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