Ekiben
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Wow! Best tasting tofu I've ever had! Ordered the tofu bowl and the whole thing was delicious! And the tempura broccoli? 10/10! Can't believe I haven't heard of this place before, everything is so good!
I get the hyped. The chicken is unmatched. It came out so hot, so flavorful, and so crispy!! The only thing that I know for me for next time is to ask for the sauce on the side. I asked for light sauce and it was still a generous amount for me and it was kind of sweet, so it pushed it over the top for me personally in additional to the semi sweet bao bun. But overall it was delicious and everyone working there was nice.
The vibe , let's start with that, the vibe was everything. The energy was giving very much small party with food. They had an awesome playlist while waiting in your food. A wall full of pictures of various people, artist etc, they also had Naruto (anime) on the other wall. There was a small area to dine in which comprised of stools, kinda tight if it's too many people, but just right if it's only a few people. There is a parking lot nearby that you have to pay to park, but it's in close proximity of the establishment. Now on to the FOOD of which was DELICIOUS! I ordered chicken and fried rice. The chicken was super juicy, golden brown , flavored perfectly with some type of sauce on top , I can't tell you what the sauce was but it was super good! The portion was big as well. This onion /cabbage mix I wanna say that had was amazing as well and the rice was good, everything was GOOD! The staff were super nice, they were very organized in called orders, the food was fresh and hot! The establishment itself was clean and tidy!
One of my fave takeout spots in Bmore! I love the fried chicken bowls as well as the tofu and broccoli. On the fried chicken bowl- you can regular or spicy (and the spicy is legit high spice). I love the coating and seasoning on the chicken. Make sure to get Chinese sausage on the side with the broccoli- it's so delicious! We usually grab the food to go but the service is quick and the ambiance is cozy and reflective of a cute hole in the wall spot. They have three locations in bmore and one opening in Frederick that I will try as soon as they open their online ordering. Don't miss this spot- it's a gem!
Every time I tell people I live in Bmore, the first thing they ask is 'Have you tried Ekiben yet!' And for good reason too, it's just that good! I've been to both the Fells and Hampden locations, but I prefer the Hampden one so I can walk over to get some dessert at the Charmery. The entrance is a little sketchy, but once you get in, the ambiance is relaxed. The decor with the anime panels is also so cute! Also, their ekiben logo stickers are free! I highly recommend the tofu brah with the tempura broccoli to share with some friends. The vinaigrette on the broccoli and the pickled vegetables are perfect to cut through the fried heaviness of the tofu, so the entire meal really complements each other. Everything also reheats really well, which is perfect since the portions are so large. I don't really care for the Yuzu drinks that they have, so I would recommend skipping that. I'll be back Ekiben!
Ekiben is a must go in Baltimore! The Hampden one is my personal favorite since I find myself in that area more frequently (shoutout to Charm City Skin!) but all locations are excellent. Address is on 36th but the entrance is on the backside down the alley. You order at the counter when you first come in - there is a seating area off to the left. It's a small space but doesn't feel cramped. The food is top notch - the tofu nuggets are my current hyper fixation. The peanut sauce, the fresh herbs, the crispy tofu bites, it is just incredible. Other faves include the shrimp and the neighborhood bird. The staff at Hampden in particular is so friendly and welcoming - no matter how busy they are. Even when packed and tickets rolling in nonstop, everyone there is friendly and upbeat. They go out of their way to be helpful and accommodating and they move quick!
Every time I make my to Baltimore or if someone asks me for a recommendation in this area, my go to spot it hands down Ekiben. When I say I order the menu and take some to go, I am not kidding! The food is exceptional; a flavor bomb every time. Honestly, everything has star power on this menu. If you are lucky enough to go during the summer, the highlight is the Maryland Softie. A soft shell crab, crab cake, and cheese inside a fluffy Bao Bun. Absolutely incredible. The ramen broccoli is to die for. But my absolute favorite is always the hand pulled noodles with tofu . The tofu does contain peanuts but is a perfect combo with the garlic chili noodles. The seating is limited but they have a couple tables outside. The staff is always fantastic and the service is always Great as well! Must gets: - shrimp snack - garlic chili noodles with tofu - tofu brah - crab softie ( summer time) - broccoli
I saw a video of the chicken sandwich and had to try it out. My GPS told me that I had arrived at the restaurant but it is actually located in a back alley. There is paid parking right behind the restaurant as well. The inside is not that big but I noticed that there was a small section of counter seating. When you walk in the music is blasting, still able to hear but sets the vibe for the space. I ordered two sandwiches and two drinks. They take your number and will text you when your order is ready. I must have missed it, but I wasn't sure how to tell the two sandwiches apart. There was no labels on the take out boxes, so I made a guess as to which one was the one I ordered. The chicken was coated perfectly and there was a generous amount of sauce. The bun was light and airy which made the sandwich not feel so heavy. I wish I also had tried the bowl version of the sandwich which looked pretty tasty based on the picture.
I recently visited Ekiben for my 1st time & the Neighborhood Bird sandwich was delicious.. The bun was soft & fresh. Fresh & hot chicken.. The Tempura Broccoli was amazing.. I wasn't quite sure if I would like it but truly enjoyed the delicious taste.. When I first walked in they were extremely busy, but the young at the register still greeted me.. I dined in & enjoyed my food.. I had to take some to go bcuz they provided so much that I could not eat it all.. There were a few people dinning in not too many.. I would like to give Ekiben a Huge Thank You for the support of us Furloughed Federal Workers.. We Appreciate Your Support.. Thank you for the Amazing food.. I will be back to visit
My experience at Ekiben was nothing short of stellar. I stopped by the Hampden location and ordered two dishes: the Peking Ribs Bowl and the Spicy Neighborhood Bird Bowl. Both were packed with bold, layered flavors that highlight the creative mix of Ethiopian and Japanese influences. Every bite felt thoughtful and well-executed. The staff was welcoming and quick on their feet, offering great recommendations and keeping the energy upbeat. The atmosphere has that lively ramen shop feel you'd find in Japan, yet it still feels cozy and neighborhood-friendly. If you can, go during the day. It's busy but not overwhelming, and you really get to enjoy the food without a long wait. Ekiben lives up to the hype and then some.
Tucked back in an alleyway, took a bit to find it. Cute little spot and the cashier was nice. There's a little area to sit down and eat, if you can find a seat. First time trying it out and wasn't blown away. The couple of bites that I had of the chicken sandwich were good, but I couldn't eat it all. It wasn't cooked all the way through. Loved the bread. Would go back, but will try another meat instead.
Gosh ! , no words to explain how much we Looooved this place. AMAZING all around from the food to the service million stars. Incredible vibe and atmosphere. Person helping us - Mr Yon so kind and so helpful , definitely deserving of a huge raise very soon. Thank you guys. We are so happy we came across Ekiben on our spring break journey.
Heard a lot about Ekiben for a good casual place to eat out! I'd definitely recommend ordering ahead because this place gets lots of orders and is very busy. After we ordered, he said it would be about 25 minutes but it took around 18 min for the food to be made! The tofu brah was highly recommended to me by a few friends. Tofu Brah Bun: The tofu is fried and coated in a delicious sauce. It has a good crispness and crunch to it. Super delicious and fresh with its vegetable toppings. It definitely falls apart tho after the first bite so I'd say maybe just eat it with utensils? Spicy Neighborhood Chicken Bun: It's a Taiwanese curry fried chicken thigh that is so big that it makes the bun it's on look so small. It comes super saucy and with some cucumbers. Very delicious. The chicken was juicy. I'd get this again next time. It's not spicy at all, just saucy and flavorful. Ngl idk how to eat these buns because they are so huge, but it worked for us to use a knife and fork. It's located at the back of the building so there's an alleyway where you could park your car and pick up. The pathway is very walkable, and there is a paid parking lot right across. There's several stools inside where you could dine in (less than 10 seats). Lots of flyers and events posted if you're interested. There is not a crazy number of items on the menu, but just enough that there's several good choices to pick from. Lots of sides. The bowl option is about $3 more than the bun choice. Overall, well worth the wait (which you could save yourself by ordering ahead). They have a couple of cute sticker designs to take as a keepsake and reminder to come back again!
1 year ago
The food is amazing. Very flavorful. The chicken nice and juicy. The shrimp are really finger licking good. It's a nice carry out spot. Ordered online when in to pick up. Staff are friendly and very informative. I love when I can get my questions answered. read more
Yummy! It's been a while since I had Ekiben and I was excited to see the garlic oil noodles in the menu! As a fellow noodler, I had to try them! They were really good! Nice portion. I do wish they would expand the protein options. My only choices were beef and tofu. Grabbed a steamed bun on the side because duhhhh, it's not Ekiben without the bun! Very delish! The lychee black tea was also exceptional! Service was super fast with online ordering via Toast and the staff were super friendly upon arrival. Blasting their usual jamming playlist! Thanks for a yummy meal after such a hectic day! read more
2 months ago
It's actually insane that I've never recorded my love for Ekiben on this platform??? I don't even know how that happened??? .... I must rectify this. And only a haiku will do. Immediately! Bao down - drench thee in sambal Neighborhood bird me! --- Seriously, we're obsessed. They catered our wedding. The vibes were immaculate. 10/10 would choose to eat this food daily if I could. read more
THIS.DISH.WAS.SO.GOOD! I honestly don't think I've had a bad dish from Ekiben yet. I'll order this a thousand times again. The shrimp remained crispy for a very long time even though it was coated in sauce. The shrimp were also a nice size. read more
Easily a 5/5 place. Just moved to Baltimore and I sought this place out for my first place to eat off a recommendation. I came in to pick up to try the fried Taiwanese chicken bowl and bun, as well as an order of tempura broccoli. The chicken dishes were delicious- great flavor and crunch for the chicken. The bun was super soft and the pickles in both were a great balance. The tempura broccoli was light, crispy and super flavorful- not oily like other tempura broccolis I've had. While I was waiting, they offered a bottle of water to drink, which was amazing since it was during the heatwave summer in the middle of the day. They were super friendly and the restaurant itself is very much my aesthetic. While a little bit hard to find, this should stop you from coming here. Will be coming back 100% to try the other things in the menu! read more
Tucked in an alleyway, but quick, Asian-fusion bun and bowls! + Beef Bowl ($20.5): fall-apart beef with loads of toppings, pickled veggies over a bed of rice (8/10) + The Neighborhood Bird Bun ($13.25): massive, tender fried chicken in a soft man tao bun loaded with cilantro and spicy sauce (8.3/10) + Tofu Brah Bun ($13.25): sweet, fried tofu with pickled daikon and radish, basil, cilantro in a spicy peanut sauce (8.2/10) read more
1 year ago
It was a bit hard to find the entrance, but all three dishes were very well seasoned and came in generous portions. The place was also clean inside. Highly recommend their tofu buns!!! read more
1 year ago
Amazing place only waited 15 minutes the price was worth it I got three different things I don't have the picture of the third thing but it was just buns delicious I paid like $39 it was worth it and I was on a load at the time too so it was worth it for me great customer service and it was clean read more
5 months ago
I lived in Baltimore a few years ago and recently visited for a work trip. I had to stop by Ekiben because it was one of my favorite food spots when I lived in the city. The Hampden location is a newer addition but, it is still just as good as the original location on Eastern and S Broadway. The Hampden location has more room for seating which is a huge plus. I always order the tofu nugs and tempura broccoli - it was just how I remembered! Both items are full of flavor because of the fresh cilantro, basil, and red onion that are used to top them off. I highly recommend trying both items. Also, they are filling so you can share if you are feeling generous ;) read more
1 year ago
The dislike of this business all boils down to tastebuds...I placed my order online picked it up had a tiny wait not a problem my food looked delicious and was a great amount the counter guy was nice talked to me while I waited I just didn't like my food. The crab Rangoon egg roll looked like the picture except mine was just cream cheese and my chicken sandwich was really huge and the bun was like a cloud my tastebuds just didn't let me enjoy it. This is a popular establishment with great reviews just not for me.Sorry read more
3 months ago
2 years ago
Tried Ekiben again and loved of course! The pho-spiced cheesesteak egg roll was amazing--my first time trying it--and the spicy neighborhood bird bowl is always a HIT. Also gave the lychee black tea a shot; it was okay, with both flavors standing out distinctly. Great spot overall! read more
8 months ago
Quick service at the counter, nice and warm seating area, really tasty food! The chicken sandwich is a winner!! read more
Food always hits the spot, I lived near the one in federal hill and this was my first time at the Hamden location- the entrance is behind the building so you're closer if you're parked on the side. I am a sucker for the neighborhood bird- bun or bowl. The chicken is always crispy and the pickled veggies are the perfect combination. The resturant is always very clean and has really good music. They do play it a little loud but it fits the vibe. read more
I loveee Ekiben! The staff is so friendly, and their buns, bowls, and sides are so uniquely flavored and delicious! I hope they expand to more parts of Maryland but they are currently only in Baltimore. Their buns are thickkk and filled with a huge amount of protein, regardless of what you order. I've had the tofu and neighborhood bird buns before, so I wanted to try something new. The cashier was so sweet and brought me two samples of their pork and chicken when I asked what he recommends. I went with the pork bun and liked the BBQ flavor mixed with all the other tangy, sweet flavors mixed in. The buns are big, but if you're eating with a group, I recommend trying their tofu nuggets and tempura broccoli too! read more
Super generous sized buns! Chicken is juicy and flavorful and I love the herbs on top which added extra freshness. The bowls are also huge! Staff are friendly as well. Location: the Hamden location is hidden in the back of an alley. We had to enter the numbered building, walk down through the restaurant, and then down a ramp which leads you back outside to the restaurant. read more
You haven't been to Baltimore if you haven't tried Ekiben. A pretty minimal menu of great options. So much flavor, and the tempura broccoli is unmatched. Service is always fast at the Hampden one, and they always seem excited when you walk in. And I feel like they're always vibing to some good music. Like I want their Spotify. They also do a good job of following any speciality instructions for the order, like if you didn't want rice and wanted it sub it for extra veggies. read more
4 months ago
5 months ago
3 years ago
with numerous locations in Baltimore, @ekibenbaltimore is a must-try every time I go I get the TOFU BRAH BOWL filled with tofu, spicy peanut sauce, seasonal slaw, fresh herbs, roasted aromatics The portion sizes are GENEROUS -- a bowl typically lasts me two full meals read more
Tried some new items from Ekiben today. The garlic chili noodles with beef, the new Ramen broccoli, and the mochi ice cream sandwich all were really good. I especially liked the pickles in the garlic noodles because they added a sweet and tart accent to the garlic and chili. The new Ramen broccoli is good, and the aïoli that it comes with is really delicious, but I still like the original broccoli tempura the most. The ice cream sandwich was really a delicious treat, I highly recommend you try it! read more
I saw so many good reviews so I had to stop by while I was in the area. My partner and I came around 12:30 on a Saturday and it took about 15 minutes for our food to be ready. If you're planning on dining in I would recommend coming a bit earlier to beat the lunch rush, we had to wait a bit before we could find a spot to sit. We got the neighborhood bird bun and pork bao bun sandwich and both were so good! I got the spicy yardbird and they do not hold back on the spice, I was at my limit lol because of that the pork was more enjoyable eating experience I would ask for mild next time. However, I think the neighborhood bird is more worth it price wise, the size of it was the equivalent of 2 of the pork sandwiches. The bun is cut where the top bun is almost quadruple the height on the bottom bun, this makes it difficult and messy to eat. I would return, I'm curious about the bowl and appetizers. read more
1 year ago
10 months ago
Best chicken sandwich I've ever had. Amazing spices on the chicken and delicious sauce. The broccoli is always crispy and has a delicious sauce on it. People are friendly and the yurbamate is unique and delicious! Will always go back. read more
First and foremost, the food is absolutely five stars. I've been meaning to try Ekiben for a while, I'm so glad I finally have. But, I also know it's dangerous because now I'll just want to try everything on the menu... multiple times. My partner got the spicy neighborhood bird bowl, I ordered the mild neighborhood bird bun, and we split the tempura broccoli. The curry-fried chicken is insanely flavorful, the sauces that come on both dishes enhance the flavor, and the garnishes are *chef's kiss*. When it comes down to the two entrees, the bun being $13.25 and the bowl being $17.25, I would say the prices are a bit steep but that the bowl definitely comes with more to encourage that price point. The bowl comes with pickled onion, pickles and a slaw, all served over rice, with two pieces of chicken. We ended up not finishing our tempura broccoli/all of the bowl and decided next time it might be fine to just split a bowl and a side or two. Service was great, no complaints there! Moving on to the reason it's not quite five stars, I do think the overall ambience of the restaurant is fine, but it would be nice if they had a better seating area. I'm unsure of what it's like at the other locations, but here the music is pretty loud and there's just some like high top, counter-style seating. It was fine but it would've been nice to have better seating options. It seems like a primarily takeout joint. Last, the only really "disappointing" thing here is the lack of drink options. There was a cooler with two (sorry, overpriced) bottled beverage choices, or water in tiny water cups from an igloo cooler. They could definitely benefit from even just getting bottled sodas or something to add to the cooler. read more
11 months ago
I LOVE ekiben. They never fail me. The staff is always super nice and while it is usually very crowded for a small space, it is very clean and nicely decorated. the food is always so yummy. I usually get the garlic chili noodles with tofu and broccoli tempura. The price is a bit hefty, but the food is incredibly delicious and i'm happy supporting a business that gives back to their community and has good morals. read more
2 years ago
When we walked in the door we were greeted with a smile! We told them we hadn't been there before and were given a sample of the beef and the ancho chili pork- both were AMAZING so flavorful and SO tender! The beef had some spice to it- he also let us try the yuzuade which is was fresh and not too sweet We ended up ordering the tempura broccoli which was delicious and fried to perfection! The cheesesteak egg roll which was also cooked perfectly and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! The beef bowl which was a large portion and delicious. The neighborhood bird bun which I think was a chicken thigh? Fried really well and huge! My favorite was the red beans and rice which was so savory and just enough salt and spice The one thing i wish i knew was how sweet the sauce they used on the chicken bun and the egg roll- it's orange? It over powered the other flavors for me- The sauce on the broccoli was also too sweet for my taste buds I gave it 5 stars cause this is a personal taste and everything was amazing and the staff was super kind. There was music playing inside and everyone was friendly it was well lit and there were some stools and a small dining area there was a comic book? Or anime theme inside and it was cool to look at! When I go back I'll be getting the pork and the beans for sure :) read more
2 years ago
This location is not really a dine-in restaurant. The dining room is cool and eclectic with music thumping but there's not a lot of room to sit. You must order at the counter. There are bottled drinks and teas in a refrigerator (no fountain drinks). All that being said, the food is amazing!!! The curried fried shrimp are HUGE and delicious. The fried broccoli is crunchy and flavorful. The pork bowl is my go-to and the portions are huge! But the best thing is the cilantro-onion-garlic seasoned topper ... i would eat it on anything! I place a to-go order every time I'm in the neighborhood! *Apologies I didn't take more pics. Will add some next time I go. read more
We came here because it was recommended by several local friends who have lived in Baltimore before! Asian fusion style. Generous portions, probably 2 portions of food per person in one order. They give lots of rice and pickled veggies on the side for a well rounded meal! Tofu Brahs (bowl style) - get this if you like sweeter sauces. The tofu was nice and crispy even though we got it to go and ate it at home. Very delicious! Neighborhood Bird (bowl style) - was still super crispy when we ate it. Curry flavor was sooo good and wasn't so empowering. My friend ordered this one but I think I'm fore sure going to get this next time too! read more
1 year ago
More info about Ekiben
911 W 36th St
Baltimore, MD 21211
Hampden
Directions
(443) 682-7306
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http://www.ekibenbaltimore.com
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Ask the Community - Ekiben
How much seating is there or is it just take out? Thanks.
Like 10 seats in restaurants but no tables, bar stools style
Will Ekiben meet someone just outside their door with an order? (As opposed to indoor counter pickup)?
Yes, the Hampden location has a little back door where you can pick up your order. No one allowed inside.
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9 reviews that are not currently recommended
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