Rarely do I visit a restaurant where the food looks exactly like the picture before you even take a bite and then tastes even better than it looks. Ekiben did that. I had been here once before, before moving to the area, and thought it was great then. This time? Extraordinary. I came in about an hour before closing, and anyone who eats out knows food can sometimes feel different that close to closing time. Not here. Everything tasted fresh, flavorful, and just as good as if I had walked in at peak dinner time. On top of that, I had an issue with my online order/payment. It looked like the charge was processing through my account, but they had no record of the order. Instead of making me feel like a problem, the person helping me was patient, kind, and genuinely tried to figure it out. I felt treated like a hungry customer who needed help not like someone trying to get over. The food looked good, tasted amazing, and the people were helpful, welcoming, and kind even near closing. The space was welcoming as well. The corner store ..... come on in. Come on in. Come on in. Top-notch all around read more

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Fantastic food once again, I ordered a chicken bowl and the Maryland softie. The chicken is always 10/10 and worth it. It was delicious, flavorful, crispy, and easily worth the price. Now for the Maryland softie, my first bite was heavenly (full of the crab-cake and remoulade), but as I kept eating it, I realized I would've just preferred it with just crab cake, not the soft shell too. Was it worth the hype? kind of. It's pricey so maybe one and done for me. Now the crab Rangoon egg roll, that was a miss for me. It is cheesy and filled with imitation crab, but too small for me at the price point. And I didn't find it super tasty personally. My sister who is also a yelp elite had a totally different take and loves it, so maybe it's subjective. I did have it 4 hours (put it in air-fryer) after I got it so maybe eating it super fresh is the difference. Space is limited so better for carryout, and the person taking my order was friendly. It'll probably take 20-30 mins for your order to come out, depending on how many people there are and pickup orders they have to complete. Overall, this place is a Maryland staple at this point and anyone who visits MD should 100% try and check out their famous fried chicken, whether as a bao sandwich or a rice bowl. read more

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Made it to this Ekiben location after a field trip with my son. I ordered while the field trip was finishing up via their website. The food was ready to go when I arrived. Doesn't matter the location, my order remains the same. A Tofu Bun, Tempura Broccoli, Tofu Bowl and Tofu Nuggets. The food was on point (as it always is). I was a bit saddened to see the note at the register that the Buns that are currently being served are not vegan due to a manufacturing issue. I'm not sure it mentions this when ordering online (if it doesn't, it should). Thankfully the bun is for my wife and she isn't the vegan. Love that this location offers a breakfast sandwich, something unique that the other locations don't offer. It isn't vegan or even vegetarian friendly but cool that they have their own thing happening here. I was doing take out so seating didn't matter but this location offers a similar amount of seats as the Fells Point location (meaning super limited space). Definitely smaller than Hampden, the location I most frequently visit. Anyways, Ekiben is my wife and I's favorite and this location did nothing to diminish that. read more

I came here many times, all in an attempt to try the Bmore Softie. After three failed attempts, a worker told me the strat is to schedule an order on days they restock and that worked beautifully so ty to that cashier! I was afraid the soft shell bun was overhyped or not, but after spending $40 on a sandwich, I wasn't even upset about it. In fact, I would easily buy one every season because it was that damn good. That being said, the spicy bird bun is a classic for a reason and remains my go-to order. read more

Ekiben - Soft Shell Crab Sandwich - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I got the Baltimore bird bowl with extra sauce and the tempura broccoli and it was amazing! I want to go back and get more already. Everyone who tasted some loved it. The service and portion sizes were great, there was also a picnic table outside to eat at which was nice. read more

Ekiben - Baltimore bird bowl - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This place has been on my list for a long time and it was so good! I wanted to try the beans and rice , so instead of getting a bowl, I went with a side of rice and beans and a side (1 piece) of chicken. It was pretty pricey at around $22 total, but based on how much I enjoyed it. I'd probably go again. Service was amazing and even though we sat at a bench ourside , a few staff periodically came out to check on us and make sure we were good. read more

Ekiben - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Solid spot and we liked the veggie options available! There's a few of these throughout the city - so you have a good chance to to get to some food that slaps! The establishment is small and mainly it's to-go/pick up options. There is a small bench to sit and eat in person if you happen snag a seat. We ordered their tofu brah on rice and the chili garlic noodles. They both are vegan and were delicious! We could only eat through the tofu brah as the portion is HUGE but I'm not complaining about leftovers haha. Solid all around and look forward to another visit! read more

Ekiben - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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The staff are sweethearts, the music is awesome and ot has a really cool vibe. The only downsize is that it's a small location that is really popular so it can get quite crowded and there aren't many seats and tables, but they do have carry-out. That said, the portion sizes are great and the food is ridiculously good! Holy smokes! The neighborhood bird is crisp, juicy, and the pickled sides are a perfect accent. I'm pretty sure I went to this place because I read someone else's review in which he used bruh twice, LOL. Bro spot on! read more

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Ekiben has the best and most flavorful fried chicken in the city. It always hits the spot and it's massive! I usually go to the Fells Point location but have come out to the Riverside one a couple times now. The inside is small of course and staff are great. I ordered the Neiborhood Bird bao recently and it was delicious (nothing new there lol). The sandwich is huge, full of flavor, and is always filling. Such a great spot for delicious food. read more

Ekiben - Neighborhood Bird bao - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

We got delicious takeout from Ekiben SoBo in Fed Hill. The $18 tofu BRAH "bowl" (in our case in a to-go box) was generous and flavorful, with soft baked (I think) tofu cubes in a lightly-spicy chopped-peanut sauce with fresh chopped herbs and lightly charred spices, and with a bright lightly sweet mango/papaya/crunchy-shredded-carrot slaw. (They also,have a $10 size serving.) The also-generous $10 tempura broccoli was fried in a very-light crispy batter, and brightly flavored with caramelized diced white onions and herbs, dashed lightly with a house-made vinegar sauce. They offer several $20-$23 fried shrimp dishes. We got the savory lightly-battered crispy shrimp "bowl", flavored with fresh and roasted garlic and shallots and dry-rub, garnished with sliced red onions and pickled cucumbers over tender fluffy jasmine rice, with some of that bright lightly sweet mango/papaya/crunchy-shredded-carrot slaw. Quite delicious. We got a pair of that day's huge stuffed $10 fried egg rolls, a dense creation smothered in a sweet thick red sauce, garnished with green, onions, and chopped peanuts. Rich and delicious, and occasionally changed with different recipes. We are always happy with the friendly efficient staff and generous flavorful creative take-out from this Ekiben location. (There are at least two other locations around town.) Parking was a little tight on a Monday around 5:45pm (Nov 2025), but no one driving on East Fort Av seemed to mind when we double-parked for a few minutes to pick up our online-order. read more

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Ekiben is one of those rare birds (see what I did there??) where every location hits. Doesnt matter which Ekiben you walk into the food is consistently delicious. I love this location because you can more often get their specialty items like the soft shell crab bun (please please please put the crab cake egg foo young you have been teasing on the menu!) This place is a slightly bigger than their Hampden location and they have outdoor seating so on a nice night you can definitely hang out and eat your food. Everyone there is always super nice and helpful just all around a good restaraunt with good food every single time. read more

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Huge fan of Ekiben, but the SoBo location needs a little work. They are busy, and I get that, but my recent tofu bowl was full of little sausages... not really what I was looking for. read more

Ekiben - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I am new to Baltimore but Ekiben is a Baltimore staple! At first, I thought wow, super good reviews--they better be good. Though I went in a little skeptical of how good it could possibly be, they exceeded my expectations! The staff are always so friendly, the food is so fresh and yummy, and they always have fun hole in the wall decor interior! My favorite is their crispy tofu nuggets and their fun original drinks! I would highly recommend ordering online though because they make everything to order, it does take a while to come out. But it's worth the wait for sure! Ekiben is the place I take all Baltimore visitors to now! Highly recommend! read more

Ekiben - Spicy bird bun, tofu nuggets, and sparkling yuzuade - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Well, i finally made it to the famous Ekiben and it was worth the wait. Holy cow is this place amazing!! The service was so nice, fast, and efficient. The inside decor is perfect for the space. The food is sooooooo well seasoned, crispy, flavorful, and just all around amazing. Have needed had anything quite like the Neighborhood Bird sandwich. wooow! The tempura broccoli was also insane. I will go back. I will wait in line. I will crave it for weeks. read more

Ekiben - Outdoor storefront. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Large hearty portions. Nice service, though order at counter. So limited service. 5 seating spots at counter. Definitely a take away place. But very good. Buns were surprising but awesome. Water available in cooler. read more

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What can one say about Ekiben that isnt already on everyone's radar? Extremely large and delicious sandwich fillings piled onto the softest pillowy bao buns? Delicious bowls? Vegan and vegetarian friendly without compromising taste! But of course with all that comes the steep price of placing your order and waiting...and waiting. I managed to snag one of the much coveted limited time/ seasonal soft shell crab sandwiches.. there are 2 varities. I placed my order for the Ekiben Softie... and then the wait for it to be ready was 30 to 40 minutes. And I had just placed my order at 11:30..they had just opened. Lines form out the door at this LP area location. Is it worth it? That's ultimately up to you. I did enjoy my sandwich a lot. Would I do it often? Not really. Its not because my sandwich was a special on the menu that it took so long..my bf got the tofu sandwich and his came out the same time as mine. But its a must try if you're in town and looking for maybe one of the best chicken sandwiches in the state. read more

Ekiben - The Ekiben Softie - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Yelp will never steer you wrong. Staying overnight in Baltimore on my own, came on here to find something gooood to eat. Reviews steered me to Ekiben for the chicken and the giant bao. Y'all weren't wrong. Everything on the menu looked fantastic and I had a hard time narrowing down my choices. Settled on the Spicy Neighborhood Bird Bun and the Tempura Broccoli. But I was eyeing those tofu nuggets and the rice bowls really hard too. It took several minutes for my food to arrive but not unexpected with the steady stream of customers coming in for pick-up orders. The kitchen was for sure on the hustle, in my direct view since I was seated at the counter in front of them. They were just 3, and kept it moving end to end. I KNEW i was in for a treat when the guy sitting next to me leaned into his noodle bowl and hummed and inhaled at the same time. The chicken was piping hot and crispy yet juicy inside. The broccoli had the thinnest translucent layer of crispy tempura and sat in a pool of sweet vinegar with mint and other herbs. I could eat only half of all of it and boxed the rest up to savor for later. Gotta get back to work my way through the menu. read more

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My first experience of Ekiben was at Camden Yards, so when I heard they had a soft shell bun, I had to try it. We came to the South Baltimore location since it's the only one that sells them. Unfortunately, they were all out. The server was really nice in helping us understand it's a seasonal sandwich. As sad as I was on missing out on the crab, the neighborhood bird is still mind blowing. I tried the chili garlic oil noodles and oh my Lord! These are a game changer. Everything on their menu sounds amazing. My next visit I'd love to try the ribs and the shrimp but living two hours away might make it a while before I'm back. Also. I love they had a bathroom inside even with the space being real small. Wall is plastered with a lot of Dragon Ball Z and other comics. Gives it a real cool vibe. This place can fill up quickly, even with a couple picnic tables outside. I suggest ordering online or get there right as soon as they open. I'll bump this rating up to 5 once I try the crab. read more

Ekiben - Tofu garlic chili oil noodles - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Someday, I'll come here and not order the Neighborhood Bird, spicy bowl.... But I can't seem to risk trying something and wishing I had ordered the bird. Yummy. Perfect mix of savory and sweet. read more

I finally got the Maryland sandwich, I was refreshing the website to make sure it was still in stock. It was VERY good. The crab cake was very meaty and the soft shell was delicious. My fiance ordered the pork but that was a bit disappointing. I think the chicken is definitely a better choice. The ribs were also good. Although I got the ribs in the Fells point location a few weeks ago and it tasted a lot better in the Fells Point location. read more

Ekiben - Maryland Sandwich - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I have been a big fan of this restaurant group for years. I always go for their Neighborhood bird, crispy shrimp or tofu rice bowls. The food is always fresh and the portions are fair. They serve some juicy chicken thighs and the sauces are next level. The sambal or sambal mayo are always great to dip your proteins in. I'd recommend ordering ahead via the app and expect at least a 20 minute wait. If they have room inside I would eat everything here while it's fresh or toss the proteins in the air fryer. The walls featured some art from local artists or pictures with some famous athletes. I'd keep an eye out for their seasonal specials like the crab baos that are only service at specific locations. read more

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A stop at Ekiben is a must whenever in Baltimore. With this location in Fed, there's even more opportunity to enjoy when hanging around the city. Anything and everything you can order here is amazing so you can't go wrong but we love the neighborhood bird as the classic choice and the softie when in season to celebrate Maryland in all its glory with the crab cake and soft shell crab. Not just one of the top places in Baltimore but truly one of the best food spots in the entire country! read more

Ekiben - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

The best fried chicken EVER. I live in NoVa and whenever I come up to Baltimore I ALWAYS get Ekiben. If you live in Baltimore and haven't tried it yet, then you need to make plans to go there for dinner TONIGHT. If you're from out of town, make plans to go whenever you visit. Ekiben is JUST THAT GOOD. The interior of this location is very small. Seating is just a counter with 5 or 6 bar stools. But don't let that deter you. The chicken is wonderfully flavored, doesn't even need the sauce. But the sauce brings it to another level. Super juicy, super tender, chicken is HUGE. God, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. I'd go with the bowl over the sandwich. The sandwich gets SUPER messy and the three types of pickles you get from the bowl are SOOOOO good. They're doing American, Korean, and Vietnamese pickles all to perfection. Food comes out quick. It's always fresh. Plenty of staff and they're super nice. You can see the entire kitchen so you know it's being made right then and there. If you've read all that and still aren't convinced, then you're a lost cause. Just go eat some fried chicken already!! read more

Ekiben - Tempura Broccoli - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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With the popularity, comes a great responsibility to stay consistent on the quality and delivery of the food items. My last few visits haven't been very pleasant. If it's a to go order which is mostly the case given they don't have enough seating, you really need to check the order. Last time, when I ordered tofu nuggets, they completely forgot to add the sauce to it. And there no point to that dish without the sauce, had to let it go. Since we were already back home when we noticed it, there was no way to get it fixed. One another time it was little larger order for 4 people and they missed one entree completely. Today, the food was gonna take 40 minutes to arrive, they took my phone number to let me know when the food is ready. But they didn't confirm the phone number and when I saw the receipt, I noticed the number was wrong, requested them to update it but they couldn't update the phone number so they asked to call us after 40 mins to keep checking on the order. Maybe it was because of the loud music, but it is important to make sure that you have the number correct it. Unfortunately won't be coming here as much anymore. read more

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Restaurant offered meals for employees. The restaurant was clean quick service. The cashier provided details about the menu and specials. The waiting area is small a few chairs to sit. You can see your food being made from the waiting area. The cooks were fast and the food was well seasoned. read more

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So hear me out.... this was DELICIOUS. However, I did not enjoy it as much. Not to any fault of their own, but it was my own fault for ordering the wrong thing. I meant to oder the chicken bowl which I had over a year ago. I forgot which one it was an assumed it was pork because WHO doesn't love pork? It tends to be juicer and more flavorful. Anyway, the bowl I did have was great. Still packed with flavor. I definitely would go again and again.... and again... and again. I love Ekiben! Service was nice and quick. Ambiance was pretty much take and go since they don't have seating available. read more

Ekiben - Ancho Chile Pork Bowl - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Ekiben is always, always, always a delicious meal. They've got a hip vibe, fast service, and the best chicken in town... as well as the best broccoli! Their reputation for excellent food preceded their location here, and I actually originally heard about them because of the owner's above-and-beyond answer to a former customer's dying request. (Look the story up if you haven't heard it.) The Baltimore Bird sandwich is hard to beat and what I order pretty much every time. It's large for a single meal (so you might want to do the plate if you'd rather save some for later), and make sure you've got plenty of napkins! The chicken is incredibly moist and cooked to perfection, and really well flavored. The bun and the sauce and the toppings are perfect compliments and perfectly proportioned. I love getting the broccoli, too, but plan to start eating this in the car on your way to your actual destination, as they really are best consumed immediately! There is a small area to perch inside (mostly for waiting customers rather than eating, but you could certainly grab a stool I think if you were inclined to eat quickly on site). Otherwise, it's all takeout! read more

Always a 5-star experience -- no doubt! Tried a few new items this time -- the garlic spicy noodles with tofu, broccoli ramen side, and crab Rangoon -- and none of them disappointed! Every bite was packed with flavor and freshness. Of course, the Neighborhood Bird remains my all-time favorite. Hands down, Ekiben is the best in Baltimore -- consistently amazing food, great service, and love that they have delicious vegetarian options too! read more

Still one of the best spots in Baltimore. Food here is amazing, the options for vegetarians/vegans are solid too. The location is small but it's mostly take out. Street parking on site. The service here is welcoming and friendly, the food is made to order so keep that in mind if it takes some time but you get super hot and fresh food. The neighborhood bird Sando is a must try, crispy juicy and just loaded with flavor on a pillowy bun. The tempura broccoli is also a must, the best way to have broccoli, it's light and crispy and the sauce is sweet and tangy. One of my favorites in Baltimore and IMO one of the best chicken sandwiches in the country read more

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A friend had pointed Ekiben out to me as we were taking a drive around Baltimore and the next day someone suggested we go! I got a tofu bun and it was LOADED with crispy fried tofu and veggies on a light and flavorful. My companions got the garlic noodles and something shrimpy. We were all very happy with our meals (which we ate outside on shared picnic tables. Our meals were very savory which meant that after we finished, we sauntered across the street to the divine little French pastry shop! read more

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My mom went here with my cousins over the summer and she could not stop talking about the FOOD! All she could talk about was how yummy everything was and the crunch was SOOOOO CRUNCHY! She was right and the food did not disappoint. I'm glad I actually got to join in this time haha! I'm so glad we had a group so we could try several dishes. The service was great- you order at the counter and he was amazing- super patient and gave some good tips! It's a pretty small spot though, only room at a couple side counters otherwise standing only although in the warmer months, you can enjoy eating in the outside seating in front of the establishment. Street parking only as far as we saw. Back to the food. From best to worst and there really is not a worst btw. (Tied for first!! ) 1. Neighborhood bird bowl AND crispy shrimp bowl 2. Tempura broccoli 3. Chile ancho pork bowl 4. Tofu nuggets 5. Crab Rangoon egg roll They really have their recipe on point- everything was still crunchy during the middle of the meal and their servings are large enough that you will have leftovers for at least another meal. One thing I would change is to make the crab Rangoon egg roll with more crab and less other filler- I couldn't taste much crab and would prefer if it could be easier to share like a split up into minis versus 1 humungous egg roll. I'll definitely be visiting this spot when I'm in Baltimore in the future and am interested to check out their other location! read more

Ekiben - Menu - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Came in during weekday lunchtime and ordered the spicy neighborhood bird bun and the tempura broccoli. Both were really good and it was a lot of food that I couldn't finish in one sitting. The bun option can be a little messy so if you don't want it to be as messy, you can get the bowl version. Since we came during lunchtime, there was a little bit of wait between ordering and getting food. I'd say approximately a 40 min wait. If you're strapped for time, you can order online and pick up. There is limited seating inside and outside if you choose to sit inside or outside the store. read more

Ekiben - Menu - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

If you're in Baltimore and don't stop by Ekiben... honestly, that's on you. This small, vibrant spot is one of the city's true hidden gems. The restaurant may be tiny, but the energy is huge--the staff is friendly, fun, and somehow keeps the place running smoothly even when it's absolutely packed (which it was every night we visited). We tried the Mild Neighborhood Bird Bowl, the Spicy Neighborhood Bird Bowl, and the Ancho Chile Pork Bowl--and every single one was a knockout. The flavors are bold, addictive, and just downright delicious. Even with the constant crowd, we got our food surprisingly fast, and it came out hot, fresh, and perfectly prepared. Ekiben proves that great things come in small packages. If you're anywhere near Baltimore, don't miss out. Your taste buds will never forgive you. read more

Ekiben - Spicy Neighborhood Bird Bowl - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Drove to this location to try the crab cake sandwich while it was available. I had the Maryland Softie and it did not disappoint! It's a huge amount of food. A large soft shell crab with a large crab cake on top smothered in cheese and sauce. So delicious! And of course you can't go to Ekiben without getting the tempura broccoli which is always so amazing. Get the Softie while it's still in season, it's worth it! read more

Ekiben - Maryland Softie - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Ah, FINALLY!!! I've only had Ekiben through Yelp events and I was finally FINALLY able to go to one of the locations on my own. It's parallel parking as far as the eye can see, and it was mostly full. Somehow I got lucky and was able to park like 100 feet away though. I brought my friend with me, and we placed our order online ahead so we wouldn't have to wait long. We entered and there's a few chairs and a long table that runs along the wall, so it's definitely more of a takeout spot. We sat in a chair and waited a few minutes for our order to be ready and I told her she had to have the bao bun (neighborhood bird) fresh. She was oh so pleased... so it was ALL worth it to me XD. It was not a letdown at all, and tasted as wonderful as always. My friend also got the broccoli and a drink. The broccoli was good, though a little saltier than I would prefer. I saw a sign for ribs, so hopefully I can try those when I return! Oh I should mention... the staff were like really really friendly. Truly sweet people, it's always nice seeing that. Perhaps there was as happy as I was that it was Friday XD. read more

Pricey but delicious fusion food with a great depth of flavor. They have a limited menu with bao sandwiches and bowls that come with a variety of proteins. They do have vegetarian options including tofu. Their tempura broccoli and red beans and rice is always a hit. There is no room to sit inside but there are tables outside. They also have a variety of in house bottled yuzu and other drinks. The service is slow because this place is ALWAYS busy. Definitely recommended ordering online read more

Wow wow wow. This might as well be the best fried chicken I've ever had. It was so good I had to get it twice! I was visiting some friends down in B-more and they highly suggested we come down and try Ekiben. At first I was curious given it was a fast casual Asian fusion restaurant but boy am I glad I listened. I ended up ordering the Traditional Chicken bowl the first time and the spicy chicken bowl the second time. I'm not sure how they're breading their chicken but whatever they're doing, it's working. Not to mention there's some sort of paste between the chicken and the breading that's adds an additional flavor punch. The bowl is also huge (probably 2 serving portions) and for the price point is fantastic! I ordered both beforehand and it was pretty much ready when I arrived so speedy as well! Anyways my point is, you have to try this place when you're in Baltimore. It's an absolute staple!!! read more

Ekiben - Traditional chicken bowl - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Ekiben isn't too much from the outside or the inside- there's almost no seating inside and it blends into the neighborhood very well. I went with the garlic chili oil noodles which were phenomenal! They offer a tofu and a beef option- my friend got the beef and I got the tofu. Both were great! Ekiben makes some really delicious and well seasoned food- it's quite heavy though so come with an empty stomach. read more

Ekiben - Tofu Garlic Chili Oil Noodles - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

You can't go wrong with Ekiben in the city. Each of their locations is just as good as the next. I'm a big fan of their spicy neighborhood bird on a bao bun and their tempura broccoli slapppppsss. Staff are friendly and the food is the best! read more

Portions are massive and I love that the food can be 2 meals South Baltimore location has the soft shell crab buns. Ekiben Softie 5/5 huge portion of crab in addition to the massive soft shell crab wrapped in a perfectly textured bun Peking rib snack 4/5 lots of sauce, tasty though it was a lot of bone Neighborhood bird bowl 5/5 could be 2 meals Tofu brah bowl 5/5 could be 2 meals read more