Ekiben

Asian restaurant · Baltimore

Ekiben

Asian restaurant · Baltimore

3

911 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211

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Ekiben by Becca Maffett
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Highlights

Flavorful Asian fusion buns & bowls; tempura broccoli & chicken.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler

911 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211 Get directions

ekibenbaltimore.com
@ekibenbaltimore

$10–20 · Menu

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911 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211 Get directions

+1 443 682 7306
ekibenbaltimore.com
@ekibenbaltimore

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 11, 2025

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@infatuation

The 22 Best Restaurants In Baltimore - Baltimore - The Infatuation

"Whether it’s debating the best dive bars or arguing about what to do with the Inner Harbor, it seems like nobody in Baltimore can agree on anything. That is, besides how good the Asian fusion food is at Ekiben. While they’re known for the extremely good Neighborhood Bird Bun, a giant slab of fried chicken tucked inside a pillowy steamed bun, the menu also has solid vegetarian options, like tofu nuggets and tempura broccoli. Swing by for a casual lunch when it’s less crowded and you’ll be greeted by a blast of hip-hop, friendly staff, and the glorious smell of fried chicken. They have three locations, but we prefer their spot in Hampden because there’s way more seating and plenty of parking." - michele berry

https://www.theinfatuation.com/baltimore/guides/best-restaurants-baltimore
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@infatuation

Ekiben Review - Baltimore - The Infatuation

"Whether it’s debating the best dive bars or arguing about what to do with the Inner Harbor, it seems like nobody in Baltimore can agree on anything. That is, besides how good the Asian fusion food is at Ekiben. While they’re known for the extremely good Neighborhood Bird Bun, a giant slab of fried chicken tucked inside a pillowy steamed bun, the menu also has solid vegetarian options, like tofu nuggets and tempura broccoli. Expect a wait if you come for dinner, so swing by for a casual lunch when it’s less crowded and you’ll be greeted by a blast of hip-hop, friendly staff, and the glorious smell of fried chicken. They have three locations, but we prefer their spot in Hampden because there’s way more seating and plenty of parking." - Michele Berry

https://www.theinfatuation.com/baltimore/reviews/ekiben
View Postcard for Ekiben
@cntraveler

Getting “Beneath the Shell” in Baltimore: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play

"When you see the line outside of Asian fusion eatery Ekiben, you may be surprised to find out it's for the broccoli. It's tempura broccoli topped with diced onions and herbs, to be exact, though the bao bun sandwiches and rice bowls might also inspire you to plan your next trip to Baltimore just to grab takeout from Ekiben's Fells Point or Hampden locations."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/what-to-do-in-baltimore-a-weekend-guide
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Caleb Kellicutt

Google
This place is phenomenal, the chicken bowl is gluten free if you get it on rice and it is so good. There’s a cute small space inside to eat and the wall is covered with photos of the people who work there vibing. The chicken is out of this world good, and gluten free!!! Amazing. The workers were also very nice, I will definitely be back

Vikram Bala

Google
Everything about this place was a hit 🎯!! The atmosphere was bustling, there was good music 🎶, the service was fast, the employees were nice, the portion sizes were huge, and most importantly, the food was PHENOMENAL!! On top of all that, the price 💰 was extremely reasonable for the amount of food we got. In fact, there was so much food that I wasn't even able to finish my chicken 🍗 bowl, which is extremely rare for me. I would 💯% return in the future - THIS PLACE IS SPECTACULAR!!!

Tascha Meyer

Google
Great music, great decorations, and the food exceeded all expectations. Shared a neighborhood bird bowl with my partner and it was more than enough for us both. Will be coming back soon

DOOP

Google
if I could cuss I would. this food was soo good. and it was practically the entire chicken on my sandwich. the texture of the bun was 🤌🏽. chicken was so flavorful. my partner got the tofu bun and loved it as well. absolutely going to be a regular from hear on out.

Pete Neumann

Google
I was visiting Baltimore for a graduation, and my only request was that we have at least one meal at Ekiben. I always get the Chicken Bowl. It features a MASSIVE chunk of fried chicken on rice with an assortment of marinated/ pickled vegetables. The portion is large enough to make 2 meals, so the value is there! Ekiben, please come to Los Angeles.

Lauren

Google
Came in from DC for Ekiben and it absolutely did not disappoint!! The servings were substantial, our food was ready very quickly, and the staff is so kind. Will 100% be coming back soon!

Daniel Velez

Google
Best chicken I've ever had in my life! I'll sell one of my kids for this chicken. I had the chicken bowl and my son had it on the bun. Get the bowl the rice mixed with the sauce takes this dish to another level. We also ordered the tofu bits which were delicious but the bowl was a monster. I can't rave enough about the chicken I'll give up a kidney for it so if you're in Baltimore run over here.

Art Poetry Images

Google
Baltimore Food - Ekiben Hampden Ekiben was born in 2014, when college friends Ephrem Abebe, Steve Chu, and Nikhil Yesupriya (who left the restaurant industry for a saner career in 2019) decided to start selling their unique spin on Asian + Ethiopian cuisine out of a hotdog cart at the Fells Point Farmers Market. Since those early days, Ekiben has been fortunate to find a loving and supportive community that has helped us grow across Baltimore, where we now have 3 brick and mortar locations (one each in Fells Point, Hampden, and South Baltimore) and a thriving catering operation. But the most meaningful growth has been in the Ekiben team. Without these talented, hard-working, big-hearted, fun-loving people, Ekiben simply wouldn’t be possible. They’re truly the soul of this company, and we’re so lucky they’re on this journey with us. TEMPURA BROCCOLI 9.67 Crispy Battered Broccoli Tossed in Our House Made Vinegar, Fresh Herbs, and Onions. THE NEIGHBORHOOD BIRD BOWL 17.68 Our classic Taiwanese curry fried chicken topped with sambal mayo and fresh herbs. Served over steamed jasmine rice, and a side of three of our house-made pickled vegetables (pickles, onions, mango-papaya slaw). *Contains Dairy*

Georgetta M.

Yelp
The food is absolutely incredible, bar none the most amazing Asian fusion in Baltimore. The staff are always working as quickly as possible and incredibly friendly and helpful. Seating is limited but I have never gone and been unable to find a seat -- good for smaller groups.
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Noah B.

Yelp
Somehow after having Ekiben this many times I still don't have photos?! That's on me, but the food is amazing. Two types of broccoli, get them both. I think the ramen broccoli is the star if you're just looking to get one, but get both. The tofu is excellent, as is the chicken. The garlic chili oil noodles are also delightful (we get them with tofu). The portions are generous and you will have plenty of leftovers. I suggest ordering the bowls over the buns to get the most for your money. They often do pop-ups in collaboration with other businesses, but they're incredibly popular so don't hesitate to act if you're able to go early. Staff are always friendly and helpful, and the stickers on the wall and the music create a great atmosphere. There's a small area with counters if you want to eat there, but almost all of their business is carry-out. It has been, and will remain, the first place we take people when they come to visit us in Baltimore.
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Na H.

Yelp
Came here to say for some late night grub! Eminem is lacked in the Hampden area of the city. The entrance we used would be considered an alley in Baltimore terms, but that didn't dissuade us one bit! Three was a metered parking lot right outside the entrance, which was great given the limited parking available on the street as this is a very popular area. Upon entering, we came upon an entryway that was plastered with anime which was an unexpected surprise and created a cool vibe ambience. We chose to get our order for carryout and proceeded to order the item that has been getting a lot of good hype: the chicken sandwich! There was seating available . The staff were pleasant as we placed our order and the wait was justified as our food was cooked to order. They had a public restroom, which is a good thing, for use by its customers. Our sandwich was piping hot on a fresh roll with a delicious coating that accented the chicken just right. The pickled side item was not lost on us either: fresh, crunchy, and a great treat to go with the sandwich. Sorry I didn't get a chance to show the sandwiche, as I was half way through when I thought about it, but trust me, it was good! All in all a great place to grab a late night bite or visit for lunch/dinner. And I won't forget to show my sandwich the next time!
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Gloria N.

Yelp
A staple in Baltimore!! Ekiben is a must try if you're coming to visit Baltimore. I usually like to get the spicy neighborhood bird bowl and not the bun version as it's a little less messy. The chicken is so juicy with a delicious sambal mayo over it. I love the addition of pickled vegetables in the bowl as it adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor to the dish. One of my favorite sides is the tempura broccoli. It's crispy while feeling fresh and light at the same time. The addition of vinegar adds a sort of freshness to the side making it addicting to eat. There is limited seating inside if you choose to eat inside. Service was quick too. You can order in person or online. I ordered in person and my food came out relatively quickly.
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Melissa J.

Yelp
So I went to Ekiben after the Yelpies '24. Ironically, we were starving! I had the PHO-SPICED CHEESESTEAK EGGROLL and THE ANCHO CHILE PORK BOWL. Unfortunately, I have zero photos. The egg rolls were pretty tasty but simple. The pork bowl though?! Delicious! So many different layers of flavor. The restaurant was super quaint, but efficient. The staff were as quick and helpful. My only regret is living 30 minutes away! I definitely will be going again.
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Lisa Z.

Yelp
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.
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Brandy D.

Yelp
Come for: flavor-packed fusion Ekiben has become one of my favorite go-to's for takeout over the last year or so. And honestly it's on of my favorite casual restaurants in Baltimore. Overall, it's definitely a 10. This time I placed a pickup order for the Spicy Neighborhood Bird bowl with sauce on the side but was disappointed to find the sauce missing once I arrived home. After over a dozen takeout orders, this was the first time I've had an issue. Thankfully, the chicken, fresh herbs and pickles were flavorful enough that the dish still worked--even if it was a bit dry. Bowl portions are large enough for ~2 servings. Back to what I love about this place--the Red Beans and Rice are pure magic. I literally can't order from Ekiben without having a side of these rich, spicy lentils and rice. Though I didn't order them this time, my other favorite dishes are the two shrimp bowls--Spicy Walnut Shrimp and Crispy Shrimp.
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Naa P.

Yelp
Absolutely fantastic option for lunch or dinner. What I most love is how well they season and the generous portions. They're also quite creative with the meals making it more than just tofu and rice... There are also great options for vegetarians and vegans. I'm pescatarian and tried the spicy walnut shrimp today, wonderful! It was super delicious and properly crunchy. I've also had the tofu on rice as well as the vegetarian bun sandwich. I love the spices in addition to the red lentils with Ethiopian spices, super good. I've also had both the tempura and spicy broccoli which were also flavorful and very big portions. It's almost like a carry out only place but there are small seats where you can eat inside. It's also in an alley. Service is quick and friendly.
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Misty J.

Yelp
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!
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Latesha J.

Yelp
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!
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Jake B.

Yelp
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.
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Mary K.

Yelp
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.
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Joyce L.

Yelp
We had dinner at Ekiben and it was the best decision on this day because not only we got to experience the Taiwanese fushion food but saved by the strong wind that was similar to tornado. As for the food, it is made to order so there will be some of wait. But it will be made fresh. I got their neighborhood chicken in a bun. I recommend getting it with rice instead only because it was hard to bite. As for the taste, it was good with lots of flavors. I did order mild but it still had some kick to it. The sitting area is small so you may have eat else where. We saw lots of take outs. Good service.
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Kelly P.

Yelp
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.
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Rachel P.

Yelp
A must try when In Baltimore!! Everything was so amazing fr fr. We tried the garlic chili oil noodles, spicy walnut shrimp bowl, and tempura broccoli! Biggest jumbo crispy shrimp ever. Keep in mind there is very limited seating at the Hampden location but the staff is very friendly. I would be excited to come back every time I'm nearby!
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Gabe P.

Yelp
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!
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Mary R.

Yelp
Back at Ekiben on Friday night. Two Neighborhood Bird Bowls, Tempura Brocolli w/ Chinese sausage, and two steamed buns equals 5 meals for two adults. So good! I am a huge broccoli hater but I could eat that Tempura Broccoli (w/ the sausage) forever and ever, amen, it is transcendent and heavenly. Thank you, Ekiben in Hampden, for the best and most addictive food ever.
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Megan L.

Yelp
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)
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Jed W.

Yelp
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!
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Sierra C.

Yelp
I love Ekiben. I first visited fells point years ago and got a neighborhood bird and tempura broccoli, and have been hooked ever since. I go to hampden because it is closer and the service is always friendly, everyone smiles, and I've tried almost everything on the menu and haven't been disappointed yet. Highly recommend.
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Kiara C.

Yelp
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 ;)
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William W.

Yelp
It seems that it was an off day at Ekiben. Don't get me wrong, overall, the food was fine, but it was lacking in comparison to the past. The fried chicken portions were small, which I can live with but more important the fermented vegetables were stale, which screwed up the Neighborhood Bird for me.
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Stephen T.

Yelp
Amazing Asian fusion buns and rice dishes! The Tofu dish is my favorite because it's so crispy and the sauce is addicting. The staff are all amazing and cool people and its great seeing the process of them cooking everything while you wait. The music is a little too loud feeling like a club but overall a staple in Baltimore with multiple locations.
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Don W.

Yelp
For the second time now the tofu bowl was dry and didn't have enough sauce. I added a comment to my online order asking for "lots of sauce please" and it was ignored for several bowls. Annoying and obnoxious. This is probably because they want me to pay 75 cents for a little plastic container of side sauce. NO. I don't want extra sauce. I want ENOUGH sauce. I wrote to them about this nicely and they ignored my, so I'm going on this Yelp crusade
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Sarah P.

Yelp
Freshly made, super-flavorful food served with a smile? Sign me up! Two of us popped in for a quick lunch on Friday, splitting the Neighborhood Bird bowl. The fried chicken portion was beyond generous -- perfect to share with a friend. The chicken was well prepared, the pickled veg was tasty, and the rice was just how I like it. I found the sauce to be a tad too sweet and heavy handed, but still enjoyed my meal. I spied another diner's tofu bites, which looked delicious. I'll definitely return to try other options on their menu next time I'm in town.
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Bronwen K.

Yelp
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.
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Leah G.

Yelp
Neighborhood bird is the best!! Oh let's not forget the spicy shrimp snacks delicious
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Kyle L.

Yelp
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!
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Sophie B.

Yelp
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.
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Wendy G.

Yelp
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.
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Sarah J.

Yelp
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 :)
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Erica C.

Yelp
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!
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Brittany A.

Yelp
I loved the ambiance, sense of culture felt at the restaurant. The location was difficult to find, but surrounding restaurants were helpful in giving directions. I had the curry chicken sandwich and tempura broccoli. I wanted to like the boa sandwich more, but it drenched in the Mayo based sauce which turned me off. The tempura broccoli ended up being my favorite- great texture and balanced flavors. Overall, I had a good time and a positive experience. The staff were amazing to work with and genuinely wanted everyone to walk away happy.
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Thomas S.

Yelp
When my wife learned that Ekiben, our favorite eatery was hosting a first ever Night Market, we had to go. General admission was $20 per person and included a drink. The Night Market was not big, but the food vendors were diverse. The event was hopping with energy. We ate crab filled pupusa, fried chicken biscuit, fried green tomatoes biscuit, natural fruit bars, cream filled brioche donuts, shrimp & kale with coconut sauce over white rice, and lumpia. Everything tasted delicious and the prices were very reasonable. There were plenty of armed and unarmed security guards. There were also plenty of employees cleaning and clearing trash. The only negative was insufficient chairs and tables. We hope this event will return in the future.
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Victoria P.

Yelp
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
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Sarah S.

Yelp
ever since i saw ekiben on the yelp top 100 list for 2024, i've been planning a visit. every time you ask anyone in a 1 mile radius for restaurant recommendations, they will undoubtedly say ekiben. i was finally able to pay a visit recently. i went in with a group of about 6 people, and we were all helped promptly. i ordered the spicy neighborhood bird sandwich, which had a really nice level of spice. the chicken was so well seasoned, and although i don't usually like mayo-based sauces, the sauce for the sandwich shouldn't be skipped. the pickles were very good too. i tried my friend's tofu bowl (i am a biggg tofu lover) and the texture was perfect and the peanut sauce was delicious! next time i come it will be a hard decision between the two. our food came out very fast, which i was surprised about since there were so many of us. to conclude, ekiben definitely deserves the hype it's been given and is as good as everyone says it is. i will readily walk half an hour to get this if the option is there.
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Warren S.

Yelp
Awesome. Best hole in the wall joint you can ever imagine. Was in the area today and my buddy said "Let's go here". He's been before. Great Korean(-ish) food. Really small selection but the flavors, textures, everything tastes fantastic. They have bowls and buns. I got a bowl. It was ... huge. Lots of rice on the bottom with chicken, pickles, and other stuff on top. Delicious!! And I took some of it home, which I NEVER do. The staff was really friendly. Food came to us in just a few minutes, customized as we wanted it. Definite 5 star place!!!!

M W.

Yelp
Ekiben is one of my top recommendations in Baltimore. The food is always amazing and well worth the wait.
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Wyatt M.

Yelp
Ekiben is the single restaurant most frequently recommended to me, when I wander the streets talking to strangers (or however I end up in these conversations). It's more of a take-out restaurant than a sit-in one, though there's nothing wrong with the ambiance--which is usually some loud rock music, and diner style seating. It's a fun place to hang out! But really, the food is just ok? The sauces, even the spicy sauce, are very sweet, almost cloying. The fried tofu just isn't very good. Not that it's bad, but the food simply isn't exciting--there's nothing really to recommend it. It's possible that the non-Hampden locations are better, of course--I'm not sure.
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John B.

Yelp
The food is absolutely amazing! Some of the best food in Baltimore so delicious so flavorful so creative. I like the vibe of loud music and I never regret getting this food. Nice people too!
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Mimi R.

Yelp
This is the one place I always take family/friends when they come visit Baltimore. The food is amazing, the employees are super nice and both locations have a really eclectic feel to them. I usually get the spicy bird bun but there are non spicy options for those who can't tolerate spicy. The history behind the launching of this restaurant is also interesting. As many times as I've been here, the food has never disappointed me. Big portions and always fresh!
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Anna S.

Yelp
How did it take me so long to realize that one of my favorite Baltimore spots has a TON of gluten free options? I was in desperate need of some comfort food around 9pm on a Friday. A lot of places stop serving food around this time but Ekiben was luckily open until 11pm. I ordered takeout online and it was ready in about 20 minutes. I got the spicy walnut shrimp (which actually contain no walnuts) and the tempura broccoli. BOTH of these dishes are gluten free! I tried calling to double check that this was the case - it almost seemed too good to be true. However, it was impossible to get through the automated menu since the only option was to press 1 and everytime I did, it said it was an invalid key. Lol, okay then. That said, when I picked up the order, a very nice staff member assured me that yes, the shrimp and broccoli are gluten free. The only things NOT gluten free are the tofu (the sauce has soy sauce), the cheesesteak eggrolls, and the bao buns. Good deal! You can find this info if you scroll through their website's menu but if you're only looking at the menu via the online ordering system, it doesn't say "gluten free". It would be great to see this more widely advertised - most of my gluten free friends just don't go to Ekiben since they don't know what options are available. Everything was delish and exactly what I wanted. SO happy I still get to enjoy one of my favorite spots!
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Dia T.

Yelp
This place is hidden away in the alley but google map took me right to the door! Clean and bright inside. Employees are super nice and efficient. Food was fantastic. I couldn't decide if I wanted a rice bowl or the bun- first time here so I went for the bun ( I've had rice before). The flavor is amazing, sweet and savory + fresh and crisp. My mouth is dancing. Got it to go but I wish I would have put a little hot sauce on it! YUM!
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Christopher S.

Yelp
The flavor and portions pour over the food containers that can barely contain the deliciousness. Everything on the menu is one of your friends' favorite dishes. The staff is always cheerful and helpful. The red beans for the win is my hot tip. With so many locations, there is no excuse to stop in and pick up dinner and lunch for tomorrow.
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Katelyn W.

Yelp
Some of the best food I have had! Huge portions, super flavorful, and staff is sooo nice! A few places to sit and eat, but if you like to spread out to eat then take it to go! The yuzu-ade and thai iced tea were AMAZING. Next time I go I'll probably order one of everything!

Alex S.

Yelp
I loved Ekiben so much I ate there twice on my short trip to Baltimore. I visited both the Hampden location and Fell's Point location. The food is absolutely delicious! The portion size is pretty good, too. No issues with service either. My only complaint is that both locations were blasting music so loud I couldn't hear anything. It made it difficult to give my order to the employee. It was also difficult to hear them. I think this is more of a takeout restaurant given the small space, but I think they could turn down the music to a normal level. Other than that, 5/5 stars!
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Julie W.

Yelp
Ordered the neighborhood bird and philly cheesesteak spring roll for $24. Both were super delicious and the fusion concept was good. Portions were decent for price.
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Samantha B.

Yelp
I'm very sad... I used to eat from here once a week, the Hampden location. I love the lamb and unfortunately it's no longer on the menu.
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Kendoll C.

Yelp
obsessed with Ekiben, frequently visit the other locations- tried out this spot when attending an event nearby wih BYOF-same friendly staff & delicious eats! same reliable stuffed, juicy, well-seasoned buns- delicious smothered broccoli quick service- well packaged to-go, easy back alley pick up parking- another yummy visit