I've stopped by here many times when I was in the area. I brought a couple of friends from out of state to introduce them to Ekiben. This place has never disappointed me with its food and service. The only downside is that it's small, so finding a place to sit depends on luck. If it's crowded, you can always get the food to carry out and walk to the Inner Harbor to enjoy it there (though it is a bit of a walk from this place to the Inner Harbor). Anyway, the food is always as good as it gets. Highly recommended! read more

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

**always amazing food, friendly service I've gone to Ekiben no less than 10 times! I first went 5 years ago, but have been going more regularly in the last year. I'm always so happy when I come! My favorite is the neighborhood bird. The curry flavor is strong and the chicken is SO juicy. It's super messy to eat because of the large amount of delicious sauce, but I don't mind at all! The bun is also pillowy soft. I also love how Ekiben releases seasonal items to try. They partner with local chefs sometimes. The only seasonal item I did not like was the beef noodles (I felt the fusion was not done well because the ratio of cilantro to noodles was way too high). Staff are always nice and friendly. Food comes out really fast! The stores are all small, so be prepared to either take out or wait a long time for a seat. It's pretty lively in there! Overall, highly recommend!! read more

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Food was great, but the $43 parking fee I got from parking behind the restaurant for 41 minutes after 8 pm has soured my opinion of the meal. Make sure parking is paid even if the payment spots are inconvenient. Ekiben may want to reach out to Metropolis to knock off the predatory behavior of this facility or post bigger notices to ensure consumers are aware. read more

Wow! Did you see this place on the Yelp top 100? Small place with two stand up tables for 2 and about 6 seats. A lot of carry out. The food is full of flavor. First everything seems made to order so you do need to wait about 20 minutes for the food. First there's a fountain soda machine or three bottles drinks (non carbonated). Thai tea. Grapefruit. Yuzu lemonade. The Grapefruit was great. Got the tempura broccoli. Amazing. Lightly breaded so you barely notice. Just enough for the crunch. It also had onions and garlic. Extremely flavorful. Cheesesteak egg rolls! Not greasy. Very tasty. Cursory. Recommend. The neighborhood bird. The bread bun was so soft and delish. The fried chicken was crispy and tasty. The curry was good and the veggies completed it. I got the mild. I'm sure the hot had even more flavor. Highly recommend. Know ahead of time there may not be seats or room to eat in the restaurant. read more

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I mean 10/10 crispy chicken full of spices, amazing sauce, and soft bao bun that isn't dry. Probably the best sandwich I've had in Baltimore. The people behind the counter were very nice as my friends and I took our time looking at the menu and gave us recommendations based on what we were looking for. The place is kind of small but they do have places outside to sit down and eat which we did. read more

Ekiben - Spicy neighbourhood bird bun - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Been a while since my last review, but this hits every time. The braised beef box was a new try and WOW this was a winner. Highly recommend this one, although the neighborhood bird on a bun is never a bad pick. The service is fast, friendly, def be ready to wait shortly and take to go. But definitely stop by! read more

Never disappoints. The neighborhood bird is easily my favorite sandwich of all time. Grabbed this order to go, as it was Saturday and quite packed, walked a few blocks to have them in the square. Lovely lunch. Overall, their menu is incredible. It's especially great if you have vegetarians in your group, lots of options. Sadly, I love a classic fountain soda which they don't sell. read more

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

One of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore. Their chicken sandwiches are incredible, shrimp snacks are delightful, tofu nuggets and crunchy and savory, and broccoli tempura are crispy and sweet! They also have an insane garlic noodle dish! Definitely come here if you are in the area. read more

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Still love this place! Guess it wouldn't be considered "cheap" anymore, but still worth it. I still love the neighborhood bird, and usually get a side of the tempura broccoli with it. I went today around 12pm (on a Saturday) and although they don't have much seating, I was able to secure a spot. Recommend to order online ahead of time! read more

Ekiben - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Food is still really good. Amazing steamed buns. Tofu Brah was excellent as usual. We also got the Ancho Chili Pork, and that was excellent as well. The sauce went really well with the bun and was able to soak a lot of it up. It was a great fusion combination! My first experience eating here a few years ago was not great as I did not realize this place wasn't a family friendly spot (crowded, limiting bench seating, small, and very loud and explicit music). This time, we went early on a weekday, and the wait wasn't bad and it was easy to get a seat. Did not bring my kids, and it was much more enjoyable experience. read more

Hole in the wall feel, but gigantic flavors! Neighborhood chicken bowl (mild): 5/5, A unique concoction of juicy fried chicken and a sauce to die for. Neighborhood chicken bun (spicy): 5/5, Just when you think that nothing can top the bowl, the bun kicks you into outerspace. It can basically be described as a bao burger with that crispy curry chicken and sauce in between pillowy rice buns. Crispy Shrimp bowl: 5/5. The price is hefty but this dish rises to the challenge. Spicy Walnut Shrimp bowl: 5/5, this was my favorite of the 4 dishes. The prawns are large and absolutely delicious. Price: 4/5 Service:5/5 Ambiance: 2/5. This is not a kid friendly environment as there was very loud music playing with very lewd content and vulgar language. So beware. read more

I knew this place was going to be good when my friend's meat-loving husband recommended I order the tofu and ramen broccoli. I had never seen this man order a vegetarian dish in his life, never mind two! He had the right idea though. This was arguably the best tofu I've had in my life. There was so much food that I'm glad I only ordered this. I will be back to order the ramen broccoli and some of the buns off their menu. My partner had a chicken bun that was also delicious. Also special thanks to the manager(?) or owner who gave me some recommendations about where to stay in the area. The place is also super funky and the staff were extremely hard working and attentive. I now understand why this is a Baltimore staple! read more

I've been recommended this place by several people over the past few months but only made the trip with some coworkers earlier this week. Even though we came after lunchtime there were still many customers, the food came out relatively quick (~20 mins). Thai milk tea drink 5/5, not overly sweet and flavored properly, I would get this again Tempura Broccoli 5/5, since my visit I have daydreamed of eating this again. It's not coated entirely in bread/panko flakes (see photo below) like I had previously imagined but instead it's grilled and fried to have a crunchy exterior and a soft interior. The seasoning it comes with only adds to the flavor profile, this was so delicious. The Original Bun 4/5, I opted for the bun over the bowl as I wasn't super hungry and wanted to try out the bread they use. The meatballs inside were juicy and well seasoned and the veggies were super fresh with flavors that burst on your tongue. However, I wasn't a big fan of the bread they used for the bun. What I can only describe as a bread version of just a plain bao bun; I didn't feel like it complimented the inside of the sandwich and it just tasted a little overly chewy and unseasoned. I think if they wanted to stick w/ this choice of bread maybe they could try coating it with egg wash and toasting it a bit? Otherwise; I ended up using a fork to eat most of my sandwich and the rest within the bun itself. I would definitely come here again (and plan to!) as well as recommend the place. read more

Ekiben - The Original Bun (4/5) - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I've come here once a year for the last 7 years. Good every time. I have family in Baltimore and we would visit family there. We always go to Ekiben together... how can they keep up the consistency of being this good? Kudos to them. I try something new every time too. Neighborhood Bird. Solid. Tempura Broccoli. Solid. Soft-shell Crab Bun. Solid. Solid! Solid! Solid! Long live Ekiben!!!! read more

Tl;dr amazing fusion chicken sandwich Came here for lunch and had a great chicken sandwich. The chicken is fried excellently. It's not too heavy and has a subtle curry flavor that pairs well with the sambal mayo. The cucumbers and mint keep it feeling fresh and not too heavy. read more

The food here is a must try!! Great Service, Excellent Food and great vibe! WISH THEY HAD ONE IN LAS VEGAS NV. Every time I travel for business out here, it's a must stop. To the owners, if you guys had one in Vegas it would be packed non-stop, just saying read more

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Finally found it. Fast service, smaller than expected but appreciated indoor space and a restroom to use. Pickled items are really delicious! The chicken was light but 3 orders showed that the chicken was undercooked. That affected the experience of the bowl. The buns are yummy! read more

Amazing! You have got to try this place for yourself bc it's a party in your mouth! The chicken is moist and flavorful, and this is enough for two people and a very hungry one! Can't wait to try more of their menu! read more

Ekiben - The neighborhood bird bun - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Popped in for a bite after a flight. Great options. Small restaurant with limited seating but most people seemed to take theirs to go or they ate and went. read more

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Ekiben consistently bangs out the most incredible, flavorful food in Baltimore! The tofu brah will always be my favorite item on the menu in both the bowl and bun form. The chili noodles were so yummy as well. I am always amazed at the quick service and the good vibes! 10/10 as always. read more

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Completely understand the hype. Food was so fresh and flavorful!! Small establishment so definitely not a sit down experience but it's so close to fells point; easy to walk over to enjoy your meal by the water. Tried the tofu Brah and tempura broccoli, both of which were perfect. It was very busy, don't be surprised if you are quoted a 25-30 minute wait time. read more

Can you imagine going to a place which serves a fusion bao? Well, we were surprised to see how amazing this place was. They had amazing interiors of beautiful service where everyone is welcoming and suggesting what to try and a great hospitality Let's talk about the food. I've always heard and experienced amazing fried chicken from Asian eateries well anything fried Asians have aced it. The fried chicken bao was out of the world. It's a must try and if you are a vegetarian or a vegan, they have options for you too. We tried tofu and it was amazing as well. They have various types of drinks to complement the food eatery, and must try. read more

Ekiben - Tofu bao - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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Delicious sandwiches and bowls. I tried the soft shell crab bao bun and it was great. It was my first time having soft-shell crab so I wasn't sure what to expect but I would definitely get it again, read more

Ekiben - Soft shell crab - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Food phenomenal BUT .... this location doesnt do delivery (not sure for other locations), if you go and order in store you'll have to wait 20/30 mins in a cramped location. Only a few tables. Local's call ahead and order for pickup. Is it worth the hassle? Yes, but you got to coordinate. Go to's: Neighborhood Bird Bun, Ancho Chile Pork Bun, Neighborhood Bird Bowl. Give it a try ppl!!! read more

Went around 1pm on a Monday. There was a line which moved quickly and a wait. Wait was quite long - probably around 30 minutes. Despite the crowd we were able to get a seat. We got the neighborhood bird on a bao bun and it was absolutely delicious. read more

Ole reliable. You have to try the spicy bird bowl. Two massive pieces of chicken. Fresh veggies. Delicious rice. Made so quickly and by people that care about their food. Ekiben is a baltimore staple for a reason, they are amazing people that care about the community and their food. Hampdens location is tiny, but cozy! There's some bar seating so we typically take to go but you can definitely eat in! Get extra sauce. It's amazing. read more

So impressed, the chicken and sauce are without a doubt the star of the show. It is juicy with a solid church and excellently seasoned. It tasted fresh and was a decent size. I had a great experience overall here staff are friendly,food comes out in a timely manner and there is street parking near the restaurant. The restaurant is pretty small so I wouldn't expect to get seating if. Your coming around peak times but the hype and praise is well deserved, I look forward to my next visit. read more

Ekiben - Spicy chicken bun - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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The restaurant has a great vibe with good service. The food took a while so order ahead. I ordered the chicken sandwich. I didn't really like the bun. I'm more of a breast chicken sandwich guy so the thigh wasn't my favorite, although the flavor was good. read more

Ekiben - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I tried Ekiben after hearing so many good things and it definitely lived up to the hype. The food was bold, flavorful, and really unique, especially the chicken bun -- messy in the best way. It's more of a quick, casual spot with limited seating, but absolutely worth it for the food alone. read more

Great food. I had the spicy chicken with the rice and veggies. Wow! The broccoli appetizer was amazing too. So crunchy.

This place is off the chain! Amazing fried chicken on a soft bao bun with a spicy, sweet, sticky orange sauce like Chik fil A if it were gourmet, Japanese and southern fusion! The sweet pickles, the tempura battered broccoli; all of it simply delicious and satisfying. Paired with the hip hop and rap music and anime wall art, perfection. Run, don't walk to Ekiben! You won't be sorry. read more

This place was stand out. A QSR style restaurant. Some very unique flavors that blended so nicely. The fry on everything was to a perfect crisp. The shrimp were out of this world. The noodles were thick and chewy. Very busy limited seats however lots of counter spaces. read more

Ekiben - Pork in garlic noodles. Crispy shrimp snack. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Ah I'd forgotten how amazing Ekiben is. Visited Baltimore this past weekend for a wedding and had the luxury of having the Taiwanese chicken curry bun at the reception! Just dripping with perfection. The sauce is incredible!!! Also can't forget the delicious tempura broccoli (even friends who are particularly carnivorous love this veggie side). read more

An unbelievably delicious shop in Baltimore serving some of the best fried chicken I've ever had with moist, delicious buns. Get the "Neighborhood Bird". You won't regret it. One orders at the counter, and it can take 10 minutes for the food to be prepared as many locals order takeout. There isn't much space inside (8 chairs for 3 counters, 2 tables to stand at) and 2 tables outside. There is a bathroom that is well-maintained and the staff are quite friendly and lively. read more

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Delicious! Tofu nuggets...yes please! They were crispy and topped with fresh cilantro and peanut sauce. The noodles with pork were divine. I wish the portions were smaller so I'd find reason to order the broccoli too. Portions are huge and very shareable. Very unique short menu perfect for take out. read more

I want to give this place a 5 for its creativity, flavor, quick service, and great location. However, here are a few reasons I took off a star: Sandwich Construction: the preparation wasn't fully thought out, where of some of the proteins on the sandwiches didn't work. For the tofu, small pieces don't work on a sandwich, so it can't really be consumed by hand. A friend got the meatballs and said it didn't work as a sandwich either. However, it held up perfectly for the chicken breast. Tempura Broccoli: it was a great portion, but lacked flavor. A plum sauce or spicy mayo would have made this a 5/5. Pricing: the pricing of some of the sides is outrageously high. We were tempted, but couldn't get comfortable paying more for a side than the main sandwich. Maybe smaller portions of the sides at lower prices would make them more appealing. read more

Ekiben - Tofu Brah - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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I've been waiting for the chance to try Ekiben and finally got the opportunity today. I ordered the Spicy Neighborhood Bird Bun and Pho Spiced Cheesesteak Egg Roll which was around $23 all together. They give big portions and everything was delicious! At first I thought the bun might be tough, but it was fluffy, moist, and slightly sweet - paired so well with the chicken and sauces. It can get a little bit messy so eating with a fork and knife is a good option. My order came out pretty quick - within 10 min and I walked a few min to the harbor to find a bench to sit and eat. I was full but did not feel bloated and did not feel like my mouth was too salty or anything. Very satisfying lunch Really want to try The Beef and shrimp sides next time read more

Ekiben - Pho Spiced Cheesesteak Egg Roll - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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As I travel, I like to check Yelp lists to see if any local restaurants in the city I'm visiting have made those lists. I was excited to discover Ekiben in that way, disappointed that so many other folks already knew about it thus full often) but excited again to happen to walk by during a quieter period, instantly justifying a lunch meal there. The hype is real, the food is amazing, and comments about their Neighborhood Bird Sandwich are spot on. It takes a few minutes for them to prepare it, so sit down, get comfortable, maybe get a bottle of their Thai Iced Tea (which pairs really well with the sandwich). I likewise enjoyed the pickled vegetables side with my meal - maybe not quite as exciting, but again a good pairing. I would be here so often if I lived locally!! read more

Ekiben - Asian Fusion Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

My sister got takeout for us before the Springsteen concert and I had never tried Ekiben before. Even though it was takeout, the spicy fried chicken was still hot and crispy and the bao bun was not soggy. Deliciousness overall - and I ate the whole sandwich no problem! The tempura broccoli side was not so crisp (i didn't realize until just now when looking at the menu that it was tempura) but still delicious since I wasn't expecting it to be crispy. Now that I know, I can see the benefit of getting it in-restaurant as opposed to takeout. I don't typically like cilantro in any of my food, but didn't mind it at all in both items. I look forward to more Ekiben when I'm next in Baltimore! read more

I was really excited to try this place and it was very good. We got the tofu bites as well as a couple sandwiches. Unfortunately, I think I can hyped up so much that I didn't wake up to my expectations, but it was still really great. All the staff were super friendly and efficient. I think we waited about 10 minutes for our food. The chicken is cooked incredibly well it melts in your mouth. I go back again next time I'm in Baltimore, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get this read more

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