Ekiben is always a stop when visiting Baltimore, and I was disappointed in not having time on a recent visit....until driving through the Frederick area home (I live in Pittsburgh). I guess this is a completely new location, and it was absolutely bumping. I ordered the standard chicken "bowl" (it's actually a box) and some of the broccoli bites, the "per usual" on my part - both were excellent. The little curry layer on the chicken has always been a mystery to me, but I'm not complaining because it's good. Don't let the crowds deter you - the eating/lobby area is incredibly small and there will most-likely always be a wait. We walked down the street to a local brewery, secured a spot, and returned with our food. Probably nothing to add versus other reviewers - high ratings across the board, and probably the most successful fast-casual place on the Eastern seaboard, for absolutely good reason. read more

The rumor is that the line is long. We arrived (right before noon on a rainy Saturday) and walked right up to the counter. There are 4 little tables. We were lucky enough that right after we ordered and within a couple of minutes, a party got up and we grabbed the table. Back to why we are here- the food. * Tofu brah bun: delicious. Cubed tofu. Great flavor. But very messy. * Garlic chili oil noodles with pork - we liked the noodle and the pork individually but we thought noodle and pork flavors were conflicting... noodles is chili oil and pork is soy sauce based. * Tempura broccoli - wow - you just have to try it yourself- Lightly battered. We will return to try other items. read more

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Finally tried out this place, and I'd been to the one in Baltimore and loved it. We went and stood in line and ordered to-go. The bun was incredible, portion sizes were great for the expensive price. The crab Rangoon egg roll was shockingly good, tasted like REAL crab and REAL cheese, not the usual "cream cheese and imitation crab" that Chinese restaurants make (which I also like). I was very impressed! The service was slow but they are constantly packed, line out the door, so I understand. They were all chill guys working, very friendly, all wearing SnapBacks which felt so adorable for some reason? Like it was part of the uniform for them haha. They also sell Ekiben SnapBack hats, tempted to buy one since they look cool. My only critique is get a second or third register! You guys are super popular, there was a line at like 2pm! Food is delicious, you will certainly remain popular for a long time. Hope to come back sometime soon for more delicious buns and looking forward to seeing future specials! read more

Ekiben - Neighborhood Bird Bun - Asian Fusion Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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FOOD TRUCK REVIEW: My friend and I went to Curious Iguana's Bookfair last Thursday (5/14/26) at Attaboy Brewery and we had our first taste of Ekiben yumminess! Both of us ordered the neighborhood bird bun in mild and spicy and crab Rangoon egg rolls. The neighborhood bird sandwich tasted so good and on point in the spice level. Portions were generous that I got full and took it home. The gem for us was the crab Rangoon egg-roll. Now, we just have to try the restaurant downtown when the lines aren't super long. Thank you. Curious Iguana for being a great local gem and Attaboy for the great location. Love, love the book events there and the ambiance. read more

Ekiben - The Neighborhood Bird, crab Rangoon egg roll and Yuzu white peach sparkling water - Asian Fusion Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Finally ekiben opens closer. There was quite a line instead the store on a Fri night and another 20 mins wait for the food. It is a lot easier to drive and find parking in Frederick than going to Baltimore. I always get the neighborhood birds. This time, we tried the ancho pork as well. read more

Ekiben - Asian Fusion Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

EKIBEN IN FREDERICK!!! So anytime I drive in the Baltimore area I would go out of my way to stop at Ekiben. The food is that good! So now there's one an hour away now??!!! I'll definitely be making a trip more often. I happened to go on the Friday of the first week opened. I placed my order ahead. When I got there you can tell they were backed up. The staff said it be another 10 mins. Which was no problem for me. But I could understand other people who never experienced their food giving a hard time. Their food is worth the wait! I like the seating area in this location compared to other locations. I was in a rush so I was eating on the go and didn't have a chance to take a picture of my food. Chili Garlic Noodles are so underrated! And you can't go wrong with the bird sandwich. (Tip: the chicken is so big you can order an extra bun and cut the chicken in half? Make two sandwiches). The tempura broccoli is a must. Looking forward to many more visits in the near future! read more

We went at ~7pm the first Friday night the Frederick location was open. There was a short line outside and waited about 20 minutes to order. I liked that they took my cell number to text me when the food was ready since every table was full and the space was also packed with people waiting for their orders. The shrimp appetizer was perfectly fried and seasoned with a wonderful blend of herbs, garlic, and onion. The generous portion could have been a full meal! The Neighborhood Bird bowl was a generous size (2 meals or could be shared). The chicken was perfectly fried on a bed of light fluffy jasmine rice and pickled vegetables. I ordered mine mild, which still had a nice spice level. Highly recommend but be prepared for the cost. read more

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Spousal Unit and I have been fans of Ekiben's food truck for a while, but now that their brick & mortar site is open in Frederick we wanted to give it a try. OMG: so, so good. We both love the Bird Bowls. I get the spicy version, she gets the less tingly one. The bird in question is two pieces of perfectly cooked Taiwanese curry fried chicken; juicy interior, with a crispy exterior. The bowl comes with jasmine rice and a plethora of pickled veg (onions, cucumbers, and a garlicky mango-papaya slaw). Every bite stands by itself, but mixed together, they make a symphony in your mouth. (The good kind, not the boring ones your music teachers dragged you to in elementary school. Sheesh). Portions are perfect for dedicated Crossfit afficianados but too large for an old guy like me to eat in one sitting. No problem; there will be plenty for breakfast... Ekiben opened a few days ago, with lines stretching around the block. Today's lunchtime wait was only 30 minutes, and it was definitely worth it (especially since she was standing in it!). She also passed the time in conversation with another line stander: local celebrity chef Brian Voltaggio, who (happily!) did not request or receive any special treatment. Foodie democracy in action, the way it should be. I've had the privilege to chat with owners Ephrem Abebe and Steve Chu as they worked their food truck. Whoever said nice guys finish last has obviously not had the pleasure of meeting them. Their passion for their concept and food, and their dedication to their customers, really comes through. If you haven't been to Ekiben yet, what's your excuse? Standing in line on a sunny day like today is guaranteed to make the already incredible food taste even better. Go! read more

Have been waiting to try this place since they opened, and it was more than worth the wait!! As a gluten-free girl, having flavorful options available on the menu without having to ask for adaptions makes SUCH a difference in the dining experience! Ekiben keeps the menu small bc everything works together so effortlessly. The flavors from all different cuisines blend together so lovely. Super cute vibe doesn't hurt either, the music is top tier Will be back!! read more

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What a great new spot in Frederick! After seeing the long lines during its opening, I avoided the place and went for lunch on a Wednesday. Inside, the restaurant was small but manageable to navigate. I was very surprised to see a small eating area because I thought it was takeout only. I'll have to go again and sit inside. It was very easy to order. The cashier was very patient despite the busyness of the restaurant. I got the Crispy Shrimp Bowl and my fiancé got the Spicy Neighborhood Bird Bowl since we had heard the chicken was to die for. We also got the Red Beans and Rice as a side and the Crab Rangoon Egg Roll. At first glance at the total bill, I was disappointed. To me, $60-$70 for takeout is wild, especially with a fast food appeal at first glance. I was absolutely surprised at the portion sizes and how delicious everything was! While we tried each other's orders, the sauce on the Bird Bowl was so flavorful that I wish I had it with my Shrimp Bowl. My Shrimp Bowl was great! The crispiness was maintained even dor leftovers the next day. The flavors of the Shrimp Bowl was even more tasty the next day. The additions to the bowls were also amazing - pickled onions, pickles, and rice with other spices. The Red Beans and Rice were different than expected (thought it would have a Cajun vibe but with tomatoes and garlic, the flavors were definitely complementing each other). My only issue was the Crab Rangoon Egg Roll but it was my own issue. I discovered that I prefer Crab Rangoon as smaller bites. The Egg Roll was yummy but it felt like it was too much for one sitting. Overall, I'm glad I experienced this well-known and established restaurant and look forward to visiting again in the future. read more

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Delicious food, great service. The only complaint is long lines but that is to be expected with food this good.

This place is amazing. Flavorful and well portioned. I highly recommend. Cool vibes inside and very friendly staff. The Red beans and rice is "chefs kiss." read more

Awesome food. Love the flavors! Generous quantities! Unique (in a good way) flavor sodas. Clean and fun atmosphere. Good vibes from staff and guests alike. Definitely recommend you give this place a try. read more

What a flavor bomb meal. Being a vegetarian, it's exciting to find Tofu done right. Crispy tofu with a peanut sauce in A bao bun. Served with a sweet mango, papaya, carrot slaw topped with herbs. I also ordered the tempura broccoli. Delicious, big mound of crunchy broccoli all sitting in an almost hidden lake of sweet/sour vinegar/herbs and onions that you want to drink up the leftovers. Downsides, the place is very small with only 4 tables. There is a side rail to stand and eat if you want. Service is friendly but slow as things are made to order. Plan on 15-20 minutes to get the food. It's worth the wait!!! read more

Finally got my food & damn it's good! Love the chicken. Broccoli was also very good. But, rice & beans was average, or below. I will definitely be back! read more

This place is amazing. Not the fastest and the music is club level volume, however the tastiness of the food makes up for all that. Friendly employees that are working hard grinding out orders. I will frequently this establishment, but may utilize the order online feature for my next visit. read more

My son has been raving about the restaurant in Baltimore and now that we have one in Frederick, I finally had the opportunity earlier this week to try it with him! The food was great and everyone enjoyed thier meal! We will definitely be back. read more