Ekiben Baltimore

Tuesday 3/25/25 I've had this spot on my list and have heard all the praise about this spot from reviews, social media, and friends. Finally, I am trying the popular ekiben. I made an order in person for the spicy neighborhood bird bun $13.91 and the tempura broccoli $9.67. The service was good and the food was ready in less than 5 minutes. - The famous Baltimore chicken sandwich was pretty good and unique. It can get messy, but it's worth it. The sweet & spicy sauce played a key role in tying everything together. - Is it crazy to say that the tempura broccoli was my favorite item? It was crispy with a sweet & slightly tangy flavor that made it great. This was the best broccoli dish I've ever had, and I only want to eat my broccoli like this from now on, so I need that recipe. Now that I understand the hype, I will be coming back.

Ekiben has a outstanding assortment of fresh, tasty food! The merchandise are constantly of the best caliber, and the bento containers are exactly proportioned. Every chunk is an journey because of the strong and special flavors. The employees is courteous and the ecosystem is relaxed. I heartily advise it to anyone in need of a filling and delectable dinner!

Delicious Asian inspired flavors and service with a smile at Sobo and Hampden locations!

A long line was expected on a Saturday night in Hampden for Ekiben. The food was very spicy and flavorful, but a bit heavy and overly rich. The dining area was completely full and the humidity was like a ski lodge. No one is going to Ekiben for the ambiance however. Next time I would order less food. An entree plus app was too much for one person. I can see the appeal of the place, just be aware the heavy sauces and fried food makes for a rich meal.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.