Ekiben on Eastern Avenue in Fells Point serves Asian fusion sandwiches that have Washington DC residents making the hour drive just for fried chicken between steamed buns.
The Neighborhood Bird dominates orders here with fried chicken, pickled vegetables, and sauce combinations that create what people call the best sandwich they’ve ever eaten.
Taiwanese curry chicken and Thai chicken meatballs share menu space with tofu nuggets and broccoli tempura, proving this hipster casual spot takes Asian fusion beyond just slapping sriracha on everything.
Why Steamed Buns Changed Baltimore Sandwiches
The kitchen steams buns fresh throughout service instead of using regular bread, creating soft pillowy pockets that hold fillings without falling apart or getting soggy.
Fried chicken gets cooked to order with a coating that stays crispy even after sauce and pickled vegetables get added, which separates this from places where the crunch disappears before you finish eating.
The three Baltimore locations including Hampden and Locust Point keep the same quality consistent, with catering options and a food truck available for events where steamed buns make sense.
How a Fells Point Shop Became Baltimore’s Asian Fusion Icon
Ekiben launched focusing on Asian fusion done thoughtfully where flavors from Taiwan, Thailand, and Korea meet fried chicken and steamed buns in combinations that actually work.
The Eastern Avenue location in Fells Point built its reputation on The Neighborhood Bird that got so popular people started planning Baltimore visits around lunch here.
The Instagram presence shows golden fried chicken, colorful pickled vegetables, and steam rising from fresh buns, converting skeptics who thought fusion meant confused flavors.
Food Highlights
- The Neighborhood Bird: Fried chicken between steamed buns with pickled vegetables and sauce creating what converts people into regulars after one bite. 🍗
- Taiwanese Curry Chicken: Curry spices coating chicken with aromatics that bring warmth without overwhelming heat in a bowl format. 🍛
- Thai Chicken Meatballs: Ground chicken formed into balls with Thai herbs and spices showing fusion works when ingredients complement each other. 🍖
- Tofu Nuggets: Fried tofu pieces proving vegetarian options deserve the same attention as meat when technique matters. 🥢
- Broccoli Tempura: Light crispy batter on broccoli florets that stay crunchy outside while keeping the vegetable tender inside. 🥦
- Tackle Box: Seafood option bringing fresh fish into the steamed bun format with sauces and vegetables that enhance without masking. 🐟
Atmosphere
The restaurant sits at 1622 Eastern Avenue in Fells Point where hipster casual vibes meet moderate noise levels perfect for lunch or dinner conversations.
Outdoor seating provides options during nice weather, while the good-for-kids environment means families can bring everyone without worrying about the menu or atmosphere.
The split service with a break from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM daily means planning around those hours, though the Hampden and Locust Point locations provide alternatives if timing doesn’t work.
Bottom Line
Ekiben works because they steam buns fresh and fry chicken to order, creating The Neighborhood Bird that justifies drives from DC and lines out the door.
The Taiwanese curry chicken and tofu nuggets prove Asian fusion deserves respect when ingredients and techniques from different cultures actually complement each other instead of competing.
The three Baltimore locations, catering options including a food truck, and consistent quality across all spots make this Fells Point original worth seeking out for sandwiches that redefined what Baltimore expects from Asian fusion. 🌟
Address: Ekiben
1622 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231
🕐 Mon-Thu: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Closed Sun
Multiple Baltimore locations: Hampden, Locust Point
Asian fusion | Steamed buns | Outdoor seating | Good for kids | Catering available | Food truck
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