Ekiben Kitchen: The Popular Concept by Aris Vezenes Continues to Flourish

Ekiben Kitchen is, in many ways, a category of its own—and here’s why. Launched initially as a ghost kitchen during the pandemic within Birdman, it introduced Athens to a remarkable smash burger that quickly ignited a frenzy. For a time, Birdman incorporated several of Ekiben’s signature dishes into its regular offerings—until Aris Vezenes decided to give it a dedicated space on Skoufou Street, allowing Ekiben to evolve into an independent concept. This new venue shares its premises with Ikigai Market, a beautifully curated and highly distinctive Japanese grocery boutique that stands out in the city.

The place became a hotspot from day one—and that buzz has endured—particularly around the three seats at the marble bar, where an enriched, on-site menu is now served. Later, a central table was added within Ikigai to better accommodate the steady flow of patrons eager to savour its extraordinary culinary creations in the heart of Athens.

Ekiben Kitchen has expanded into an adjacent premises, creating a small yet exceptionally stylish dining room featuring wooden tables and stools. This space borders on an independent record store, also under their ownership. Only someone like Vezenes could seamlessly blend such diverse concepts within a limited footprint—making it not only coherent but also increasingly captivating as it grows, evolves, and unfolds into a larger, more intriguing space.

I booked a late lunch through their reservation system. At first, I found the one-and-a-half-hour window somewhat restrictive, but the restaurant’s layout and the rapid pace at which the dishes arrived soon demonstrated that this timeslot is more than adequate for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. Even with multiple dishes ordered to gain a well-rounded understanding of the menu, I was able to comfortably complete my meal within the allocated time.

I sampled several of Ekiben Kitchen’s signature dishes, and I can confirm that the quality remains consistently excellent. Among the starters, the fried chicken marinated in soy, served with Japanese mayonnaise and homemade teriyaki, featured an exceptional crust and tender, intensely flavoured meat. Equally compelling was their gyoza, which arrived with a delicate wrapper and a filling made from outstanding dry-aged chuck.

For main bowls, I tried the Tori Tan Tan Udon, a hearty, deeply satisfying dish that boasts an addictive combination of thick, chewy noodles, organic ground chicken, crispy broccoli, and an egg that, as it melds into the rich broth, creates an explosion of flavour on the palate. Their beef ramen with tsukune — Japanese chicken meatballs — was also outstanding; once integrated into the broth, it evoked the comforting essence of traditional Greek giouvarlakia, adding a familiar, homely touch.

As for the signature smash burger at Ekiben Kitchen, words are almost superfluous. It’s an absolute must-try — though, by the time it arrives at your home, it will have inevitably lost some of its initial brilliance due to the journey. Nonetheless, I found the fried chicken thigh burger equally impressive, complemented by Japanese-style coleslaw and wasabi aioli that beautifully cut through the richness, providing a perfectly balanced bite.

On the negative side, I found the service somewhat lacking in confidence and at times slightly unprepared. I don’t mean to be dismissive—our attentive staff were polite and courteous. However, they seemed to lack that certain spark, the alertness and the lively banter that could elevate the overall experience and leave a more lasting impression.

Ekiben Kitchen is an exemplary concept within its genre, with meticulously crafted dishes that exemplify why, when comfort food is executed to this level of excellence, it will always stay a step ahead of evolving consumer preferences. Those seeking culinary warmth and rich, satisfying flavours need no further explanation—these qualities speak volumes on their own and effortlessly resonate with diners in search of genuine, unpretentious indulgence.