A Taste of Japan in Athens: My Experience at Ekiben Kitchen”

We are all so used to the Asian lifestyle by now, but having a literal Japanese gem in the heart of Athens is spectacular.

A Japanese Interior Introduction

Recently, I visited Ekiben Kitchen, a Japanese restaurant at the very heart of Athens. It was everything and nothing I’ve ever imagined, not that I knew what to expect exactly. It transported me to Japan without even having been there… yet (small spoiler alert). Ekiben, as a restaurant, was vastly different from what I’ve known so far from all the other restaurants I have visited so far.
A rather small place divided into two rooms (if you can call them that), where you had to book your spot and specify if you wanted to be seated at the main area or the ramen area. I am not sure how the other room was, but we chose a spot next to the kitchen, because I like watching the chefs’ work and prepare each dish with the same dedication and admiration they do each and every time.

There are available spots right in front of the kitchen counters, but you can also be seated around a large square table. The table is open to all bookings, meaning it is not reserved for only specific people or a couple. You get to sit down with other people and enjoy your food together, just co-existing at the same table. Talking and introduction with each other is not mandatory, of course, and to be honest me and my partner we were kind of in our own world, tasting all the different dishes we ordered – but I guess if you are a social butterfly, this is a very pleasant situation. Personally, I was very focused on my food because I was hungry and everything looked delicious.

The Culinary Experience

Let’s start with me saying that I am not a big sushi fan, I like my food mostly cooked therefore if you are here hoping to see some sushi dishes, then this post is not for you. We opted for cooked meals, like sando katsu, smash burger (because tik tok made us buy it), dumplings with beef tartar, noodles with ribs and some kimchi, because why not. We wanted to also try the ramen, but let’s be honest and realistic here, it was just the two of us and there was no way we would be able to finish everything. The menu was large, printed on a piece of paper that had free space for you to write down the portions you wanted for each dish. There were so many great options and so many starters and main dishes to try from, but when it’s just two people you can’t eat everything. I feel like I should visit again just so I can order the rest of the menu.

The food was exceptional to say the least. If you are in Athens and you are looking for a casual Japanese place to satisfy your stomach then this is the place for you.

I really liked how well the meat was cooked in the sando we tried, but I believe I left my heart in the bowl with the noodles and the ribs because it was just hot enough for a cold night. Warm and tasty, exactly what we needed to warm our bodies and fill our hungry selves.

Moment of truth, it was also my first time trying kimchi. I have been such a big k-everything fan from dramas to movies to vlogs, that kimchi seemed to me like a dream. I wanted to try the original thing, have an opinion for myself whether or not that side dish is ideal or not. The only thing I have to say is that it was very spicy. More than what I am used to. However, in small portions, I must say that it was weirdly pleasant, just not the kind of spice level I am used to. Would try again though.

There were so many other things I wanted to try, like the ramen options for example, but there are only so many dishes one person can try. Like I said before, I would definitely go back for more.

Japanese Beers are TOP

Before my stomach decided beer is not for me or simply that I needed some kind of break from the alcohol, I used to like a cold beer even in winter. These days I avoid them, but how can you avoid them when it’s right there staring at you? Luring you in? And in so many options? Ekiben Kitchen has long shelves filled with all types of Japanese beers and alcoholic choices. It also includes some not alcoholic beverages, but I can’t be sure. We tried to very basic Japanese beers, mine was called Sapporo and it was so light and pleasant that I drunk all of it very happily. As an ignorant in Japanese beers, I think this was perfect for someone who likes light blonde beers.

Shop and Bye

What I really found very different, but very inviting to the Japanese culture was the fact that you could actually shop materials from Ekiben Kitchen. It had a fridge with bottles of juices, sandwiches and other Japanese ingredients, making it easy for you to cook something at home. The prices were normal for a such a foreign spices and juices that are imported in Greece.

Also, there was a large wall with premium tea and whiskey types, all made in Japan of course. I couldn’t really recognize any of them, but the packaging of the alcohol was very imaginative and impressive. You know, sometimes looks matter.

Ekiben Kitchen is a pleasant stop for anyone who likes to walk around the center of Athens. Right next to the stores and the busiest street in Athens, you can enjoy a full day at Ermou and then enjoy a nice dinner there.

Ekiben Kitchen Info: