Maru Global

Maru Global is right at home in Philadelphia. The Japanese snack restaurant focuses on health, the environment, freshness, individuality and taste. Maru Global offers staples of Japanese food such as miso soup in addition to the light and healthy signature maru balls—bite size bits of fluffy, crispy goodness.

Maru Global focuses on sustainability, local produce and the local community. Chefs prepare the food with human and eco-friendly components such as unbleached flour. They serve the food in environmentally friendly containers—perfect for delivery, eat-in or take-out. Because of the natural food ingredients, all components and containers are completely recyclable—even if they still contain food items.

The menu at Maru Global is impressively extensive and includes the signature Takoyaki (maru balls). The maru balls are served in rectangular containers (similar to those American restaurants sometimes use for fries or hot dogs). They come in small, medium or party sizes, ranging from six to 50 pieces. This Japanese invention did not arrive in Philadelphia without extreme innovation; owner, chef and Tokyo native Ryo Igarashi adapted the Japanese choboyaki for American consumption.

The maru balls come in diverse, flavorful and local varieties, including BBQ, corn and salsa verde, Philly cheesesteak and the original Takoyaki. Much of the menu is adaptable—you can select the meat component of the maru balls or select vegan options (for items such as the pizza selection).

Maru Global is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly establishment, willing and able to cook without the use of eggs and other dairy upon your request. Vegan desserts are also available regularly.

Maru Global offers meal combos, bento boxes, desserts and a la carte selections. The hot chocolate chip maru balls are particularly worth trying—they taste like fresh, fluffy, sweet chocolate chip pancakes. Maru Global also carries imported Japanese foods and beverages such as multiple flavors of Pocky (chocolate-covered dessert sticks) and specialty drinks.

The ubiquitous food and accompanying establishment are supported by friendly, knowledgeable staff. They’re helpful in providing descriptions and suggestions of the foods and specialty drinks. This takes the intimidation out of the Maru Global dining experience, allowing customers to enjoy the adventure.

- by Tara M. Clapper, Philadelphia Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Tara M. Clapper

Tara M. Clapper is a full-time freelance writer residing just outside of Philadelphia. Tara enjoys exploring traditional and historical locations in the city as well as quirky and innovative restaurants and attractions. Tara utilizes her background in academic, service-based and traditional publishing to create insider-perspective articles. Her topics of interest include travel, weddings, Irish American culture, and geek subculture.