【Drive】I enjoyed three limited gourmet items at Ebina SA (upbound) on the Tomei Expressway.

Ebina SA on the Tomei Expressway boasts one of the highest popularities among service areas in Japan. While melon bread is famous as a local specialty, in fact, there are many other high-quality limited gourmet items! Reporting on the limited gourmet items available at Ebina SA (upbound).

You wouldn't believe it's a "food theme park" at a highway rest area

On the way back from a refreshing New Year’s holiday, I stopped by the Ebina Service Area (upbound). It's a super famous gourmet spot that is well-known on television, but since I'm passing through the Tomei Expressway, I want to take my time savoring the trending cuisine.

Look at the number of dining options! My friend, who came along for the first time, was so surprised by its abundance that befits the title "food theme park" and exclaimed, "Is this really a service area!?" Today, I'm going to look for some warming gourmet food.

Limited Menu ①: Mount Fuji Smoked Soy Sauce Ramen

The first place I visited was "Mount Fuji Country Ramen Taizan," which was particularly lively in the second-floor area. Drawn in by the hustle and bustle, I found myself in line without even realizing it. When I asked the staff if there were any limited menu items, they recommended the "Mount Fuji Smoked Soy Sauce Ramen" (1120 yen) shown in the picture above.

The soup emits a smoky aroma unique to smoked soy sauce, wafting up gently. The soup spreads a punchy flavor, thanks to the dashi and soy sauce, filling the mouth… this is delicious! The quality is such that I momentarily forget that this is a service area.

The thin straight noodles beautifully entwine with the smoked soup, overflowing with umami the more I eat. With an abundance of toppings like green onions and char siu, it’s quite fulfilling! Without a moment to rest my chopsticks, I was so engrossed that I devoured it all the way to the last bite. I feel so lucky to encounter such delicious ramen.

Limited Menu ②: Ebina Man

Having savored such high-level ramen, my appetite was fully awakened. Riding the momentum, the next stop was the specialty dim sum shop "PAOPAO." Here, I chose the limited-item "Ebina Man" (330 yen). While waiting in line, I noticed the person in front of me and the one before them ordering the Ebina Man, and I couldn't help but get one as well.

Inside, there are plenty of plump shrimp! The dough is blended with dried shrimp, and with each bite, the delightful taste of shrimp pursues me. The seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the ingredients with a savory saltiness. Its aftertaste is refreshing, so I finished it in no time despite its size.

Limited Menu ③: Torotama Tsukune Skewers

"Fuji Mountain Smoked Soy Sauce Ramen" and "Ebina Man". All of these exceeded my expectations in deliciousness, making me want to enjoy more gourmet offerings at the service area. Among them, I spotted the yakitori specialty store "Nihonichi". My target here is the Ebina Service Area (upbound) limited "Torotama Tsukune Skewers" (333 yen).

Let's enjoy it with the soft-boiled egg that I received alongside. By dipping the sweet and savory sauce-coated tsukune skewer into it, creaminess is added, filling my mouth with blissful umami. It was so delicious that I couldn't help but exclaim "Um!" This was the perfect finish that made the fatigue of the drive vanish in an instant.

Plenty of refreshing terrace seating

By the way, the Ebina Service Area (upbound) has a wealth of terrace seating available. Despite the winter cold, on sunny days, enjoying the pleasant sunlight outdoors is one of the highlights.

The lively central area is vibrant and fun, but if you want to spend your time in a more relaxed and calm way, it's recommended to look for a bench a little toward the corner. Although there are no tables, you can smartly enjoy takeout that you can easily eat with one hand.

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