Do you know "ebimeshi"?
Ebimeshi is one of the representative gourmet dishes of Okayama.
As the name suggests, it is fried rice with shrimp as the main ingredient, and it has a striking black color.
There is a shop where you can take out ebimeshi through mobile sales.
That is "Ikina-ya".
In addition to Kurashiki City, it also operates in parking lots of shops in Soja City and Hayashima Town, as well as at events.
It is very nice to be able to enjoy popular and delicious ebimeshi at home.
This article introduces the features and commitment of Ikina-ya's ebimeshi, as well as the history of the shop.
The shop is scheduled to open a new location in spring 2024, so it will temporarily close at the end of December 2023. For details, check the social media or at the shop.
Ikina-ya is a mobile sales shop specializing in Okayama's specialty, ebimeshi
Ikina-ya is a mobile sales shop specializing in "ebimeshi".
It sells mainly in Kurashiki City, as well as in parking lots of supermarkets and shops in Soja City and Hayashima Town.
Please check the schedule for Ikina-ya's locations, which is regularly updated on their official social media.
Ikina-ya issues a point card.
The point card can be either paper or LINE points, making it convenient.
Ebimeshi originated in Tokyo and is a popular Western-style dish in Okayama.
It is fried rice with a lot of shrimp, and it has a striking black color.
Ikina-ya's menu
Prices include tax. Information as of August 2021 (Reiwa 3)
The main menu at Ikina-ya is, of course, "ebimeshi".
Moreover, there are various types of ebimeshi available.
At the time of the interview, there were 6 regular types and a seasonal limited "Omu-tan" (Omu-ebimeshi with a tantan flavor) (800 yen), making a total of 7 types.
The ebimeshi itself is common across all menus, with different toppings.
Ikina-ya also pays attention to the containers used to serve ebimeshi.
They use containers made from plant-based materials that are water-resistant and oil-resistant.
Moreover, they are sturdy and deep, so the ebimeshi inside does not get squished.
At the time of the interview, I ate the ebimeshi about 40 minutes after purchasing it, and it was still piping hot.
Additionally, Ikina-ya has side menu items as well.
There are "ebistick" with three flavors and "Catalana," a European-style ice pudding.
Unfortunately, at the time of the interview, the ebistick was sold out.
In addition to ebimeshi and side menu items, Ikina-ya also sells original badges as merchandise.
A portion of the sales will be donated to a photo cleaning service in Mabi, which was affected by the heavy rain disaster in July 2018.
Recommended dishes at Ikina-ya
Ikina-ya offers a variety of ebimeshi.
All menu items come with coleslaw.
Among the many menu items, let me introduce some recommendations.
"Ebimeshi" is characterized by plump shrimp and a unique sauce
The signature dish of Ikina-ya and the most popular item is "ebimeshi".
On top of the ebimeshi, there was scrambled egg.
The rice has a glossy amber color, and when you eat it, the rich sweetness and aroma unique to ebimeshi spread gently.
The onions are sautéed to a beautiful amber color.
The rice used for ebimeshi is Akebono rice from Okayama Prefecture.
This is mixed with multigrain.
Additionally, the onions are intentionally chopped larger to make their presence felt.
The rice has a moderate softness while also providing a crunchy texture from the onions, which adds an accent, and the gentle sweetness of the onions pairs well with the flavor of the rice.
The shrimp has a quite bouncy texture, and the flavor of the shrimp is rich.
Even when eaten with other ingredients, the presence of the shrimp is noticeable.
“Omu Ebi Meshi” is popular among women for its fluffy and creamy eggs!
“Omu Ebi Meshi” is a dish where shrimp fried rice is wrapped in eggs like an omelet.
On top of the eggs, a generous amount of demi-glace sauce and ketchup sauce is poured.
Omu Ebi Meshi is a menu item that is extremely popular among women!
The eggs are creamy and fluffy.
The harmony of the flavor of the eggs and the taste of the shrimp fried rice, combined with the creamy yet fluffy texture of the eggs, creates an indescribably exquisite deliciousness.
There is also a variation of Omu Ebi Meshi called “Mentai Mayo Omu Ebi Meshi.”
“Yakiniku Ebi Meshi” is satisfying with a topping of pork belly grilled meat
“Yakiniku Ebi Meshi” is a dish where grilled meat is topped on shrimp fried rice.
The grilled meat is pork belly that has been grilled to a savory finish.
Additionally, onsen tamago (hot spring egg) is also topped.
This menu seems to be packed with stamina and is quite filling.
Yakiniku Ebi Meshi is recommended for those who want to eat heartily!
It is very popular among men.
The pork belly has a sweetness from the fat and a savory flavor from the meat, making it very appetizing.
Moreover, the thickness of the pork belly is quite pleasing.
The combination of shrimp fried rice and pork belly grilled meat surprisingly goes very well together.
“Loco Moco Ebi Meshi” is luxurious with cheese hamburger and fried egg on top!
“Loco Moco Ebi Meshi” is, as the name suggests, a shrimp fried rice dish inspired by the Hawaiian specialty Loco Moco.
On top of the shrimp fried rice, there is a cheese-topped hamburger.
Additionally, it is a luxurious shrimp fried rice with onsen tamago (hot spring egg) also topped.
The cheese was melted and gooey.
The hamburger inside is meaty and delicious.
When you break the soft-boiled egg, the delicious yolk flows out.
When you mix the yolk with the shrimp fried rice and hamburger, the flavor of the egg adds richness to the shrimp fried rice and hamburger!
“Special Ebi Meshi” is a hearty dish topped with three types of fried foods
“Special Ebi Meshi” is, as the name suggests, a special shrimp fried rice.
It is topped with three types of fried foods.
The toppings include fried shrimp, pork cutlet, and spicy chicken.
Moreover, each one seems to be quite filling.
It’s a three-way combo of enticing toppings!
In fact, it was originally a single topping shrimp fried rice that was combined into this dish.
Additionally, onsen tamago (hot spring egg) is also included.
This is a luxurious shrimp fried rice recommended for those who want to be completely full.
Ikina-ya, which conducts mobile sales of the very rare Okayama specialty Ebi Meshi.
I spoke with the owner, Hattori Hideki.
Ikina-ya Data
| Name | Ikina-ya |
|---|---|
| Address | Main locations are Kurashiki City, Soja City, Hayashima Town, Tamano City, Okayama City, etc. (For details, refer to the official SNS). The base is Kojima. |
| Contact | 090-8364-9822 |
| Parking | Available Availability and number of parking spaces vary by location. |
| Business Hours | Varies by location (Mostly from 11 AM to around 6 or 7 PM) |
| Regular Holiday | Wednesday If an event is held on Wednesday, closed the following day. |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | None |
| Website | Ikina-ya Official Facebook |
The menu changes occasionally, and new items are added.
Popular limited menu items may be promoted to regular status.
Conversely, if there are too many options, customers may get confused, so the menu may be reduced or consolidated.