[Episode 28] I became immovable myself thanks to the Ultimate Fried Chicken Set at the Hokuriku Expressway Fudoji PA (Inbound)

When driving on the Hokuriku Expressway, there is a PA with a strangely intriguing name.

Fudoji.

The name alone is powerful.

It's just a place to stop by, but looking at the characters alone, it feels like some kind of ascetic training is about to begin.
It has such an intensity that even though you only intend to buy a canned coffee, you feel like you'll be told to go stand under a waterfall.

Moreover, this place is relatively empty most of the time.

Even the large vehicle parking area doesn't feel cramped.
It's not strangely noisy.
It's like a hideout for drivers, placed all alone in the middle of the Hokuriku Expressway.

It's not the type to lure you in with flashy signs.
It has a look that says, "If you want to come, then come."
Fitting for Fudoji, it remains unmoved.
Shut up, I know.

The lights in the food court are also strangely calm.
A man in work clothes with a tired face was staring intently at the ticket machine.
That face was probably one deciding between ramen or a set meal, a life-altering choice.
I get it.
I'm the same way every time.

That's where I found it.

The Ultimate Fried Chicken Set.
1,180 yen.

Once something is labeled "Ultimate," it's all over.
I'm hungry.
My judgment has long since been blown away by the Hokuriku wind.

I laughed a little when I saw the set meal that came out.

The fried chicken is huge.
And it really comes at you with quantity.
Brown rocks are taking up positions on the plate.
It has a look that doesn't lose to the name Fudoji.

The batter is rugged.
Just looking at it, it doesn't allow for the concept of "eating lightly."
This is less of a meal and more of a cargo loading operation into my stomach.

I take a bite.
It's hot.
The meat juices come out.
The oil and saltiness land with a thud on my tired body.

It's not about being delicious or anything refined like that.
It feels like the fried chicken is silencing all the annoying things from today, one piece at a time.

Phone calls.
Waiting.
Schedule changes.
Traffic jams.
Drowsiness.

It punches them all away with a brown fist.

The white rice disappears quickly too.
I have some miso soup.
Then back to the fried chicken.
Before I knew it, I couldn't move.

At Fudoji PA, I became immovable.
I didn't mean to make a pun.
But that's exactly what happened.

When I finished eating and went outside, the parking lot was still quiet.
Cars were coming and going.
But it wasn't noisy.

I like PAs like this.

It doesn't have to be famous.
It doesn't have to be crowded.
It's strangely calm, and the food is strong.
That's enough.

When you're on the Hokuriku Expressway, hungry, a little tired, and want to feel human again somewhere.
Fudoji PA (Inbound) is pretty good.

The name is strong.
The air is quiet.
The fried chicken is heavy.

In the end, those are the places you can trust the most.

This meal

Location: Hokuriku Expressway, Inbound, Fudoji PA
Menu: Ultimate Fried Chicken Set
Price: 1,180 yen (tax included)

Recommended points: A fried chicken set with rugged batter and a solid portion served at the Fudoji PA, which sounds strong just from its name. A meal that hits your tired body head-on with oil and white rice.

Scenery: A hidden gem PA that is relatively empty most of the time. Easy to park large vehicles, and while not flashy, it's relaxing. A place to take a breather in the middle of the Hokuriku Expressway.

Atmosphere: It doesn't have the bustle of a famous SA. But that's what's good about it. The lights of the food court, the quiet parking lot, the low engine sound of trucks. A perfect level of quietness for eating a meal.

Caution: You'll lose if you get hooked by the word "Ultimate." However, the look and volume of the fried chicken make you feel like it's okay to lose to this dangerous meal.

A word: After eating the ultimate fried chicken at Fudoji PA, I became immovable. I'm so full I can't move for a while.

Fried chicken presence: ★★★★★
Batter crunchiness: ★★★★★
White rice thief level: ★★★★★
Miso soup soothing power: ★★★★☆
Cabbage as an escape route: ★★★★☆
Stomach-filling level: ★★★★★
Fatigue recovery feeling: ★★★★★
Name strength level: ★★★★★
Hidden gem PA feeling: ★★★★★
Price satisfaction: ★★★★☆
Post-meal immovability: ★★★★★
Desire to visit again: ★★★★★