M&S introduces a viral Japanese fruit sandwich to the UK, blending tradition and innovation in the culinary scene.
Strawberry and Cream Sandwiches: A Taste of Japan in the UK
Strawberry and Cream Sandwiches: A Taste of Japan in the UK
Exploring the unique combination of strawberries and cream in a sandwich, inspired by Japan.
Japan has loved them for years, and now they are gaining popularity in the United Kingdom – strawberries and cream sandwiches. This innovative combination, a staple of British culture since the 1800s, is now being served in an unexpected way: as a sandwich. British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich featuring strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread, which M&S claims was its best-selling sandwich within just two days of its launch.
The strawberry sandwich concept, commonly referred to as "furutsu sando" in Japan, has made its way into the UK, and M&S's offering marks a notable increase in availability. The popularity of fruit sandwiches has soared globally after gaining traction on social media, particularly with Westerners flocking to try the version from Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
According to Shuko Oda, a chef at Koya restaurant in London, these Japanese fruit sandwiches typically consist of soft, sweetened white bread filled with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or clementines, complemented by whipped cream. They are visually appealing, usually cut into triangles to showcase the fruit, and often enjoyed alongside tea or coffee. Although some individuals make them at home, most people purchase them from convenience stores, food stalls, or specialized fruit sandwich shops.
While the idea may seem unconventional in the UK, fruit sandwiches do exist in various forms, such as banana sandwiches or the nostalgic jam sandwich. The question arises: what exactly defines a sandwich? Is it solely a savory creation, or can it also accommodate sweet fillings? The Oxford English Dictionary describes a sandwich as consisting of two slices of bread, generally buttered, with a savory or other filling, and it turns out that food enthusiasts have a variety of interpretations when it comes to defining a sandwich.
UK sandwiches often tend to challenge traditional culinary norms, offering unique combinations like crisp sandwiches and coronation chicken with dried fruits. For those curious to explore more international sandwich options inspired by Japan's strawberry sandos, options abound.
Bánh mì, for example, is a Vietnamese delight featuring a baguette filled with various meats, pickles, and spicy sauces. The French croque monsieur, a warm sandwich oozing with cheese and flavors, is another popular delicacy, while the New Orleans po' boy showcases local seafood filled with refreshing toppings. In Latin American cuisine, corn-based arepas offer a unique twist, showcasing diverse fillings, and for those adventurous enough, spaghetti and noodle sandwiches are quirky dishes embraced in different cultures. Lastly, the Portuguese francesinha represents a decadent sandwich experience with layers of meat and melted cheese, offering heartiness and richness that never fail to impress.
As the culinary landscape evolves, blending the unexpected and the traditional opens new avenues for sandwich enthusiasts around the world.
The strawberry sandwich concept, commonly referred to as "furutsu sando" in Japan, has made its way into the UK, and M&S's offering marks a notable increase in availability. The popularity of fruit sandwiches has soared globally after gaining traction on social media, particularly with Westerners flocking to try the version from Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven.
According to Shuko Oda, a chef at Koya restaurant in London, these Japanese fruit sandwiches typically consist of soft, sweetened white bread filled with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or clementines, complemented by whipped cream. They are visually appealing, usually cut into triangles to showcase the fruit, and often enjoyed alongside tea or coffee. Although some individuals make them at home, most people purchase them from convenience stores, food stalls, or specialized fruit sandwich shops.
While the idea may seem unconventional in the UK, fruit sandwiches do exist in various forms, such as banana sandwiches or the nostalgic jam sandwich. The question arises: what exactly defines a sandwich? Is it solely a savory creation, or can it also accommodate sweet fillings? The Oxford English Dictionary describes a sandwich as consisting of two slices of bread, generally buttered, with a savory or other filling, and it turns out that food enthusiasts have a variety of interpretations when it comes to defining a sandwich.
UK sandwiches often tend to challenge traditional culinary norms, offering unique combinations like crisp sandwiches and coronation chicken with dried fruits. For those curious to explore more international sandwich options inspired by Japan's strawberry sandos, options abound.
Bánh mì, for example, is a Vietnamese delight featuring a baguette filled with various meats, pickles, and spicy sauces. The French croque monsieur, a warm sandwich oozing with cheese and flavors, is another popular delicacy, while the New Orleans po' boy showcases local seafood filled with refreshing toppings. In Latin American cuisine, corn-based arepas offer a unique twist, showcasing diverse fillings, and for those adventurous enough, spaghetti and noodle sandwiches are quirky dishes embraced in different cultures. Lastly, the Portuguese francesinha represents a decadent sandwich experience with layers of meat and melted cheese, offering heartiness and richness that never fail to impress.
As the culinary landscape evolves, blending the unexpected and the traditional opens new avenues for sandwich enthusiasts around the world.
