On the heels of their viral success in Japan, strawberry sandwiches have made their debut in the UK thanks to M&S, who is capitalizing on the growing popularity of this unique culinary trend.
Strawberries and Cream Sandwiches Land in the UK: A Taste of Japan
Strawberries and Cream Sandwiches Land in the UK: A Taste of Japan
M&S introduces a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich, merging British tradition with Japanese fruit sando innovation.
In an unexpected yet delightful fusion of cultures, the classic British combination of strawberries and cream has transitioned into the realm of sandwiches, thanks to the innovative spirit of Marks & Spencer (M&S). The retailer launched a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich, made with soft whipped cream cheese and plump strawberries nestled within sweetened bread. This unique offering is inspired by the "furutsu sando," a popular Japanese fruit sandwich that has recently taken the world by storm.
While strawberry sandwiches have made sporadic appearances in Japanese bakeries across the UK, M&S's version marks the first time they are readily available on supermarket shelves. Upon its launch, the sandwich quickly climbed to become M&S's best-selling item during its first two days on the market, signaling a warm reception from UK consumers.
In Japan, fruit sandwiches—a form of dessert—have a rich history, gaining popularity alongside fruit shops that opened dessert parlors where customers could sample various fruits. The recent surge of interest in these fruity delights has been fueled by social media, particularly TikTok, where Western tourists have been eager to taste the versions sold in Japanese convenience stores such as 7-Eleven.
Shuko Oda, a chef at Koya restaurant in London, explains that these fruit sandwiches typically feature luscious strawberries or clementines, enveloped in soft, sweetened white bread alongside whipped cream, with the fruits displayed invitingly when cut into triangles. Their aesthetic appeal and delightful textures contribute to their charm as a lovely snack paired with tea or coffee.
Interestingly, the concept of pairing fruit with bread is not entirely foreign to the UK. Many may recall the nostalgic taste of banana sandwiches or the inclusion of dried fruits in coronation chicken sandwiches. The question of what defines a sandwich—whether it must be savory or adhere to traditional wheat bread—has long been debated, leading to unique global variations, from the jibarito made with fried plantains to Scandinavian open sandwiches.
As consumers bask in the delight of strawberry sando's arrival, they may also be inspired to explore other diverse global sandwich offerings. From the Vietnamese bánh mì to the French croque monsieur and the New Orleans po’ boy, the culinary world is rich with creative possibilities for filling one's bread with flavors from around the globe.
As the UK embraces this new take on a beloved classic, it remains to be seen how the strawberry sandwich will inspire further explorations in the ever-evolving world of sandwiches.
While strawberry sandwiches have made sporadic appearances in Japanese bakeries across the UK, M&S's version marks the first time they are readily available on supermarket shelves. Upon its launch, the sandwich quickly climbed to become M&S's best-selling item during its first two days on the market, signaling a warm reception from UK consumers.
In Japan, fruit sandwiches—a form of dessert—have a rich history, gaining popularity alongside fruit shops that opened dessert parlors where customers could sample various fruits. The recent surge of interest in these fruity delights has been fueled by social media, particularly TikTok, where Western tourists have been eager to taste the versions sold in Japanese convenience stores such as 7-Eleven.
Shuko Oda, a chef at Koya restaurant in London, explains that these fruit sandwiches typically feature luscious strawberries or clementines, enveloped in soft, sweetened white bread alongside whipped cream, with the fruits displayed invitingly when cut into triangles. Their aesthetic appeal and delightful textures contribute to their charm as a lovely snack paired with tea or coffee.
Interestingly, the concept of pairing fruit with bread is not entirely foreign to the UK. Many may recall the nostalgic taste of banana sandwiches or the inclusion of dried fruits in coronation chicken sandwiches. The question of what defines a sandwich—whether it must be savory or adhere to traditional wheat bread—has long been debated, leading to unique global variations, from the jibarito made with fried plantains to Scandinavian open sandwiches.
As consumers bask in the delight of strawberry sando's arrival, they may also be inspired to explore other diverse global sandwich offerings. From the Vietnamese bánh mì to the French croque monsieur and the New Orleans po’ boy, the culinary world is rich with creative possibilities for filling one's bread with flavors from around the globe.
As the UK embraces this new take on a beloved classic, it remains to be seen how the strawberry sandwich will inspire further explorations in the ever-evolving world of sandwiches.
