East meets west between two pieces of bread.

There are little luxuries which we can indulge in during lockdown. On a sunny summer day, there’s nothing better than making sandwiches for a (socially distanced) picnic in the park.

The classic British sandwich first arrived in Japan in 1890, and over the next century was turned into something unique and incredible. Our friends at EAT-JAPAN give us a rundown of some very special Japanese takes on the humble sarnie.

Katsu Sando (Cutlet Sandwich)

Crispy fried cutlet (beef, pork, chicken, prawn, tofu, or whatever you prefer) with shredded cabbage makes this favourite Japanese sandwich.

You can enjoy it with a variety of delicious sauces, tonkatsu sauce, miso sauce, mustard and mayonnaise.

The popular Katsu Sando has even reached the shores of the UK, and you can try it in several places, including Tanakatsu, Peg, Ichibuns or The Monocle Cafe. Please check the restaurants for delivery and takeout options.

If you’d prefer to try making your own with these recipes:

Olive Magazine
https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/katsu-sando/

Great British Chefs
https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/katsu-sando-recipe

BBC Good Food
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/katsu-sandos

Cookpad
https://cookpad.com/uk/recipes/10029955-japanese-chicken-katsu-sandwich

The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/jan/18/meera-sodha-vegan-recipe-tofu-katsu-sado-celeriac-apple-slaw

Atsuyaki Tamago Sando (Rolled Egg Sandwich)

This isn’t an egg mayo, this is Japanese rolled egg in a sandwich. This was a staple of the classic Tokyo kissaten coffee house, and is considered retro, quaint, and its grammability means it’s currently experiencing a huge surge in popularity.

Here’s EAT-JAPAN’s recipe:

Atsuyaki Tamago Sando (serves 2)

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1tbsp mayonnaise
• 1tsp dashi stock powder
• 70ml water
• 1tbsp soy sauce
• 1tsp sunflower oil
• 2 slices white bread, chopped crusts off and spread with 1tbsp mayonnaise and 1tsp mustard)

Method

1. Combine eggs, mayonnaise, dashi stock powder, water and soy sauce well.
2. Heat the oil in a small flying pan over a medium high heat, add the egg mixture and keep stirring until the egg has almost set,.
3. Turn the heat off and use a spatula to fold the egg into the shape of loaf.
4. Assemble sandwich, cut into four and serve.

Frutsu Sando (Fruit Sandwich)

It may sound crazy, but this dessert sandwich has a fruit and whipped cream filling. Incredibly, their long history stretches back to 1920, but with their beautiful craftsmanship, and their attractive profile they’re always visible on Japanese social media.

They can be made with just fruit, whipped cream and bread, so a perfect activity to do with kids or loved ones.

The real trick is to arrange the fruits so that they make an interesting pattern when cut diagonally.

See this video for inspiration:

Have you made any of these sandwiches?
Do you have another Japanese sandwich that you love?

Let us know in the comments!