In an unexpected culinary twist, Marks & Spencer (M&S) has unveiled its strawberries and cream sandwich in the UK, drawing inspiration from the popular Japanese "furutsu sando." This unique offering, which consists of strawberries and whipped cream cheese between sweetened bread, has swiftly garnered attention, becoming the top-selling sandwich in just two days post-launch.
While the concept of fruit in sandwiches may seem unusual for British cuisine, it's well-established in Japan. There, fruit sandwiches gained popularity in fruit parlours selling desserts, evolving into a viral sensation globally, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. In the UK, strawberry sandwiches have been available at certain Japanese bakeries, but M&S's product marks a significant entry into mainstream supermarkets.
According to Shuko Oda, chef at Koya restaurant in London, these Japanese fruit sandwiches traditionally consist of soft white bread filled with whipped cream and various fruits like strawberries or clementines, cut into triangles for appealing presentation. Often enjoyed as a snack with tea or coffee, they also pair well with savoury selections.
In the UK, fruit sandwiches have a modest history, with nostalgic examples like banana or jam sandwiches. The definition of what constitutes a sandwich can be flexible, stretching from traditional interpretations to more progressive takes like Scandinavian open sandwiches or French toast with fruit. The Oxford English Dictionary hints at the evolution of sandwiches, originally popularized by John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich.
In exploring the expansive world of sandwiches, culinary enthusiasts can find interesting global variations to broaden their palate. Vietnamese bánh mì, French croque monsieur, New Orleans po' boy, Venezuelan arepas, and Portuguese francesinha illustrate the diversity in sandwich culture. Each variant provides a delicious exploration of flavors and textures, reflective of regional tastes, adding to the sandwich's global narrative.
