M&S has recently launched a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich in the UK, a unique take on an iconic British pairing. This new sandwich, featuring fresh strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread, is inspired by the popular Japanese “furutsu sando” and has quickly gained traction, becoming the top-selling sandwich in its first two days post-launch.
While strawberry sandwiches are already familiar in some Japanese bakeries across the UK, M&S's offering marks a significant entry into mainstream supermarket availability. This unusual fruit sandwich trend has its roots in Japanese culture, where these treats became popular following the establishment of fruit parlours, allowing customers to sample pure fruit desserts. Recently, their appeal surged globally, especially among Western tourists eager to try the versions sold at Japanese convenience chains like 7-Eleven.
According to Shuko Oda, a chef at Koya restaurant in London, fruit sandwiches are typically crafted with soft, sweetened white bread, filled with whipped cream and various types of fruit, primarily strawberries or clementines. They are generally served cut into triangles, presenting a visually appealing display. In Japan, they are often sourced from convenience stores, but they can be easily made at home as well, commonly enjoyed as snacks alongside tea or coffee.
The concept of pairing fruit with bread isn’t entirely foreign to the UK either. Various fruit fillings, from bananas to dried apricots, are often incorporated into traditional British sandwiches. This raises an intriguing discussion about what defines a sandwich - could it be something beyond savoury ingredients and ordinary wheat bread?
Historically, the sandwich as we understand it today owes its popularity to John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, who reportedly requested his meat served between slices of bread to avoid interrupting his card game. This unique approach has led to a world of diverse sandwiches, some of which may seem bizarre elsewhere, like the British crisp sarnie or chip butty.
For those inspired by Japan's fruity offerings, there’s a plethora of sandwiches to explore from around the globe. Vietnamese bánh mì served in a baguette, French croque monsieur with gooey cheese, and the New Orleans po' boy filled with seafood are just a few examples of international sandwich delights. The exploration of unique fillings, textures, and bread types illustrates the endless possibilities within the sandwich realm, making it clear that both tradition and innovation play a vital role in the evolution of this beloved meal.
While strawberry sandwiches are already familiar in some Japanese bakeries across the UK, M&S's offering marks a significant entry into mainstream supermarket availability. This unusual fruit sandwich trend has its roots in Japanese culture, where these treats became popular following the establishment of fruit parlours, allowing customers to sample pure fruit desserts. Recently, their appeal surged globally, especially among Western tourists eager to try the versions sold at Japanese convenience chains like 7-Eleven.
According to Shuko Oda, a chef at Koya restaurant in London, fruit sandwiches are typically crafted with soft, sweetened white bread, filled with whipped cream and various types of fruit, primarily strawberries or clementines. They are generally served cut into triangles, presenting a visually appealing display. In Japan, they are often sourced from convenience stores, but they can be easily made at home as well, commonly enjoyed as snacks alongside tea or coffee.
The concept of pairing fruit with bread isn’t entirely foreign to the UK either. Various fruit fillings, from bananas to dried apricots, are often incorporated into traditional British sandwiches. This raises an intriguing discussion about what defines a sandwich - could it be something beyond savoury ingredients and ordinary wheat bread?
Historically, the sandwich as we understand it today owes its popularity to John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, who reportedly requested his meat served between slices of bread to avoid interrupting his card game. This unique approach has led to a world of diverse sandwiches, some of which may seem bizarre elsewhere, like the British crisp sarnie or chip butty.
For those inspired by Japan's fruity offerings, there’s a plethora of sandwiches to explore from around the globe. Vietnamese bánh mì served in a baguette, French croque monsieur with gooey cheese, and the New Orleans po' boy filled with seafood are just a few examples of international sandwich delights. The exploration of unique fillings, textures, and bread types illustrates the endless possibilities within the sandwich realm, making it clear that both tradition and innovation play a vital role in the evolution of this beloved meal.
