Fruit sandwich (フルーツサンド)

If you consider yourself a food enthusiast and enjoy trying unique and tasty snacks or desserts, then you should give the Fruit Sandwich in Japan a try. This delectable sandwich is a popular choice among both Japanese natives and tourists for its irresistible flavors. You can find Fruit Sandwiches in many Japanese convenience stores, bakeries, and cafes, and they are a favorite of both children and adults. To learn more about the origins, variations, and cultural significance of this iconic part of Japanese cuisine, keep reading this article.

What is a Fruit sandwich?

A fruit sandwich, also known as “fruit sando,” is a popular type of sandwich in Japan. It consists of two slices of white bread, with the crusts removed, and filled with whipped cream and various types of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, kiwi, and peaches. The sandwich is often cut into small, bite-sized pieces and served as a sweet snack or dessert. They are a perfect treat for those who want to enjoy a light and refreshing snack with a touch of sweetness. Moreover, there is triangular and square-shaped fruit sando. Both of them are easy to eat and enjoy. However, some people may find the triangular fruit sandwich a bit more challenging to eat due to its shape. The three corners of the sandwich can sometimes make it difficult to take a bite without the filling spilling out. In contrast, the square fruit sandwich has a simpler shape, making it easier to hold and eat.

Fruit sandwich History

The 1920s saw the beginning of fruit sandwiches, or “fruit sando,” in Japan as bakeries started experimenting with different fillings to appeal to local tastes, with Western-style bread and pastries gaining popularity at that time. They introduced whipped cream as a lighter and more refreshing alternative to traditional heavy creams.

In the 1970s, bakeries, and cafes started offering fruit sandwiches more widely in Japan as a sweet snack or dessert. According to some sources, the beginning of fruit sandwiches can be traced back to when the fruit store “Fruit Parlor” Cricket opened a coffee shop near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine that served sweets and juices using the fruits they sold. At first, the sandwiches were made with only a few types of fruit, such as strawberries or kiwi, but over time, the variety of fruit fillings expanded, and the sandwiches became more elaborate and creative in their presentation.

Nutritional value of Fruit Sandwich

In general, fruit sandwiches are considered to be a relatively healthy snack or dessert option, as they often contain a variety of fruits that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The bread used in the sandwich can provide carbohydrates, while the filling of whipped cream or custard can add some protein and fat. However, the filling may also contain added sugars, which can increase the calorie content of the sandwich. To make a more nutritious fruit sandwich, whole-grain bread can be used for added fiber and nutrients, and the filling can be made with lower-fat options such as Greek yogurt or whipped cream made from skim milk. It’s also a good idea to use fresh, seasonal fruits to maximize the nutritional value of the sandwich.

Various Types of Fruit Sandwiches

There are several different types of fruit sandwiches available in Japan. Here are some popular ones: 

Ichigo Sando

Consists of fresh strawberry slices and whipped cream sandwiched between two soft white bread slices.

Banana Sando

Made with sliced bananas and whipped cream or custard cream between two slices of bread. 

Mango Sando

It comprises succulent mango slices and whipped cream layered between two slices of bread

Orange Sando

Made with sliced oranges and whipped cream or custard cream between two slices of bread.

Fruit Mix Sando 

A combination of different fruits such as kiwi, pineapple, strawberry, and blueberry along with whipped cream, custard or cream cheese between two slices of bread.

Fruit sandwich FAQ

On what occasions are fruit sandwiches commonly served in Japan?

In Japan, people commonly serve fruit sandwiches as a snack, dessert, or light meal. Cafes, bakeries, and convenience stores are popular places where they are available, and people enjoy them on various occasions such as picnics, parties, or as a quick bite during a busy day. Fruit sandwiches are also a common addition to bento boxes or lunch boxes.

What are some creative ways to present a fruit sandwich?

In Japan, locals present their fruit sandwiches creatively using various techniques. These include using cookie cutters to cut the sandwich into fun shapes, arranging the fruit slices in a colorful pattern, adding powdered sugar or cocoa powder, and using colored bread. These methods make the fruit sandwich more visually appealing.

Fruit Sandwich Recipe

Where to buy a Fruit sandwich?

Senbikiya Fruit Parlor (千疋屋フルーツパーラーKITTE丸の内)

Sembikiya Sohonten’s “Fruit Cafeteria” (later known as Sembikiya Fruit Parlor) served the first fruit sandwiches in 1868. They used seasonal fruits such as strawberries, kiwis, pineapples, and melons that were cut into even thicknesses of about 3mm, resulting in an elegant-looking cross-section. When ordered at the store, the sandwiches were chilled and cut into triangles. In addition, Sembikiya uses triangular fruit sandwiches that are easy to eat for eat-in, and square fruit sandwiches that do not fall apart easily when taken out.

Address: 1F KITTE Marunouchi, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Phone number: 03-3217-2018
Hours open: Wed-Sat 11:00 – 20:00
Website: https://www.sembikiya.co.jp/shop-list/marunouchi

Takano fruit parlor (タカノフルーツパーラー新宿本店)

After Sembikiya Sohonten, Takano opened a fruit parlor in 1926 (Taisho 15), and that fruit sandwiches have been on the menu since the opening. The salty white bread and cream have a slight buttery feel to it, making it a fruit sandwich with a nostalgic Showa feel. In addition, since the fruit is thick with square bread, let’s be careful not to drop it when eating.

Address: Shinjuku Takano Main Store 5F, 3-26-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Phone number: 03-5368-5147
Hours open: Mon-Sun 11:00-20:00
Website: https://takano.jp/parlour/originalmenu/detail/fruitsparlour/

Fruit Garden Libel (果実園リーベル本店)

Liber specializes in serving chilled fruit sandwiches that are made with over four types of fruits including strawberries, kiwis, pineapples, and mangoes that are cut into 1cm pieces. The dish is accompanied by a vegetable salad and cut fruit arranged on the plate.

Address: President Meguro Heights 2F, 1-3-16 Meguro , Meguro-ku
Phone number: 03-6417-4740
Hours open: Mon-Sun 7:30-22:00
Website: http://kajitsuen.jp/

Takeaway

Fruit sandwiches are a unique and delicious culinary experience that should not be missed when visiting Japan. Whether you are looking for a light snack, a refreshing dessert, or a quick bite during a busy day, there is a fruit sandwich to satisfy your craving. With a variety of presentation techniques and flavor combinations, every fruit sandwich is a work of art that tantalizes both the eyes and the taste buds. So why not try a fruit sandwich during your next trip to Japan and discover the delights of this beloved local delicacy?

You can check some Japanese dishes below that we know you would like to try too.