Japanese Fruit Sando (Strawberry Fruit Sandwich)

Fruit sandwiches are a staple treat in Japan, found at cafés, bakeries, and even convenience stores. Here, a mildly sweet and airy homemade whipped cream filling, studded with fresh strawberries at their peak ripeness, comes together for a light and refreshing sandwich. This classic berries-and-cream combination is a signature Japanese fruit sandwich filling when spread between two slices of milk bread, or shokupan, a fluffy, slightly chewy bread popular in Asia. 2024 Best New Chef Leina Horii takes inspiration from in-season spring and early-summer fruits at her local farmers market for these sandwiches, which she features on the menu with her husband, 2024 F&W Best New Chef Brian Lea, at their Nashville restaurant, Kisser. While Japanese milk bread is ideal for fruit sandwiches, Horii suggests visiting your local bakery to find a whole soft white bread loaf, such as pain de mie, rather than pre-sliced bread. Cutting slices from a whole loaf ensures the bread is thick enough to hold the filling. Serve these as a snack, lunch, or dessert. 

How do you make a Japanese fruit sandwich? 

Japanese fruit sandwiches, also known as fruit sandos, feature Japanese milk bread, whipped cream, and sliced fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwis, oranges, and mango. To make a Japanese fruit sandwich, spread the whipped cream filling over slices of bread, add the fruit, and slice the sandwich diagonally with a sharp knife to create a neat cross-section that displays the filling and fruit. 

Where can you buy Japanese milk bread?

Japanese milk bread is available at most Asian grocery stores or online at goldbelly.com. In some cases, a specialty bakery might also have it available.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

For a clean cross-section when slicing the sandwich in half, opt for smaller strawberries that are ripe but are still firm to prevent their juices from leaking into the filling. You can also use other berries, such as blueberries and raspberries or a berry mix, instead of just strawberries. 

Make ahead

Sandwiches can be stored, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to one day.