It would be understandable if a buddy mistook your weekend desire for Japanese cuisine for an indication that you were in the mood for sushi. However, a new Japanese culinary export has quickly become a favourite among Indian foodies, competing with traditional staples like rice and fish. Japanese sweets, such as matcha biscuits and mochi ice cream, have been making inroads in the Indian market. Because of its immense popularity, Indian restaurants have introduced their own version of the strawberry sando, a famous sandwich in Japanese convenience stores that consists of fluffy whipped cream, perfectly arranged fruit, and soft milk bread.
The rise of Japanese snacks in pop culture
In observance of Wimbledon, Marks & Spencer has introduced a special edition strawberry and cream sandwich. The innovative product, which takes its inspiration from the Japanese fruit sando, has become the supermarket's best-selling sandwich in no time. Despite how strange it seems, dessert sandwiches are "nothing new" in Japan. This particular version has sweetened bread, fresh strawberries, and delicately whipped cream cheese. These fruit- and cream-filled sandwiches, called furutsu sando, gained popularity in the early 1900s, when fruit vendors started constructing dessert parlours to showcase their products. Tourists were seen "scrambling" to purchase strawberry sandos at 7-Eleven, a convenience store brand that is now mostly owned by Japanese people, after they became popular on TikTok and Instagram.
The delicious umami of Japanese desserts
Japanese candies are the ideal accompaniment to this state of mind because of their imaginative forms, unexpected textures, and exquisitely balanced tastes. These hitherto obscure delicacies are now must-haves because of TikTok's ability to visually accentuate the unexpected. The "rich sweet culture" of Japan, in which desserts are "cute, comforting, and often tied to the seasons," is far larger than this fad. The texture and "in-mouth feel" of these candies were equally as appealing as their taste. Japanese desserts are often less heavy and sugary than their Western counterparts. The textures, such as light sponge, crunchy Pocky, and creamy mochi ice cream, are what make Japanese sweets so enjoyable. These snacks are increasingly appearing on store shelves in India, and it's not difficult to see why: they provide a delightful sensory experience, plus they mix Japanese tastes with classic sweets in a creative way. Japanese flavours like matcha, yuzu, or kinako are typically used in the desserts. Something you know and love, but with a new Japanese twist.
The rich and delicious cream complements the sweetened brioche-style bread well, while the juicy, sweet strawberries provide a splash of red colour. This taste profile is perfect for the warmer months! An excessive serving size might lead to "sickly" costs, yet it's still expensive. Ideal for sharing on picnics or enjoying as a snack in the fresh air, this is the ideal "occasional sweet treat" for any occasion. The latest Japanese treat to pique the interest of British palates is the strawberry sandwich. British grocery aisles are "steadily gaining ground" with delicious Japanese sweets like mochi ice cream and matcha biscuits.
Why Japanese sandos work
Japanese sandwiches such as Strawberry Sandos and Tamago Sandos are currently highly popular, and their popularity extends beyond their flavour. One reason they're so popular is that they employ premium ingredients like Kewpie mayonnaise and juicy strawberries. These sandwiches are ideal for posting on social media because of their visually appealing appearance, which frequently resembles a piece of art. Furthermore, limitless permutations are possible due to the components' adaptability. If you want to change up the flavour and texture of the Tamago Sando, try adding cucumbers or prosciutto. In a similar vein, the Strawberry Sando may be customised to suit a variety of palates by adding other fruits or flavoured creams.
Strawberry sando recipe
The combination of sweet strawberries and whipped cream in this sandwich is both visually appealing and delicious. Make this delicious delicacy by following these steps:
Four pieces of thick Japanese bread (Shokupan) and one cup of heavy whipping cream are the must-have ingredients for this recipe.
* Sugar, measured in 1 and 1/4 teaspoons (or according to personal preference)
• Fourteen strawberries, or around five to seven for each sandwich
The first step in getting everything ready is to wash and dry the strawberries. After removing the stems, put them aside.
• Use a whisk or hand mixer to whip the sugar and heavy cream until they form firm peaks.
• On one piece of bread, spread a thick layer of whipped cream, about ½ inch thick.
• Make a pretty pattern with the strawberries on top of the whipped cream.
• If there are any spaces between the strawberries, fill them with more whipped cream. Top with a second piece of bread.
• Place the sandwich in the fridge for at least 20 minutes after wrapping it securely in plastic wrap to make slicing it simpler.
Unwrap the sandwich after it's firm, take the crusts off, and slice it in half or quarters to serve.
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The Strawberry Sando is at its most delicious when served immediately; the luscious whipped cream amplifies the natural sweetness of the strawberries. For a delicious finish to your tea party, serve it as a dessert. Make your own unique twists on this delicious sandwich by trying it with other fruits, such as mangoes or kiwis.