In a surprising culinary twist, the beloved Japanese “furutsu sando” has made its way to UK supermarket shelves with the launch of Marks & Spencer's limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich. This innovative offering, featuring fresh strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread, is inspired by a trending Japanese dessert, and it quickly became a best-seller in the days following its introduction.
**Strawberry Cream Sandwich: A Cultural Blend Hits UK Supermarkets**
**Strawberry Cream Sandwich: A Cultural Blend Hits UK Supermarkets**
A fusion of flavors takes center stage as Japan’s unique strawberry and cream sandwich style makes its debut in the United Kingdom, thanks to M&S.
While strawberry sandwiches are known in select Japanese bakeries in the UK, this is the first widespread supermarket offering of such a product. The concept of mixing fruit into sandwiches may seem novel to British consumers, but it has long been favored in Japan, where fruit sandwiches, or “furutsu sando,” gained popularity along with dessert shops showcasing fresh fruits. The vibrant fruit-and-cream concoction has captured international attention, particularly on platforms like TikTok, with food enthusiasts eager to try similar versions from Japan's convenience stores.
Chef Shuko Oda from London's Koya restaurant elaborates on the charm of these sandwiches, which are typically crafted with soft white bread and an array of fruits like kiwi and clementine, adding a visually appealing touch. Commonly consumed as a snack, these sandwiches marry sweetness and texture, providing a delightful experience when paired with hot beverages.
In the UK, there isn’t a shortage of creative fruit and bread combinations. From classic banana sandwiches to the nostalgic jam sandwiches of childhood, these sugary pairings have their place in British cuisine. This opens the discussion on what defines a sandwich—should it only cater to savory fillings? The Oxford English Dictionary outlines sandwiches as composed of two slices of bread with fillings, but culinary traditions offer a spectrum of interpretations.
As British consumers ponder their stance on this sweet innovation, there is an invitation to explore global sandwich varieties. From the Vietnamese bánh mì and French croque monsieur to the New Orleans po' boy and Venezuelan arepa, there's a world of flavors waiting to inspire your next sandwich creation.
With this delightful culinary crossover, who knows - the strawberry and cream sandwich might just become a beloved British classic in its own right.
**Additional reporting by Polly Weeks, BBC Food**
Chef Shuko Oda from London's Koya restaurant elaborates on the charm of these sandwiches, which are typically crafted with soft white bread and an array of fruits like kiwi and clementine, adding a visually appealing touch. Commonly consumed as a snack, these sandwiches marry sweetness and texture, providing a delightful experience when paired with hot beverages.
In the UK, there isn’t a shortage of creative fruit and bread combinations. From classic banana sandwiches to the nostalgic jam sandwiches of childhood, these sugary pairings have their place in British cuisine. This opens the discussion on what defines a sandwich—should it only cater to savory fillings? The Oxford English Dictionary outlines sandwiches as composed of two slices of bread with fillings, but culinary traditions offer a spectrum of interpretations.
As British consumers ponder their stance on this sweet innovation, there is an invitation to explore global sandwich varieties. From the Vietnamese bánh mì and French croque monsieur to the New Orleans po' boy and Venezuelan arepa, there's a world of flavors waiting to inspire your next sandwich creation.
With this delightful culinary crossover, who knows - the strawberry and cream sandwich might just become a beloved British classic in its own right.
**Additional reporting by Polly Weeks, BBC Food**
