Japanese Fruit Sando (Strawberry Fruit Sandwich)

Food & Wine, April 2025

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.