Ready to up your sandwich game this summer? Here, you’ll find some of the best Japanese sandwiches that are as amazing as they look. Each one is packable, portable, and delicious!
While rice and noodles are long-time staples, Japanese sandwiches (or shirt) are now making their mark on the international culinary scene. From the convenience store’s egg sandwich to the epic wanpaku sandwich to the nori-wrapped rice sandwich, these sandwiches are undoubtedly among the best foods out there!
Any sandwich expert would agree that they are more than just grab-and-go food; they are an art form in themselves. We think this owes a lot to the Japanese sensibility and creativity with food. Some of the key strategies? The magical juxtaposition of ingredients, visual aesthetics, and precise cutting of the sandwich.
Here are some of the best Japanese sandwiches you can make for your road trips, bento lunch box, picnic, potluck, or snack on the go. Each recipe also comes with extra tips. We hope you’re inspired!”
10 Spectacular Japanese Sandwiches To Make
1. Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando)
Some people argue that the Japanese Egg Sandwich (or Tamago Sando) is the best egg sandwich they have ever tasted! While we try to stay neutral on this claim, we think its standout quality lies in its simplicity. There are no extra ingredients, just mashed boiled eggs tucked between soft, pillowy white bread. Other secrets? Japanese mayo and quality eggs.
2. Japanese Fruit Sandwich (Fruit Sando)
This slightly unconventional, vibrantly colored Fruit Sandwich, or Fruit Sando, is very popular in Japan. You get juicy seasonal fresh fruits embedded in chilled whipped cream between two slices of pillowy Japanese milk bread. The sandwich itself is light-tasting yet bursting with juicy sweetness. Have little ones at home? You’ll want to make this fruit sandwich now!
3. Katsu Sando
Crispy, juicy pork cutlets sandwiched between milk bread, this Japanese Katsu Sando is a homey kind of sandwich but downright satisfying! Instead of deep-frying the cutlets, you can bake them in the oven and still achieve a crispy texture with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Wanpaku Sandwich
Stuffed with colorful vegetables and layered ingredients, these solid Wanpaku Sandwiches present endless possibilities! Since they require some artistic assembly, half of the fun is making the sandwich itself. You’ll love that you can use up any leftovers from the refrigerator. The sandwich is guaranteed to fill you up.
5. Chicken Katsu Sandwich
This Baked Chicken Katsu Sandwich will rival anything you can get in a fast food place! Load it up with some garlic tonkatsu sauce, tomato, cucumber, and crisp lettuce for perfection. Throw out your picnic blanket or set up a camping tent in your backyard, and enjoy the sandwich with some iced lemonade for a perfect summer day.
6. Minced meat and pork sandwich
There’s something about deep-fried foods in sandwich form that makes them a favorite patio food. Minced meat and pork sandwich is built with a crunchy ground meat cutlet, thinly shredded cabbage, and tartar sauce sandwiched in brioche buns. Make the cutlet the night before and reheat it in the oven or toaster oven for a breezy Sunday beer party.
7. Spam Onigirazu
A popular Hawaiian creation, Spam Onigirazu is perfect for a quick meal or snack on the go. The winning combination of fried eggs, sweet sushi rice, and classic spam wrapped up in crunchy nori. You want to sink your teeth into this yummy treat!
8. Salmon sashimi
One of the greatest ideas for turning your leftovers into something truly delicious? Use them in a Japanese rice sandwich known as onigirazu. Double batch your weeknight dinners, like teriyaki salmon and grilled asparagus, then keep the leftovers for this Salmon sashimi!
9. Bulgogi Onigirazu
Packed with savory Korean grilled meat, eggs, vegetables & nori, this ultimate Bulgogi Onigirazu is another leftover remake genius. The easy homemade gochujang sauce makes everything taste even better!
10. Mixed Sando
Pack these popular fillings—tuna salad, tamago (egg salad), ham, and cheese with lettuce— as a combo for your picnic or bento box lunch.
Have you tried any of these Japanese sandwiches? Do you have a favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
