May. 09, 2018 UPDATE
Kyoto's delicious sandwiches & burgers
Part 3
Lovely Dessert Sandwiches! Kyoto’s Trendy, Colorful Fruit Sandwiches
What do you think of when you hear “sweet sandwiches”? Surely, they must mean jam and chocolate! Yet, in Japan, a “sweet sandwich” denotes white bread, whipped cream, and seasonal fruits. Just looking at the vibrant, dazzling colors inspires joy! The actual texture is like a sponge cake, while the fine, rich whipped cream adds a refreshing touch. Categorizing fruit sandwiches as a dessert cannot be more fitting. Next up, we’ll be introducing Kyoto’s extremely sought-after fruit sandwiches. For those of you who have a sweet tooth, start taking notes!
Fruit & Café Hosokawa
Hosokawa, located near Shimogamo Shrine, was founded during the Showa period. The store sells luxury fruits and has an attached café that serves various fruit-based desserts, such as sundaes and sandwiches.
The colorful and visually pleasing fruit sandwiches are cut into large squares. Seasonal fruits are used: strawberries, kiwis, pineapples, etc. The acidity of these fruits perfectly balances out the thick whipped cream. Rather than thinking of it as eating a sandwich, think of it as if eating just fruit and you’ll enjoy the sandwich even more.
These vivid red mixed berries are absolutely drool-worthy! The generous portions are guaranteed to satisfy you. You can pair this sandwich with coffee or black tea for some leisurely afternoon teatime!
Yaoiso
Yaoiso, located at Hankyu Omiya station and established in 1869, is one of Kyoto’s classic fruit shops. This long-established store has over a century of history, which makes products from this shop the top choice for gifts according to Kyoto locals. The later launch of fruit sandwiches truly took over everyone’s hearts!
Neat rows of strawberries lie between soft, fluffy toast bread, wrapped in a thin, moist layer of cream. The alluring scent of strawberries hits you right before biting into the sandwich!
In this mixed-flavor sandwich, giant halved strawberries have been distorted from the squeezing of the toast. Given the sweet Hami melon and mangoes, the added cream would have made it overly sickly-sweet, but the sour kiwis and strawberries balance out the entire flavor profile. You can eat an entire sandwich and not feel overwhelmed.
ZEN CAFE
A short walk from the world-famous Hanamikoji Street in Gion, located on a small alley, you can find an interesting café called ZEN CAFÉ. This minimalist café is run by the famous wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop Kagizen Yoshifusa. You can have a relaxing break here with some wagashi and tea.
Of course, Japanese fruit sandwich is also on the menu. The square strawberry sandwiches, served on a sushi platter, radiates an air of luxury and elegance. The toast is carefully selected, featuring the softest texture we have encountered so far. Though the portions are modest, every bite is so blissful and so satisfying.
Annee
In a quiet alley off Karasuma Street, which weaves through a forest of office buildings, is the bread shop “Annee”. Though the store is small, it is packed with a wide selection of freshly baked bread, making the vibe cozy and cute.
Unlike the previous 3 stores, Annee’s fruit sandwiches are simple, petite, and adorable. The use of sour strawberries and kiwi is intended to bring out a refreshing, unburdened flavor. Their whipped cream is especially moist and light. If you don’t like the heaviness of regular whipped cream, Annee’s fruit sandwich will change your mind.
To visitors from abroad, especially Europe and the United States, fruit sandwiches may seem like a novelty. However, due to the careful selection of high quality fruits and the craftsmanship of expertly balancing the flavors of the fruit, whipped cream, and toast to create the perfect taste, these fruit sandwiches have become a bit hit! In addition to sandwiches, the hamburgers in Kyoto are in no way less notable. Next, let’s go taste some Kyo-burgers!
Read Other Parts
- Part 1Fulfilling on so many levels! Kyoto's long-standing and super popular sandwiches!
- Part 2Super Popular Kyoto Sandwiches: Thick, Silky Smooth Egg Sandwiches!
- Part 3Lovely Dessert Sandwiches! Kyoto’s Trendy, Colorful Fruit Sandwiches
- Part 4Go and take a big bite of a hamburger! Kyoto's local supersized burgers
