
Breakfast in Japan is a unique affair, and while the classic Japanese breakfast consists of rice, fish, miso soup, and natto (fermented soybeans), there are many other options to explore. In fact, the traditional Japanese cafe, known as a 'kissaten', offers a hybrid of European influence and the Japanese teahouse, including a morning set or morning service with coffee or tea, thick toast, eggs, ham, and even breakfast sandwiches. These sandwiches are typically served without the crust, in the style of an English tea sandwich, and are often accompanied by a light soup and dessert. So, if you're looking for a tasty breakfast sandwich in Japan, head to a kissaten or one of the many chain cafes, such as Caffe Veloce, to sample this unique take on a breakfast classic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of sandwich | Breakfast sandwich, egg sandwich, tamagoyaki sandwich, pizza toast, koppepan, tamago sando, chicken katsu sando, hamu sando, tamago sando, chikin sando, mikkusu sando |
| Ingredients | Bread, egg, ham, tomato, Japanese milk bread (shokupan), fruit, whipped cream, chicken katsu, avocado, cabbage slaw, katsu sauce, mayo, salad, smoked salmon, unagi, strawberry kiwi |
| Accompaniments | Tea, coffee, soup, yogurt, salad, sausages |
| Availability | Widely available at Japanese cafes, convenience stores, and coffee chains |
| Price | ¥400-¥1,250 |
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What You'll Learn
- Japanese breakfast sandwiches often feature tamago (egg salad), chicken katsu, or fruit and whipped cream
- Japanese sandwiches are known for their simplicity, usually consisting of a few different fillings
- Japanese sandwiches are typically crustless, in contrast to sandwiches in other countries
- Japanese cafes often serve sandwiches as part of a morning set or morning service, which includes a drink and a piece of toast
- Some popular Japanese cafe chains that offer breakfast include Doutor, Caffe Veloce, and Komeda's Coffee

Japanese breakfast sandwiches often feature tamago (egg salad), chicken katsu, or fruit and whipped cream
Japanese breakfast sandwiches are a unique and delightful culinary experience. They are often served in cafes and restaurants, typically accompanied by tea or coffee. While the sandwiches themselves are a Western influence, they have been adapted to suit the Japanese palate and culinary traditions. One key difference is that Japanese sandwiches are usually crustless, a nod to the original English tea sandwiches that inspired them, and a reflection of the importance of hospitality in Washoku (Japanese cuisine). The absence of the crust creates a soft, consistent texture that is easy to eat and showcase the colourful fillings.
Japanese breakfast sandwiches feature a variety of intriguing ingredients. One popular option is tamago, or egg salad, which can be found in the Tamagoyaki sandwich. This variety may include creamy Japanese-style egg salad, avocado slices, and a whole boiled egg. Another sandwich features chicken katsu, a juicy, golden-fried chicken breast with a crispy coating. This sandwich includes a cabbage slaw, sweet and savoury katsu sauce, and a hint of spicy mayo for a kick of flavour.
Fruit is also a common ingredient in Japanese breakfast sandwiches, offering a delightful sweetness to balance the savoury elements. The Mikan Sando Sushi Bento in Mount Laurel serves a mango sando, a viral sensation that showcases the beauty and taste of Japanese sandwiches. This sandwich features a combination of strawberry and kiwi, a fruity delight that has captured the hearts of many. Whipped cream is another surprise ingredient, adding a touch of indulgence to the breakfast experience.
The bread used in Japanese breakfast sandwiches is typically a soft and fluffy variety known as shokupan, or Japanese milk bread. It has a slightly sweet flavour and a delicate texture that sets it apart from denser, seeded breads commonly used in other sandwich traditions. The thickness of the bread is carefully balanced with the fillings, ensuring a harmonious bite that showcases the best of both. Japanese cafes often serve what is known as "mixed sandwiches" or "mikkusu sando", a plate of sandwiches with various fillings, allowing diners to experience a range of flavours and combinations.
Whether it's the classic tamago sando, the indulgent chicken katsu, or the fruity and creamy varieties, Japanese breakfast sandwiches are a delightful fusion of Western and Japanese culinary influences. They offer a unique breakfast experience that satisfies both the eyes and the palate, reflecting the meticulous curation of ingredients that Japanese cuisine is renowned for.
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Japanese sandwiches are known for their simplicity, usually consisting of a few different fillings
Sandwiches in Japan often feature unique ingredients such as fruit and whipped cream, tamago (egg salad), or crisp chicken katsu (a Japanese cutlet). These sandwiches are made with Japanese milk bread, known as shokupan, which is fluffy, soft, and slightly sweet. This style of sandwich has become increasingly popular, with some cafes in the US now offering Japanese sandwiches to their customers.
In Japan, sandwiches are often served as part of a "morning set" or "morning service", which usually includes a drink and a piece of toast, and sometimes a hard-boiled egg and a salad. This style of breakfast was first introduced in 1955 by a Hiroshima coffee shop called Ruhe Brazil, and has since become popular across the country.
While traditional Japanese breakfasts typically consist of rice, fish, miso soup, and natto (fermented soybeans), sandwiches have become an increasingly common breakfast food. Many coffee shops in Japan offer breakfast sets, with some even offering all-you-can-eat buffets. Some popular Japanese breakfast sandwiches include the tamagoyaki sandwich, pizza toast, and koppepan (a Japanese bread roll).
Overall, Japanese sandwiches are known for their simplicity and elegance, offering a unique twist on the traditional English tea sandwich.
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Japanese sandwiches are typically crustless, in contrast to sandwiches in other countries
In Japan, sandwiches are typically crustless, which is in contrast to sandwiches in other countries. This unique characteristic of Japanese sandwiches has even led to a viral tweet about finding a crust on a sandwich. So, why are Japanese sandwiches typically crustless?
There are several theories as to why Japanese sandwiches are usually crustless. One commonly cited reason is taste. Japanese people seem to have developed an aversion to the taste and texture of crusts, possibly because crustless bread is less chewy and easier to eat. The soft and fluffy texture of shokupan, the type of bread commonly used for sandwiches in Japan, is highly valued, and the harder crust is inconsistent with this ideal. This preference for soft and fluffy bread may be a remnant from the past when bread crusts were harder.
Another theory suggests that Japanese sandwiches are modelled after British tea sandwiches, also known as finger sandwiches, which are typically served without the crust. This makes sense as Japanese sandwiches are known for their simplicity and elegance, resembling the traditional English tea sandwich. Additionally, the removal of the crusts allows for neat and symmetrical shapes that fit easily into bento boxes, a common feature of Japanese lunches.
While Japanese sandwiches are typically crustless, there are exceptions. Some convenience store sandwiches may have crusts, and there is a greater variety nowadays. Additionally, bakeries sell thick slices of bread with crusts meant for toast, specifically for breakfast.
In terms of breakfast sandwiches in Japanese cafes, traditional Japanese cafes, known as kissaten, often offer breakfast menus that include sandwiches. These breakfast sets typically include a sandwich, coffee or tea, and sometimes additional items like a small salad, yoghurt, or sausages. However, finding a traditional Japanese breakfast can be challenging for travellers, as it differs significantly from Western breakfasts. The classic Japanese breakfast consists of rice, fish, miso soup, and natto (fermented soybeans).
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Japanese cafes often serve sandwiches as part of a morning set or morning service, which includes a drink and a piece of toast
Japanese cafes often serve sandwiches as part of their breakfast offerings. This is usually part of a morning set or morning service, which typically includes a drink and a piece of toast.
The morning set or morning service is a Western-style breakfast that originated in various Japanese prefectures, including Aichi, Gifu, and Hiroshima. In 1955, a coffee shop in Hiroshima called Ruhe Brazil began serving a "morning service" that was featured in a magazine. This sparked a trend, with an increasing number of coffee shops offering similar breakfast menus.
The typical morning set consists of a drink, such as coffee or tea, and a piece of toast. Some cafes offer an upgraded version that includes a hard-boiled egg and a small salad. The menu may vary slightly between different cafes, with options like scrambled eggs or red bean paste instead of the standard boiled egg.
Sandwiches are a common addition to the morning set, with various fillings to choose from. These sandwiches are typically made with soft, crustless slices of Japanese milk bread called shokupan, which is slightly sweet and fluffy. The fillings are usually simple and colourful, with a variety of options such as ham, egg, or chicken katsu (a Japanese cutlet).
Some popular cafes that offer morning sets with sandwiches in Japan include DOUTOR, Caffe Veloce, Komeda's Coffee, Hoshino Coffee, and St. Marc Cafe. These cafes provide a range of breakfast options at affordable prices, making them a convenient choice for those seeking a Japanese cafe breakfast experience.
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Some popular Japanese cafe chains that offer breakfast include Doutor, Caffe Veloce, and Komeda's Coffee
Traditional Japanese breakfasts typically consist of rice, fish, miso soup, and natto (fermented soybeans). However, in recent times, Western-style breakfasts have become more popular in Japan, with many cafes offering breakfast menus.
Caffe Veloce, on the other hand, offers a more diverse menu, including pasta, salads, and sandwiches. While they do not seem to have a specific breakfast menu, their offerings are available from 11 am to 4 pm on weekdays, making them a good option for a late breakfast or brunch. Their menu includes traditional Italian options like pasta with various sauces and toppings, as well as sandwiches and salads.
Komeda's Coffee, also known as Komeda Coffee or コメダ珈琲店 in Japanese, is known for its large portions and budget-friendly options. Their morning service includes toast, an egg, and any drink of your choice. You can also upgrade your breakfast with options like shokupan with butter and a boiled egg, or try their popular milk coffee.
These cafe chains offer a mix of traditional Japanese and Western-style breakfast options, catering to a range of tastes and preferences in Japan.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Japanese cafes usually serve sandwiches. The traditional cafe-style Japanese sandwich is inspired by the English tea sandwich and typically features fruit, whipped cream, tamago (egg salad), or crisp chicken katsu. They are served without the crust, as this is considered more hospitable.
Some popular Japanese cafe chains that serve breakfast sandwiches include Hoshino Coffee, ST. MARC CAFE, Caffe Veloce, and Komeda's Coffee.
Besides sandwiches, Japanese cafes offer a variety of breakfast options, often called a “morning set” or "morning service." This typically includes a drink, such as coffee or tea, along with thick toast, eggs, ham, or a small salad. Some cafes also offer yogurt, tiny sausages, or Japanese sweets like wagashi.






































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