Japanese fruit sandwiches

We've had several opportunities to introduce Japan's delicious and visually appealing fruit sandwiches at grape Japan. We've covered the simple but delicious sandwiches you can buy at 7-Eleven, fruit sandwiches with matcha green tea as well as vegan versions and even provided an overview of Japanese fruit sandwiches, their origin, and where you can buy them.

Bunmeido's castella

Spongy カステラ castella are one of Japan's favorite cakes. Available in a variety of flavors and even miniature versions ("baby castella") sold at festivals, the cake is a popular pairing with coffee or tea around the country. Portuguese merchants first brought the cake to Japan in the 16th century, but it has gone through many refinements since then to reach its current form.

One of the most famous brands of castella is Bunmeido 文明堂, which started operating in 1900. The company has diversified and now has several regional subsidiaries sharing the Bunmeido name.

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Bunmeido's Castella Fruit Sandwiches

Bunmeido Tokyo Co., Ltd. found an opportunity to create a new dessert by replacing the white bread in a standard fruit sandwich with their castella cake, thus giving birth to the Castella Fruit Sandwich, which is served at their Bunmeido Cafe locations in Ginza 5-Chome and Higashi Ginza.

Since December 1st, 2021, they have a new lineup of Castella Fruit Sandwiches perfect for the Christmas season.

Bumeido Cafe's patissiers carefully select seasonal fruits that go well with castella and a cream filling, using Bunmeido's "Tokusen Gosan Castella" 特撰五三カステラ which are individually made and baked by hand. Their original yogurt-infused cream provides a moist texture and a perfect harmony with seasonal fruits.

These sandwiches can also be purchased for takeout, in which case they are individually wrapped for convenience.

Here are the three varieties currently available:

Strawberry

• 1 set (2 pieces) 800 JPY, including tax
• Just like a strawberry shortcake. The sweet and sour taste of strawberries and the refreshing flavor of the original yogurt cream are in perfect harmony with the moist Tokusen Gosan Castella cake.

Satsuma mandarin

• 1 set (2 pieces) 800 JPY, including tax
• A winter favorite, Satsuma mandarin oranges give a refreshing citrus flavor to this sandwich.

Fruit medley

• 1 set (2 pieces) 800 JPY, including tax
• Three popular fruits, strawberry, kiwi, and banana, are sandwiched together in one. You can enjoy the sweetness of the carefully selected seasonal fruits.

Available for takeout

• Store name : Bunmeido Higashi-Ginza Store
• Address: 4-13-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• Phone number：03-3543-0002
• Business hours: 10:00 - 19:00
• Castella Fruit Sandwiches are sold at the dedicated counter on the first floor of the store. Business hours are subject to change without notice.

For more information about Bunmeido, visit their website here.