Japanese Tamago Sando (Egg Salad Sandwich)
Tamago Sando (たまごサンド) is Japan’s answer to the perfect egg salad sandwich. Creamy, fluffy eggs are gently mashed with Japanese mayo and sandwiched between two impossibly soft slices of shokupan (milk bread). The result? A cloud-like, umami-rich sandwich that’s equal parts comfort food and culinary art.
Found in convenience stores, train stations, and cafés across Japan, this humble sandwich has become a viral favorite—and once you try it, you’ll get why. It’s simple, elegant, and incredibly satisfying. So cook it already!
Why You’ll Love This Tamago Sando
Soft and savory – melt-in-your-mouth texture from fluffy eggs and milk bread
Quick and easy – just a handful of ingredients, ready in 15 minutes
Authentic Japanese flavor – thanks to kewpie mayo and shokupan
Great for meal prep – makes a perfect snack, lunch, or picnic treat
Ingredients (makes 2 sandwiches):
4 large eggs
2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise (e.g. Kewpie)
1 tsp sugar
Salt & pepper to taste
4 slices of soft white bread (preferably milk bread or shokupan)
Optional: softened butter for the bread
How to Make Tamago Sando
1. Boil the Eggs. Gently place the eggs in a pot of water. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer to ice water to cool.
2. Peel & Mash. Once cooled, peel the eggs. Separate 2 yolks and mash them until smooth. Coarsely chop the remaining eggs.
3. Make the Filling. In a bowl, mix the mashed yolks with mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper. Fold in the chopped eggs. Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Prepare the Bread. (Optional) Lightly butter the bread slices for extra richness.
5. Assemble. Evenly spread the egg mixture between two slices of bread. Top with the remaining slices. Press gently.
6. Trim & Serve. Cut off crusts for a clean look. Slice in half or into thirds.
Pro Tips:
Use Kewpie mayo – its umami-rich flavor makes all the difference
Don’t over-mash – a little texture keeps it interesting
For perfect halves, chill the sandwich before slicing cleanly
Make it fancy – add chopped chives, wasabi mayo, or a touch of Dijon
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Kitchen Tools We Recommend
Egg Boiler: Perfectly cook your eggs every time with this easy-to-use Japanese egg steamer. Buy on Amazon
Kai 6.5-Inch Japanese Utility Knife: Razor-sharp precision for slicing eggs and trimming crusts. Buy on Amazon
Pyrex Mixing Bowl Set (3-Piece): Ideal for mixing yolks, mayo, and seasoning. Buy on Amazon
Pullman Loaf Pan: Bake your own ultra-soft milk bread at home.
Buy on AmazonTotally Bamboo Butter Spreader Knife: Smoothly spread butter on delicate bread slices. Buy on Amazon
Silicone Spatulas: Great for scraping every last bit of egg salad from the bowl. Buy on Amazon
Ingredients We Recommend
Kewpie Mayonnaise (17.64 oz): The rich, umami-packed mayo essential to an authentic tamago sando. Buy on Amazon
Japanese Milk Bread Loaf: Fluffy, crustless perfection for sandwiching that creamy filling. Buy on Amazon
Organic Eggs (12 Count): Pasture-raised eggs with rich yolks perfect for creamy texture. Buy on Amazon
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt: Light, flaky salt that seasons without overpowering. Buy on Amazon
Black Pepper (Coarse Ground): A mild kick to balance the richness of the mayo. Buy on Amazon
Insight on Tamago Sando
Tamago sando — Japan’s beloved egg salad sandwich — is proof that simple things can be wildly satisfying. You’ll find it everywhere in Japan: convenience stores, cafes, bakeries, even vending machines. But it’s more than just a grab-and-go snack — it’s a cultural staple.
The roots of the tamago sando go back to Japan’s embrace of yōshoku (Western-style food) in the early 20th century. As sandwiches became popular, so did soft, crustless white bread — especially the ultra-fluffy shokupan (milk bread) that defines this sandwich today. Pair that with Japan’s obsession with perfect eggs and rich, umami-packed Kewpie mayo, and you’ve got a recipe for magic.
What makes it different from Western egg salad? It’s creamier, silkier, and slightly sweet, with a balanced flavor that doesn’t rely on mustard or herbs. Some modern takes even feature a soft-boiled egg tucked right in the center for that dramatic yolk pop (cue the Instagram shots).
Over time, tamago sando has earned cult status — especially thanks to viral photos from Japanese convenience stores like Lawson and 7-Eleven. It’s comfort food, it’s kawaii, and it’s low-key brilliant.
So whether you’re packing a bento, prepping lunch, or just craving something cozy, tamago sando has your back.
FAQs
What makes Japanese egg salad different?
It’s richer and silkier, thanks to Kewpie mayo (which includes egg yolk and rice vinegar) and super-soft milk bread.
Where can I find Japanese mayo and bread?
Asian markets or online. Kewpie is widely available, and shokupan can be found in Japanese bakeries or swapped for brioche or pullman loaf.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours for best texture.