Tamago Sando (Egg Sandwhich)

Written By Editor in Chef - Brian

Say hello to Japan’s most comforting convenience store superstar: the Tamago Sando! This pillowy, creamy egg salad sandwich is proof that simple ingredients can deliver serious flavor. Made with soft shokupan (milk bread) and a luscious mix of eggs and Japanese mayo, it’s the kind of snack that makes you wonder why all sandwiches aren’t this dreamy. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch, prepping for a picnic, or just need an excuse to eat more eggs, this is your golden ticket. Let’s make it!

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

Instructions:

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 for authentic umami flavor.

  • Chill the sandwich for 10–15 minutes for best texture before serving.

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Kitchen Tools We Recommend

  • Zojirushi 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]

  • Shokupan Pullman Loaf Pan: Bake your own ultra-soft milk bread at home. [Buy on Amazon]

  • Bamboo Butter Spreader Knife Set: Smoothly spread butter on delicate bread slices. [Buy on Amazon]

  • Mini Silicone Spatulas (Set of 4): 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 (Shokupan) Loaf: Fluffy, crustless perfection for sandwiching that creamy filling. [Buy on Amazon]

  • Vital Farms 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]

  • S&B 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.

Editor in Chef - Brian