Japanese food has been on the rise for several years now.
After onigiri (filled rice dumplings) and motchi (glutinous rice cake), the latest novelty is the Japanese sandwich, which is now riding the street food wave.
The sandwich was born in Europe. In France, it is made with a baguette, whose contrast between the crispness of the crust and the softness of the crumb is appreciated. One can therefore imagine an elective affinity between the French and syokupan, the Japanese sandwich bread that has become known in recent years and is the basis of the Japanese sandwich.
This wave of topped bread has been brought about by French lovers of Japan. Many restaurants have opened since 2020 in Paris and are successful. Among them, the latest one, Ototo Sando (Ototo means little brother in Japanese) has just opened its doors in April. Its big brother is an izakaya located on rue des archives, Onii-san, a Japanese-style bistro where you can enjoy small dishes accompanied, or not, by a drink.
The sandwhicherie is also located in the Marais district. The acidic interior attracts young consumers.
The menu is simple. One sandwich of the day and four signature sandwiches: the egg sandwich, the chicken cutlet sandwich, the wagyu beef sandwich and the fish sandwich.
Two small dishes are offered to accompany the sandwich.
The owner claims to be a great Japanese lover. Despite opening in 2020 in the midst of a pandemic, his first restaurant, Oniisan, has won the hearts of Parisians. As takeaway food takes hold, the street food phenomenon is encouraging the opening of Ototo Sando.
The Marais is a fierce battleground for street food. The Japanese sandwich is tending to take its place among the neighbourhood's kebabs and falafels.
As soon as it opened, Ototo sando became very popular among young hipsters and was immediately featured in Vogue magazine.
The bread comes from Babka Zana, a popular bakery in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, and is toasted with a little butter.
The egg sandwiches have a soft, creamy omelette inside.
The Angus beef sandwich is more substantial, with a minced steak.
This is how the Japanese sandwich came to be called "Sando" and is now a great success in Paris.
Fruit sandwiches, which are very popular in Japan, are also showing signs of growth.
Parisians' appetite for good food knows no bounds. We'll keep our eyes open to see which Japanese food will be the next big hit.
OTOTO SANDO
3 Rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris
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