Hot Sandwich Day (Hotto Sando wo Tanoshimu Hi)

What Is Hot Sandwich Day?

Every March 23rd is "Hot Sandwich Day" (Hotto Sando wo Tanoshimu Hi) in Japan. It was established by Kokubu Group Corp., a general food trading company that sells "K&K 'CAN'P no Tatsujin Hot Sandwich Fillings," and was certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2021. The date takes March 13th, known as "Sandwich Day" because the 1 is "sandwiched" between two 3s, and adds 10 for "juu," the sizzling sound of a sandwich being grilled, to make March 23rd. The aim is to help people enjoy hot sandwiches, popular for camping and time at home, even more.

Why Hot Sandwiches Taste So Good

The appeal of a hot sandwich lies in the toasty aroma and texture created by grilling.

• The Maillard reaction: When the surface of the bread is heated, sugars and amino acids react to create a toasty aroma and a golden-brown color. It is the same process that gives toast and baked goods their fragrance.
• Crisp outside, soft inside: Grilling in a hot sandwich maker makes the outside crisp while the heat and steam of the fillings keep the inside moist.

Tools and Ways to Enjoy Them

Hot sandwiches are enjoyed in many settings, from the outdoors to breakfast at home.

• Stovetop and electric: There are stovetop makers used over a gas burner or campfire and electric makers that plug in. In Japan, stovetop hot sandwich makers such as the "Bawloo" have been popular for many years.
• Any filling goes: From classic ham and cheese to leftover curry, kinpira or sweet bean paste, almost anything becomes a dish when grilled between slices of bread.

Fun Facts About Hot Sandwiches

• Tasty crusts: Bread crusts pressed in a hot sandwich maker lose their moisture and become crunchy.
• Hot sandwiches around the world: France's "croque monsieur," Italy's "panini" and Britain's "toastie" are just some of the grilled sandwiches found around the world.
• Kokubu's "K&K": Kokubu Group, founded in 1712, is a long-established company, and "K&K" is its registered trademark. It is also known for products such as "K&K Corned Beef," launched in 1951.
• Cheese holds it together: Cheese melted by the heat also helps bind the fillings together.

Tips for Enjoying Hot Sandwich Day

• Make your own hot sandwich with classic ham and cheese or leftovers from the fridge
• Try a sweet hot sandwich with fillings such as bean paste or banana
• Enjoy a picnic mood with a hot sandwich on your balcony or in a nearby park
• Share your favorite fillings with family or coworkers

A Fresh-Grilled Sandwich for a Brighter Morning

Simply grilling bread with fillings makes an everyday meal a little more special. On March 23rd, why not listen for that "juu" sizzle and enjoy a freshly grilled hot sandwich?