taste

In Search Of Vancouver’s Perfect Tamago Sandwich

Sure, now you can grab a classic tamago sando at any 7-Eleven for $5, but you should also tama-go to these Vancouver spots for a perfect bite.

By Kristi Alexandra /

This past Wednesday (March 4), Canadian 7-Elevens started carrying a long-loved Japanese convenience staple: a classic tamago sandwich (a creamy, fluffy umami-rich egg salad delicately pressed between two slices of milk bread). So, while the masses are running for the authentic experience recently re-imagined by 7-Eleven Canada’s executive chef Benny Cheng, we’re here to remind you that Vancouver restaurants and convenience stores are already stocking their own spin on the Konbini (24/7 convenience stores) treat.

Here’s where to find some killer tamago sandos that are worth the trip around the city.

Nomo Nomo

 

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Served as a share dish, the red crab tamago sando ($20) from Commercial Drive’s newest Japanese snack bar, Nomo Nomo, comes open-faced on a square of milk toast, topped with an egg salad that’s done up with style, adding red crab and black truffle. 1268 Commercial Dr., @nomonomo

Fujiya

 

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For $52, you can grab a 20-piece Japanese sandwich tray from this family-run konbini, which includes chicken katsu, potato salad and, of course, the traditional tamago sandwich. The only catch is you have to order it 24 hours in advance. 912 Clark Dr., @fujiyabc

Aburi Market

This legendary Japanese convenience store already had two locations, in Yaletown and West Vancouver’s Ambleside, respectively, but it recently opened up a new shop downtown, stocking high-end bento boxes, sashimi, wa bagels and, of course, some signature sandos to-go. Their tamago sando is airy, filled with creamy egg for a quick, satisfying bite. 609 Granville St., @aburimarket

Dosanko

This Powell Street joint has caught the attention of our Restaurant Award judges in the past, recently earning an honourable mention in last year’s Restaurant Awards in the Best Japanese category, and we’d say a big part of that might just be Aki’s egg salad sandwich, which is made with their housemade Japanese milk bread, free-range eggs, greens and held together by koji mayo. They’ve also got a cheese-crusted oyako sandwich, which includes a classic tamago filling, with chicken katsu and reggiano cheese. 100–566 Powell St., dosankorestaurant.ca

Kristi Alexandra

Kristi Alexandra

Kristi Alexandra is the managing editor, food and culture, at Canada Wide Media. She loves food, travel, film and wine (but most of all, writing about them for Vancouver Magazine, Western Living and BCBusiness). Send any food and culture-related pitches to her at [email protected].