CHOO SANDO
Japanese restaurant · Rosedale ·
Japanese sandwiches, sushi boxes, and omakase to go
Japanese sandwiches, sushi boxes, and omakase to go
"Choo Sando crafts Japanese sandwiches that balance a sweet and savory flavor profile with a photogenic presentation. Fluffy milk bread holds together layers of pork katsu, egg salad, or seasonal fruit and cream. The shop began as a pop-up but quickly found a loyal following that goes well beyond its Rosedale following. The sandwiches are perfect for pick-up. Some sandos are available for pre-order 24 hours ahead." - Darcie Duttweiler
"Unlike other spots on this list, Choo Sando is a grab-and-go operation. Every day, you’ll find a few daily boxes that come with printed menus of what each fish is, where it’s from, and its favorite TV show (one of those might not be true). All of the fish gets dry-aged for two to three days to bring out rich flavors and excellent texture. And despite being served cold, the rice never feels dry or hard. Grab a box for lunch, but if you want the full experience, you’ll need to place a pre-order online for one of the take-home omakase boxes. They come wrapped up with a bow, which makes it feel like a present—it’s especially fitting since the fish selection is a surprise." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
"This unassuming Japanese cafe in Rosedale focuses on two items done beautifully well: sushi boxes and adorable Japanese sandwiches on fluffy milk bread offered in savory and sweet varieties. Try the tamago, a combination of egg salad and soft-boiled eggs; the katsu sandwich stuffed with panko-covered pork chop and slaw; or the classic strawberry with whipped cream, which makes for a light dessert. If you’re craving nigiri and sushi, go all out with the omakase box, but be sure to order online in advance. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person. The shop is sparse but warm, with a small indoor and outdoor dining area." - Erin Russell
"Allandale’s Choo Sando brings the playful precision of Japanese sandwiches to dessert, with thick milk bread slices filled with fresh fruit and airy whipped cream in traditional and matcha flavors. Strawberries, kiwi, grapes, and mangoes make regular appearances, offering a light, refreshing finish. The sparse atmosphere is casual and bright, ideal for a quick treat or leisurely snack." - Darcie Duttweiler
"All of the sandwiches at Choo Sando are sold pre-packaged, chilled, and ready to eat. They’ll also survive a few days in the fridge, meaning you can easily pick them up the night before or on your way out in the morning. We like the classic pork katsu with cabbage slaw, but you should also grab a few fruit sandwiches with housemade whipped cream. Hand them out and prepare to make some new friends." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs