CSNC Exclusive: Tamago Sando highlights 7-Eleven Canada’s focus on fresh, international menu items
The viral Tamago Sando Egg Sandwich may be having a moment, but for 7-Eleven Canada, launching the iconic item in stores was anything but instant.
A best-selling sandwich in Japan, the Tamago Sando is a staple of convenience stores (known as kombini) in the country and enjoys a cult-like following. As CBC recently pointed out, travel blogs spotlight the Tamago Sando, online forums discuss how to recreate the sandwich at home, and social media users boast about flying thousands of miles to Japan just to try one.
“During my personal travels to Japan, as many others have, I fell in love with the Tamago Sando—enjoying two sandwiches a day on my trip—and embarked on the journey to create a version for 7-Eleven Canada’s stores,” says Benny Cheng, executive chef at the Surrey, B.C.-based company. “Sourcing ingredients and finalizing the recipe was a process that took almost two years.”
The Canadian version of the internet sensation—once described by the late chef Anthony Bourdain as “pillows of love”—is made with cage-free eggs, authentic Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise and fresh shokupan (milk bread).
Cheng notes that shokupan is prized for its texture and sweetness, while Kewpie mayonnaise is known for its umami flavour—making those ingredients non-negotiable for 7-Eleven Canada.
That’s why bringing a Canadian version of the Tamago Sando to stores was a long process. “It was essential to source the ingredients, ensure that the shokupan milk bread was sweet, soft and fluffy and select a bakery able to produce the bread in large quantities to serve all of our customers across Canada,” Cheng says.
In a press release, the company said this is the ideal moment for 7-Eleven Canada to introduce this Japanese-style item, given growing travel interest in the country and its culture. In 2024, a record-breaking 580,000 Canadians visited Japan and they continued to set visitor records in 2025, according to the Japan National Tourism Office of Toronto. 7-Eleven, which has a strong presence in Japan, has broad awareness among Canadian travellers.
“We have heard loud and clear from Canadians that they want more of the products that make 7-Eleven Japan a tourist destination. This is a landmark example of how we’re meeting customers’ needs at an accessible price point,” said Marc Goodman, vice president and general manager of 7-Eleven Canada, in the release.
As buzzy as it is, the Japanese-style egg salad sandwich is more than a one-hit wonder—it’s a key part of 7-Eleven Canada’s broader strategy to expand its fresh food offerings.
“By combining authentic ingredients with local partners, the sandwich exemplifies 7‑Eleven’s commitment to fresh, innovative, fan-favourite menu items that appeal to both loyal and new customers,” Goodman tells Convenience Store News Canada. “This is simply the first of several 7-Eleven global favourites that we’re looking to introduce to Canadians.”
“We have heard loud and clear from Canadians that they want more of the products that make 7-Eleven Japan a tourist destination. This is a landmark example of how we’re meeting customers’ needs at an accessible price point,” said Marc Goodman, vice president and general manager of 7-Eleven Canada, in the release.
As buzzy as it is, the Japanese-style egg salad sandwich is more than a one-hit wonder—it’s a key part of 7-Eleven Canada’s broader strategy to expand its fresh food offerings.
“By combining authentic ingredients with local partners, the sandwich exemplifies 7‑Eleven’s commitment to fresh, innovative, fan-favourite menu items that appeal to both loyal and new customers,” Goodman tells Convenience Store News Canada. “This is simply the first of several 7-Eleven global favourites that we’re looking to introduce to Canadians.”
As 7-Eleven continues to elevate and expand its foodservice offering, items like the Tamago Sando help it compete in the quick-service restaurant and grab-and-go space.
“Fresh, convenient and affordable food, beverages and everyday items are 7-Eleven’s competitive advantage as we continue to expand our Canadian retail footprint,” says Goodman. “It’s the go-to destination for quick bites any time of day, from daily meals and snacks to late-night cravings.”
In the future, Canadians can expect to see more globally inspired items at their local 7-Eleven. “Chef Benny is very much inspired by the brand’s leadership and reputation for fresh, international foods,” says Goodman. “The entire food and beverage team continue to evaluate and assess ways to bring other international fan favourites to Canada.”
