Meet FUFU Sando – the new Sunnybank sandwich shop that’s selling out in hours

Any new sandwich spot is bound to attract attention from Brisbane foodies, but even the owners behind FUFU – Sunnybank’s sleek new Japanese-inspired sando spot – were caught off guard by how many people visited across its opening weekend.

“On our first day we sold out of everything, so we prepared way more for the weekend,” says FUFU Sando’s owner Haru Shinkai. “We thought it was going to be enough, but on Saturday we sold out of everything in two hours and on Sunday we sold out in three hours.”

By the time we popped in for a visit earlier this week, FUFU Sando had managed to increase its output enough to cover the lunch rush, but Haru tells us that between the word-of-mouth buzz and Market Square’s steady amount of traffic, it’s likely the small sando slinger will continue to sell out earlier than planned.

That said, even the most viral foodie sensation can’t maintain its status if the product doesn’t match the hype. Sando sceptics can set aside their doubts: early reports indicate that FUFU lives up to expectations.

For Haru (who has previously worked across Gold Coast cafes like Goya in Broadbeach), FUFU is a concept that looks to celebrate some of the best parts of Japanese food culture.

The blue-hued dispensary, a chic carpark-facing nook clad in stainless steel and timber, takes the classic Japanese convenience store staple and gives it a gourmet lift. Head chef Yuta Hosokawa has worked with Haru to create a diverse menu of drool-worthy sandos filled with inventive ingredients.

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The goal? To elevate the humble sando into something that is equal parts convenient and covetable.

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“My head chef who created the menu is Japanese but he’s got a French cooking background – he’s worked in modern restaurants with very high standards,” says Haru.

“We’re not trying to just make money just from the customer and we’re not just making a Japanese convenience store sandwich. We are actually doing everything to make the best product – all of the vegetables and meats are top quality.”

FUFU’s debut menu features a range of hot and cold sandos to choose from, all served on fluffy shokupan made using a custom recipe.

The offering starts with a classic egg salad sando with hanjyuku egg, mayo, tobiko and pepper, the Aussie Morning sando with hash brown, egg, bacon and fig barbecue sauce, panko-coated prawn katsu sando with lettuce, Japanese tartar, fresh dill and lemon zest, and wagyu yakiniku sando with beetroot paste, spinach and fresh chilli.

There is also a rotating selection of cream-filled fruit sandos, for those seeking a sweet treat.

And then there’s the drinks. In addition to coffee from Seven Miles and ceremonial-grade matcha, some of the top-selling items responsible for FUFU’s viral introduction are its selection of spirulina cold-foam topped special beverages.

The FUFU Coco crowns refreshing coconut water with a blue cloud, while the FUFU Mont Blanc pairs invigorating cold brew with the striking spirulina foam. But Haru tells us that the superfood infusion is not just about attention-grabbing aesthetics.

“For me, not just about the looks or the taste – it has to be healthy,” says Haru. “Spirulina actually has more health benefits than matcha.”

As FUFU settles into a rhythm, Haru is eager to review the offering and tailor it to reflect seasonal shifts and trends, with monthly tweaks likely. The team is also already looking to expand its output with a larger dedicated baking setup.

While the sandos will likely carry the long-term success of FUFU, the operator hopes that its friendly, smile-first service style becomes a defining aspect of its appeal.

“We’re not just selling sandos and drinks – we’re adding a bit of the Japanese way of hospitality,” says Haru.

“We really want to make this experience and space comfortable for guests – it’s a place where you don’t feel like someone’s judging you. It’s 2026. It’s time for a little bit more kindness.”

FUFU Sando is now open to the public – head to The Directory for operating hours and other info.