What Is Kewpie Mayo? The Japanese Mayonnaise Behind the Sandwich
What is Kewpie mayo? It is the Japanese mayonnaise that people either love or become slightly obsessed with. Richer, creamier and a little tangier than a typical mayo, it is the sauce behind a lot of Japanese fried chicken sandwiches, including ours in Bica.
Here is what makes it different, and why it belongs on karaage.
What is Kewpie mayo?
Kewpie is a Japanese mayonnaise brand, first sold in Japan in 1925. It usually comes in a soft squeeze bottle, and the flavour is easy to spot once you have tasted it.
The style has been copied around the world. When a menu says “kewpie”, it means Japanese-style mayonnaise.
Why is it different from normal mayo?
Japanese mayo is traditionally made with egg yolks rather than whole eggs, which makes it richer and smoother. It also leans on a milder, slightly sweet vinegar, so the tang is softer.
The result is a mayo that tastes rounder and more savoury. It spreads thick, and it does not vanish into a sandwich the way ordinary mayo can.
Why it works with karaage
Karaage is crisp, salty and savoury. A creamy, slightly sweet mayo balances that crunch without fighting it.
In our kitchen, the karaage sandwich comes with house kewpie, shredded slaw and pickles on a sourdough brioche bun. It is the sauce that ties the whole thing together. Read more about the sandwich on the karaage chicken sandwich page.
Is there a vegan version?
Traditional Kewpie is made with egg, so it is not vegan. For our plant-based karaage mushroom sandwich, we use a vegan kewpie so the sandwich keeps the same creamy finish.
Try it in Bica
See what else we serve on the menu. New to the fried chicken itself? Start with what karaage is.
You will find us at Wishbone, our chicken restaurant in Lisbon, Rua da Boavista 14, two minutes up from Cais do Sodré and Time Out Market.
Wishbone, Karaage Fried Chicken
Rua da Boavista 14, 1200-067 Lisbon (Bica)
Mon 5 PM to 11 PM, Tue to Sat 11 AM to Midnight, Sun Closed
+351 967 950 102
Frequently asked questions
What is Kewpie mayo?
Kewpie mayo is a Japanese mayonnaise, first sold in Japan in 1925. It is richer and creamier than most mayo and slightly sweeter in taste.
What makes Kewpie different?
Japanese mayo is traditionally made with egg yolks and a milder vinegar, which gives it a smoother, more savoury flavour than standard mayonnaise.
Is Kewpie vegan?
Traditional Kewpie is made with egg, so it is not vegan. Our karaage mushroom sandwich uses a vegan kewpie instead.
What do you eat Kewpie with?
It is popular on Japanese fried chicken, sandwiches, fries and rice dishes. At Wishbone it comes with our karaage sandwich.
