A new strategy is described for the asymmetric synthesis of carbohydrate derivatives via the tandem use of the osmium-catalyzed asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) and aldolase-catalyzed aldol addition reactions. Both D- and L-forms of fructose, 6-deoxy-galacto-2-heptulose, and 6-phenyl-galacto-2-hexulose were synthesized to illustrate this methodology.