French-Vietnamese sandwiches from the U.S. make their debut in Taiwan — 32 flavors starting at NT$78

▲ The American chain of French-Vietnamese sandwiches, Lee's Sandwiches, makes its Taiwan debut, with the first store opening on August 9. The photo shows the Special Combo Sandwich.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan, Taipei

Following the successful introduction of Hong Kong’s Michelin one-star restaurant Tim Ho Wan, Heyi Lifestyle is now bringing in the American chain of French-Vietnamese sandwiches, Lee's Sandwiches. The first overseas branch will open on August 9 at HOYII Heyi North Station. Lee's Sandwiches offers a total of 32 flavors, divided into two categories: French-Vietnamese sandwiches and European-style sandwiches. Its standout feature is the use of a proprietary recipe for French baguettes. Pricing ranges from NT$128 to NT$188 for 10T sandwiches, and NT$78 to NT$108 for 5T sandwiches.

Lee's Sandwiches started as a small food truck business in California, USA, specializing in East-meets-West French-Vietnamese sandwiches. Taiwan will be its 60th branch, with California having the most — around 40 locations. Its flagship products are the French-Vietnamese sandwich and Vietnamese coffee. The French-Vietnamese sandwich uses freshly baked French bread made daily, filled with Asian-style meats, pickled radish, chili, cilantro, and other fresh vegetables, then topped with a unique sauce and paired with grilled flavor and rich condensed milk. Heyi Lifestyle CEO Lin Chin-chieh mentioned that he often ate their sandwiches while studying in California, and after successfully introducing Tim Ho Wan, he wanted Taiwanese people to also enjoy the taste of French-Vietnamese sandwiches.


▲ %The menu offers a variety... (text appears cut off) customers can also choose from thin crust pizzas.



Lin Chin-chieh also noted that to maintain authenticity, many ingredients and meats are imported from the U.S., such as the baguette used in the French-Vietnamese sandwich — its flour is imported from the U.S. and made daily in the morning using a proprietary recipe and yeast provided by Lee's Sandwiches, resulting in a crispy yet chewy crust. However, if it doesn’t affect the taste, local ingredients are also used. Regarding pricing, Lin said Taiwan’s prices are about 20–30% higher than those in the U.S. (Prices: 10T sandwiches range from NT$128 to NT$188, 5T sandwiches from NT$78 to NT$108.)


▲ Shrimp and char siu fresh spring rolls, wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper with sushi shrimp, Vietnamese rice noodles, char siu pork, mint leaves, and romaine lettuce, served with a special sweet sauce.

The “Sandwich Series” from Lee’s Sandwiches includes up to 32 flavors, divided into French-Vietnamese and European-style categories. The French-Vietnamese sandwich features a daily handmade French baguette — crispy and chewy — with fillings of U.S.-imported specialty meats. The European-style sandwich caters to meat lovers, offering options like ham, turkey breast, Italian sausage, and smoked beef.

The appetizer series draws inspiration from Southeast Asian flavors. The signature Corn Fritter is made with golden batter using a Korean cake mix and eggs, filled with house-made custard. Spring rolls include four choices: shrimp and char siu fresh spring rolls, vegetarian fresh spring rolls, pork and shrimp Vietnamese fried spring rolls, and vegetarian Vietnamese fried spring rolls. The drink selection offers Vietnamese coffee with a unique grilled flavor, 30 types of fresh fruit smoothies including avocado, five freshly squeezed juices, and three Frappuccinos made with custom bases and a smooth, creamy texture — totaling 67 beverage options.


▲ Signature Corn Fritter.

The first overseas Lee’s Sandwiches store at HOYII Heyi North Station has 23 seats. On opening day, August 9, the first six customers in line will receive 96 free sandwich vouchers, while customers ranked 7–300 will receive a free Lee’s Sandwiches meal (a 5T Signature Combo Sandwich and a medium-sized Original Flavor Iced Coffee) without making a purchase.


▲ Fresh Fruit Smoothie.


▲ Left: Grilled Sandwich, Right: Signature Sandwich.


▲ Vitality Combo Sandwich.


▲ Turkey Bacon Sandwich.


▲ Vegetable Bacon Sandwich.


▲ Pork Loin Cheese Sandwich.

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