Korean-style "Isaac" flash mob in Taipei – limited to 5 per person, different flavors every day

Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun / Taipei

The ultra-popular sandwich specialty shop known as the "Korean version of Mei’ermei"“Isaac Toast&Coffee”has launched a 10-day pop-up event starting today at Taipei SOGO Zhongxiao Branch,offering a different flavor each day and limiting purchases to 5 per person, attracting over 300 fans queuing up early on the morning of its opening day on the 18th.

▲ The ultra-popular Korean sandwich shop "Isaac Toast&Coffee" is now in Taiwan！

▲ The ultra-popular Korean sandwich shop "Isaac Toast&Coffee" has opened a 10-day limited pop-up store at Taipei SOGO Zhongxiao Branch, attracting over 300 fans lining up for a chance to buy on the first day.

▲ The counter of the "Isaac Toast&Coffee" pop-up store at Taipei SOGO Zhongxiao Branch.

▲ The queue outside stretched all the way to the staircase. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

Lin Lunqing, the agent for Isaac Toast&Coffee, stated,that this pop-up will feature five flavors: the classic Isaac ham sandwich, the Korean-style spicy chicken MVP sandwich, the BBQ pork chop MVP sandwich, and the specially made Isaac bacon bagel — with the bagel being available daily.The sandwich flavors, however, will change every day, giving fans a new taste surprise each visit.

▲ The flavor available on the first day was the classic Isaac ham sandwich.

Why is only the specially made Isaac bacon bagel available every day? Lin Lunqing explained that although "Isaac Toast&Coffee" has over 1,000 locations in Korea, the bacon bagel is not available at every branch — it’s only served at company-owned stores and is considered a classic among classics. He wanted fans who had never tried it to have the opportunity during this pop-up.

▲ The Isaac specially made bacon bagel, available daily.

When enjoying the various classic flavors, one of the most important elements to savor is the "sauce"！ Lin Lunqing noted that all the sauces used in this event were shipped directly from Korea to Taiwan, featuring four types of sauces paired with the authentic Isaac sauce. Depending on the sandwich and the type of meat used, different sauces are applied — a signature feature of "Isaac Toast&Coffee."

In terms of ingredients, such as the meats and vegetables used in the sandwiches, they follow an exclusive recipe authorized by Isaac, but with fresh ingredients sourced locally in Taiwan. To replicate the same taste as in Korea using Taiwanese ingredients, multiple rounds of trial production and tasting were conducted, and every recipe was certified one by one by the original Korean factory before being approved for sale in Taiwan. This allows fans to enjoy an authentic flavor without having to travel to Korea.

▲ The open kitchen lets you see the entire preparation process.

▲ The fresh veggies on the sandwiches are best eaten while hot — once they cool down, their crispness is reduced by half.

Another visible commitment is to the griddle and the bread. Lin Lunqing explained that all the custom griddles were imported from Korea to Taiwan, and the bread was specially ordered in specific sizes so that 16 slices can be toasted at a time on each griddle, yielding about 8 sandwiches in roughly ten minutes. The open layout of the pop-up allows customers to watch the cooking process live.

The "Isaac Toast&Coffee" pop-up will run from now until July 27th, selling daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM at Taipei SOGO Zhongxiao Branch.Each person is limited to purchasing a total of 5 sandwiches. Lin Lunqing also revealedthat a permanent store is planned to open in August, to be located in the Taipei Dongcheng area.At that time, not only will a variety of sandwiches be available, but drink pairings will also be offered — with up to 30 beverage options expected. The goal is to open 10 to 13 stores across Taiwan within a year to a year and a half.

The "Isaac Toast&Coffee" pop-up store
Location: Taipei SOGO Zhongxiao Branch, B2
Address: No. 45, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City 106