With the recent “more than warm” weather, I’ve been craving banh mi. So, during one lunch I was thinking of Banh Mi Express…except that it was during the time they were closed. Then the other usual suspects came to mind...Avian, Paris, et al…..
Then I realized something. Though I’d been to Lee’s Sandwiches all over OC…in those days when my work was sending me there, I’d never really done a post on my visits. Though Cathy has done a post on Lee’s in Rolando, the only one I could find was from all those years ago when we stopped on the way to LAX. Well, since I had some time for an early lunch, I thought why not make the effort to head on out.
I arrived to find both the parking lot and the shop empty. The last time I’d been at University Square were during my visits to Pha Khao Lao last year.
Even though the price of the usual Banh Mi here is now $7.95….well, it’s still cheaper than the last one I’d had which was nine bucks.
I placed my order and stepped aside and waited….
And in less than 10 minutes, my banh mi was ready to go…..I ordered the Cha Lua Pate.
The bread here like what’s used at Paris and K are of the longer variety. I really liked the fact that it has been nicely heated/toasted. The crust was a bit too thick and chewy for my taste. It was nicely yeasty though the bread was still a bit chewier than I prefer.
Good amount of funky-savory pate and perhaps a tad too much mayo and only two slices of cha lua, but everything was decently layered thru the sandwich. Except for the really thin slice of cucumber.
Nice portion of cilantro, though a bit too many stems, the jalapenos added the fun “pepper roulette” to things.
The pickled radish and carrots were nicely cut and ratio’d adding a good, refreshing crunch to things.
I still prefer Paris Sandwiches with regards to this “long style” of banh mi…..so, I’ll need to return there to compare. Still, I’d rather have a banh mi from Lee’s than from K Sandwiches.
Lee’s Sandwiches
5801 University Ave. B-1
San Diego, CA 92115
Current Hours:
Daily 7am – 6pm