Phil Rosenthal from the famous Netflix show 'Somebody Feed Phil', and described as the Anthony Bourdain of our time, explicitly highlighted Le Vietnam as his primary standout culinary destination during his tour in Australia.
DJ Lee, born in Perth, Australia, to Vietnamese parents, carried both worlds within him, music and food. As his hobby began with music, it eventually lead to his love of Banh Mi, something that has been apart of him through childhood until now.
After completing a double university degree at ECU, Lee returned to a passion that had always called to him: DJing. What followed was a remarkable global journey, performing at events across the world's great cities. But in every destination, without fail, Lee had a ritual, find the best Bánh Mì in town, ask the maker every question possible, and note it all down. What began as a love affair quietly became an unexpected calling.
Two decades ago, he started with family gatherings and mini pop-ups around Perth, eventually opening a brick-and-mortar store in 2014 alongside his wife Emily, the heart, soul, and head chef of the operation, Lee dared to do what few believed possible: build an entire café around Bánh Mì. The older Vietnamese generation said it would be impossible to survive purely just on a Banh Mi menu, but Lee and Emily proved it could be possible.
Today, Le Vietnam is a landmark institution in Perth. They've pioneered the new generation Banh Mi to Perth, and possibly the world, with many mimicking ideas and influencing the versions of their Banh Mis. During lunch, queues can be seen stretching down Barrack Street daily, and the menu, rotating through 20 to 30 extraordinary options, reads like a love letter to Vietnamese cuisine and the world beyond it. From classic cold cut pork rolls and Viet-Tex creations, to Japanese Karaage, luxurious truffle, lobster and prawn, every roll is baked in-house, filled generously and made with deep intention.
Everyone from locals and celebrities to food writers and visitors from across the globe has made the pilgrimage. And in one of the proudest chapters of their journey, Le Vietnam was invited back to the motherland — Vietnam — to host exclusive Banh Mi pop-ups, masterclasses, and TV show appearances, bringing their story full circle to where it was always meant to return.
This is what courage, community, and culture look like. The Vietnamese community here in Perth are very proud of their achievements. This is Le Vietnam.
