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Dressing continues Swiss legacy

A La Carte

May 9, 2021

Story By: Don Robbins | Photos by: SWISS INN DRESSING

Swiss Inn Dressing co-owner Kenji Lee holds bottles of the company’s Swiss Sriracha and Original Savory Vinaigrette dressings.

Owned and operated by brothers Taisei and Kenji Lee, Swiss Inn Dressing has a long legacy. It started in 1982 with Swiss Inn Restaurant in Niu Valley Shopping Center, which was run by the Lees’ uncle and aunty.

Today, the brothers carry on the family tradition. Instead of a full menu of authentic Swiss cuisine, they make salad dressing, honoring every aspect of the original recipe from the eatery. This dressing is available in 12-ounce bottles, and now even gallons, shares Kenji, the younger of the siblings.

Among the products available is the Original Savory Vinaigrette ($7), the house dressing of the restaurant.

Another enticing flavor is the Swiss Sriracha ($8.50), with everything people love about the original dressing, but with a mild spicy kick.

A 1-gallon container of Swiss Inn Dressing Original Savory Vinaigrette

“Our fans get creative with our dressing so we decided to mix it up a bit, too,” notes Kenji.

“We know local people really like this dressing, and we want to give them more options to enjoy it,” Lee says.

Therefore, he plans to introduce 1-gallon units of the Original Savory Vinaigrette at Y. Hata & Co. Chef Zone by summer.

“The 12-ounce bottles are great for home use but we’d like to make our way into more local restaurants, buffet lines, salad bars and events — especially with things picking up again,” he emphasizes.

Swiss Inn Dressing’s Original Savory Vinaigrette and vegetables from Mari’s Garden

“2020 was what it was, but you know, it was actually a productive year for us. Our retail accounts statewide have grown, our online store receives orders steadily, and we even won Hawaii’s Best 2020 Local Bottled Salad Dressing. First place!,” Kenji declares.

“For us, that was confirmation that our dressing makes people happy. And if we can make people happy, then we’re doing something right.

“Voting for 2021 Hawaii’s Best ends Wednesday, May 12. Please consider voting for Swiss Inn Dressing — a local favorite with a bold flavor and rich history,” he adds.

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best