Chasing the Cuban Sandwich Co

If there's a coming food trend that's imminent in Perth that I'm particularly excited about, it's food vans. We've all heard the whispers that it's starting to take off, and though I've tried some of the different offerings at food festivals and markets, I haven't gone out of my way to track down a particular van - until now.

It was actually Jeremy's idea that we went to try the Cuban Sandwich Co. He's an avid follower of this company on Twitter, and noticed that they were up our end of the world on this particular day. He's been talking about trying this place for awhile now, so it made sense for us both to make our way down to the beach and enjoy the sunny winter weather as we located this humble little food van which boasts the most amazing Cuban pulled pork sandwiches.

I have to admit, I love the idea of social media spurring the success of a food venture. I know in Melbourne there's a famous taco van which people flock from all over to visit and likewise throughout the US. It's a great idea and so innovative - free advertising and a sign of the times.

When we arrive at the food van, I'm surprised that there isn't a line given it is just opening. But as we approach the open window we're met by two warm smiles with an enquiry over whether we followed them on social media. We let them know in the affirmative and place our orders - two Cuban sandwiches ($9 each) with 2 bottles of water (an extra $1 each).

It only takes a few minutes and our sandwiches are ready, wrapped tight in foil - almost like a present we need to unwrap to enjoy. We take them away and walk a few metres down the road until we find a seat that we can relax in the sun and enjoy our meals.

The sandwich loafs are soft and fresh; the outside retaining the slightest crunch. They work so well soaking up all of the amazing garlicy aioli that is slathered on the inside. It's the most incredible aioli, full of flavour and oh so creamy.

The lettuce inside is fresh and crispy; the pulled pork warm and flavoursome. It's been marinated in a nice combination of sweet spices that are subtle to the palate. Initially I'm expecting more spices but the more I eat it, I grow to appreciate the teasing nature they have on my tastebuds. I also love that every couple of bites I'd find myself chomping into a jalapeno which set off a burst of tangy spice that enhanced the rest of the flavours and bound them all together.

My first experience at the Cuban Sandwich Co and I have to admit, I was pretty pleased. This place has the potential to cause a cult following and I hope that others give it a try because it's not just a new kind of food service, it's new flavours that Perth has not yet been overly saturated by.