Bada bing

Location : Burrard Street & W Georgia (days) & W 4th & Cypress Street (evenings)

"Philly cheese steak sandwiches served in an Italian bun with freshly melted Monterey Jack cheese, grilled mushrooms, onions & green peppers."

This cart has been open for some time and has recently moved spaces, away from the shopping district of Robson Street to the busier area of the business core Downtown, where lots of offices mean hungry workers desperate to escape for a little while. The menu is quite simple, offering sandwiches or rice bowls with the same chicken or beef topping with cheese, (this is Philly cheese steak after all). A sign on the side of the truck states that the meats are Halal, which is an indication as to the nationality of the owners and another clue as to how 'concept' these food trucks are becoming. (Not the Halal meat, but why they are selling Philly cheese steak sandwiches)?

I chose the chicken and Neil the beef, which he commented was good but a little tough and chewy in places. The chicken was nicely seasoned and there was certainly a lot of it, good value for $7 - a meal that would definitely fill you up.

We almost missed the pickles and sauces that were available to help yourself to - vivid cerise pickled turnips, hot pickled peppers, green onion chutney, mustard, tomato sauce...I added some of the turnips and peppers more so to add some bright colour than for the taste, although the sharp tang of the pickles helped to cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese. 

The only problem I have with these kinds of subs is the bun used. I understand that a soft Italian bun is more authentic and easier to eat, but I would prefer something crusty, almost shattering between my teeth and showering me with bits of bread. It's a personal choice, but I think it contrasts better with the fillings than a bun which is almost able to be squished between your hands. 

I would recommend this cart if you are hungry and need a substantial lunch without too many frills, (unless you want to add them yourself).