It’s pretty safe to say that there is no shortage of Cuban food in Hoboken. With Cuban sandwiches and arroz y frijoles {rice and beans} coming at us from every angle, this cuisine is taking Hudson County by storm. For any comida Cubana cravings, Cubano X-Press is stationed at Pier 13 during the week making all of your sueños come true. Read on to learn more about the story behind Cubano X-Press, a local food truck serving up some of the best Cuban pressed sandwiches outside of Havana.
About the Owners
Henry Sanchez and Brenda Rosa have been in business together for nearly two years, after starting up Cubano X-Press. Previously, Henry served as the executive chef at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in NYC, Smith + Wollensky in Miami Beach, and Taste in New Jersey. Brenda was a Cake Decorator at Rudy’s Pastry Shop in Bloomfield before coming together with Henry to open up this delectable food truck. Since the truck’s inception, the duo has been serving up some of the best Cuban food the city has ever seen right from the Pier and have been a huge hit with locals. The truck can be found at Pier 13 on Mondays {and sometimes Thursdays}, and also at festivals and catering events.
See More: La Isla {Uptown}: An Intimate Cuban Dining Experience
The Menu
The menu is filled with classic Cuban pressed sandwiches {with a twist, of course} and include many favorites like the ever so popular Cubano, {marinated pork, ham, swiss cheese, and pickles on Cuban bread with mustard and mojito sauce} as well as a bisteca {marinated steak topped with lettuce and tomato mojito salad, sofrito mayo, + potato sticks.}
The Cubano Caliente is the spicy brother to the classic Cubano, which includes added pepperoni and spicy capicola. For those looking for something without meat, try the Que Veggie Cuba!, which has zucchini squash, roasted peppers, and eggplant with chimichurri sauce and garlic hummus. The Cubano platter gives diners a taste of everything, including rice, black beans, plantains, and a choice of grilled chicken, beef, pork, or roasted vegetables. They have many other options and even sides like yuca fries, plantains, and ham croquettes.
The Food Truck Business
Henry and Brenda agree that being in the food truck business is hard work. “Between getting ready for the day, doing the event, and coming back and cleaning, it’s not a luxury life, for sure,” Brenda explained.
“But we like to be our own bosses and choosing our own schedule.”
On the reg, Henry and Brenda start the day by preparing food and making Restaurant Depot and bakery runs to get the truck ready for the day. When they are not at Pier 13, they can be found at different food festivals and popping up at different locations in the area.“The beauty of owning your own business is that you can discover your passions and fuel your soul at the same time,” explained Brenda, who loves the flexibility of her schedule and having the ability to take road trips as she pleases.
From what they’ve shared with our team, Brenda and Henry are both so happy with where their business is taking them. Despite all of the hard work they put in each and every day, the adventures of owning a food truck have proven to be so much fun.
“Years ago, I would have told you that I wanted a restaurant and three more trucks,” Brenda said. “But for now, I just want to enjoy each day.”
They love cooking and serving the local community and look forward to what is to come in the future. Hoboken is so fortunate to have such an eclectic blend of food from all different cultures. Cubano X-Press is a great addition to the Pier 13 family and is buzzing with people constantly.
Read More: Rumba Cubana in Jersey City: A Taste of Cuba in Hamilton Park
Hours
Cubano X-Press can be found at Pier 13 every Monday {and some Thursdays} from 4:00PM-10:00PM. Be sure to check out this hot Cuban spot for delicious pressed sandwiches and other Caribbean favorites. Keep those eyes peeled for their bright yellow truck around the area at festivals and events, too.
Have you tried Cubano X-Press? Let us know in the comments below!
