Social media has its pros and cons. It’s a given. But first and foremost, I like to look at the positives in most things.
The number of people joining online platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter is constantly on the rise.
This means that, as much as some business owners would hate to admit it, digital is the way forward.
Social media also benefits the food and drink team, of course, as we discover hidden foodie gems across the north-east that we may never have crossed paths with.
One of these ‘gems’ includes Snack Express.
Julia had spied a line-up of impressive reviews on Facebook based on the catering van’s offering.
One person wrote: “Had a burger at Snack Express last week. It’s the best roll in the area. Absolute quality.”
Another wrote: “This is the best and tastiest takeaway I have ever had. If you don’t believe me give it a go.”
With that, it was time for the pair of us to try out the grub for ourselves…
Snack Express: What is it and what’s on offer?
Snack Express is a catering van based in the car park of B&Q on Garthdee Road in Aberdeen.
It offers a selection of essentials you would expect to find in a burger van, including:
- Chip rolls
- Bacon rolls
- Bacon and cheese melts
- Chips and gravy
- Chips and curry sauce
There is also a range of burgers, of course, filled with ingredients like cheese, chicken and bacon.
Its opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 5pm.
The order:
The results
So, did Julia and I express sheer delight after tucking into our goods from the burger van, or did we leave feeling disheartened (and hungry)?
1/4 lb bacon cheeseburger
I’ll ask you one thing. What do you expect to find inside a bacon cheeseburger? Bacon and cheese, of course.
Unfortunately, bacon had been left out of the equation, but mistakes happen, we’re only human.
On reflection, Julia and I weren’t too sure if the bacon would have lifted the burger much anyway.
The cheese had an odd texture to it and wasn’t quite fully melted. She said it reminded her of string cheese and wasn’t overly impressed.
The onions, although nice and crunchy, lacked flavour and some of the ones in my half of the burger were burnt.
We agreed the roll wasn’t one to be enjoyed as part of a burger given how flimsy and soft it was.
Presentation
Julia: 1.5/5
Karla: 2/5
Taste
Julia: 2/5
Karla: 2/5
Jumbo hot dog
The jumbo hot dog had a nostalgic feel to it for me.
Some of my fondest memories involve heading to Codona’s as a youngster in the summer months and tucking into a hot dog as long as my arm. This one replicated them perfectly which I really liked.
Julia on the other hand wasn’t overly pleased.
I did see her point. The hot dog did have a similar taste to those you would cook after removing them from a supermarket jar.
The onions, again, lacked flavour, but the roll was fluffy on the inside yet had a nice crust to it. We thought it worked well with the sausage.
Presentation
Julia: 2.5/5
Karla: 2.5/5
Taste
Julia: 2.5/5
Karla: 2.5/5
Sausage and cheese melt
Julia and I were surprised when we spied the sausage and cheese melt while unbagging our items.
For me, a melt usually consists of a pastry shell filled with ingredients. However, it was yet another roll.
There isn’t too much to add in terms of ingredients that we hadn’t already sunk our teeth into except the sausages. There were three in there, so a decent amount.
We love a peppery sausage that has a nice kick to it, unfortunately, these didn’t.
Presentation
Julia: 1.5/5
Karla: 1.5/5
Taste
Julia: 1.5/5
Karla: 1.5/5
Cream and toffee filled donut finger
It’s a known fact that Byron Bakery goods are a triumph.
So you can imagine the smiles on Julia and I’s faces after we were told by the employees at Snack Express that they had a selection of the business’s bakes on offer. My mood was lifted instantly and I say couldn’t stop eyeing up the cake counter.
We asked the team what they would recommend out of the lot and the cream and toffee filled donut finger was the first bake mentioned. Our decision was made.
In my eyes, this treat was faultless.
The bun boasted a crispy outer shell and a light and airy interior, the vanilla cream melted in the mouth, and the thin layer of icing was rich. All of the elements complemented each other perfectly.
Presentation
Julia: 4/5
Karla: 4/5
Taste
Julia: 4/5
Karla: 4/5
The cream and toffee filled donut finger came out on top at Snack Express, racking up a score of 16/20.
Can you think of any local venues or dishes you would like the Drive-Thru Diners to try?
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