Editor’s Note: Our latest $10 A Day challenger, Anahi Douglas of New Jersey, shows us around Union City where ten dollars buys not only Salvadoran specialties, but a hot dog even New York can’t beat! Which mobile food vendors would you hit up if you only had $10 today? Let me know at amy@vendr.tv.

In the shadow of the Manhattan skyline lies Union City, New Jersey. The food carts here are as diverse as the city’s predominately immigrant population which, to me, makes it the perfect street food destination. I began my daylong gastro-expedition at The Sister’s Juice and Lunch Truck on Bergenline Avenue and 31st Street next to Celia Cruz Square.

Crowds of hungry patrons are a ubiquitous sight at The Sister’s Juice and Lunch Truck‘s lime green truck. And the extensive menu, which encompasses Central and South America specialties, just might explain the wait. It’s a great mobile standby, but flexibility when ordering is a must as they frequently run out of top sellers. I ordered a carrot juice and a tamale for $5. The tamale was generously stuffed with shredded chicken breast and spicy red sauce. The carrot juice was perfect and no frills. Just slightly sweet, filling, and packed with beta-carotene.

For almuerzo (lunch), I sampled the Antojito Cart on Bergenline Avenue and 30th Street. The small and straightforward menu offers Central American snack staples. I chose the Salvadoran classic, pupusas. This grilled flatbread is stuffed with beans and/or cheese. Antojito’s pupusas are spectacular. The cheese is hot and gooey on the inside, which offers a wonderful contrast to the semi-crusty outside. What makes the Antojito Cart a standout is the friendly service, the free Salvadoran coleslaw that comes with every order, and the nominal prices. I enjoyed two pupusas for only $3!

I ended my culinary journey at J&J’s Hot Dog Cart. After all, what is a street food blog without a mention of the definitive street food? J&J‘s unobtrusive hot dog cart on 30th Street and New York Avenue dishes up the ultimate $2 hot dog. What makes a J&J dog spectacular is their homemade toppings. I ordered a dog con todo (with everything): ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, sautéed onions, and chili. The toppings are the perfect flavor and texture mélange. The sauerkraut and onions offer crunch and a hint of tart and sweet, which balances the bold, spicy flavor of the chili. I regularly eat hot dogs and this is – by far – the best hot dog in the Tri-State area.

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