Wanted to head to another spot within the vicinity for lunch, but got turned away as there wasn’t any seats available and that we did not make a reservation. Got reminded that Park Bench Deli had opened their latest concept, ONDA by Park Bench Deli nearby; so that was exactly where we headed to for lunch instead.

Being the first of a series of smaller shops that Park Bench Deli has intended to open progressively, ONDA by Park Bench Deli takes over the former premises of the now-defunct Sugarfin; the space only features standing dine-in areas, and is almost akin to a hole-in-the-wall concept. ONDA by Park Bench Deli only offers two sandwiches, with a small variety of light bites, where one will be able to pair with either coffee and alcohol drinks.

Being one of the two “mains” available here, the Cubano will be our pick over the Hot Dog. Featuring elements such as sweet ham, lechon, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard — all coming in between the soft roll. Upon its arrival on the table, it is well noted on how generously stuffed the sandwich is with meat — copious layers of sweet ham and lechon providing quite a meaty bite, considering how the elements have gone through the panini press so everything is compacted well together, making it very easy to eat without messing the sandwich whilst having it. Noticed how the sweet ham provided a hint of savoury note typically of cured meat; this went well with the meatier lechon — nothing short of being juicy and tender, without being anywhere gamey. The meats were well-balanced with the slight savouriness of the Swiss cheese, but the pickles and mustard help to provide a contrast of flavours that takes away some part of the meatiness which makes the sandwich easy to have; both providing a slight tang and a zing that kept things going here. The soft roll is a clear winner here though — toasted to crisp perfection, the bread did its job well with its audible crunch as one chews through the soft roll; absolutely appetising!

Being an offshoot of Park Bench Deli, it is difficult not to associate ONDA By Park Bench Deli’s sandwiches with those stellar sandwiches that Park Bench Deli had been consistently serving over the years — the Cubano is one that stays true to that. It is a showcase of the attention to detail — well-sized sandwich that fits well to a mouthful, whilst also beautifully layered with various elements that makes for the textural contrast. For those working at Circular Road where visiting Park Bench Deli at Telok Ayer May be a bit of a far walk for lunch; ONDA by Park Bench Deli is no doubt a good alternative to the original store for a sumptuous sandwich treat!