I had a tasty hot dog from a stand that’s been going for longer than I’ve been alive

The hot dog stand is offering 50% off its hot dogs during its anniversary week

While Cambridge has a range of independent and chain restaurants, there are also food vans and stalls dotted around the city. Hundreds of people walk past these food vans everyday, but many of those simply keep walking.

One of those has been running for nearly 40 years – far longer than I’ve been alive. To me, this means the food must be stellar for people to keep coming back – so I had to give it a go.

I spotted the cute little red van of the Hot Sausage Company parked up next to the Holy Trinity Church. I looked over the menu, which offered a regular hot dog and a regular with cheese and onion. You could also get larger hot dogs with the same fillings, or even a footlong if you’re feeling extra hungry.

For Cambridge, the food wasn’t badly priced either. A regular was £3.50 on its own, or £3.80 with cheese. It then cost £4.70 for a large sausage, or £5.40 for a footlong.

I went for the regular with cheese and onion. I went to order and the friendly owner said if I was in Cambridge the week starting August 17, he was offering 50 per cent off orders as the stall was celebrating its 40th anniversary – so if you’re around, you can snap up a discount.

The owner was very chatty while I waited, watching the hot dogs cooking on the steaming grill. When I got my hot dog, I sat on a small bench right opposite the stall and tucked in.

The sausage had a smoky taste to it, and the American-style cheese literally melted on my tongue. The onions added a crisp and sweet taste. Once I finished my hot dog, I wished I’d opted for the large sausage, or even a footlong, as it was simply so delicious.

To go with my hot dog, I enjoyed a crisp cold orange Tango, which cost £1.50. It was just what I needed on a 30C day. Altogether, my meal cost £5.30. I thought this was a reasonable and great price for a small but satisfying lunch.

What made it feel even better was that I was eating from a long-established Cambridge business. The Hot Sausage Company is a part of Cambridge’s modern history, and I’m glad I could experience its tasty hot dogs.

All of our food reviews are paid for by the writer. The establishments do not know we will be reviewing their food, allowing us to make fair judgements on each place.