I compared sandwiches from Publix and Wawa and one sub had a slight edge
The author samples sub sandwiches from Publix and Wawa.Joey Hadden/Insider
- I tried similar sandwiches at Wawa and Publix to see which has the better sub.
- At each popular east coast chain, I ordered a roast beef sub with cheese, toppings, and sauces.
On a recent trip to Miami, I tried Wawa, a gas station and convenience store chain, and Publix, a supermarket chain, for the first time.
The author takes a bite into a sandwich from Wawa. Joey Hadden/Insider
Both Wawa and Publix are quite popular and are especially known for their sandwiches.
The author went to both popular chains. Joey Hadden/Insider
I started at Wawa, which Insider reporters dubbed America's best convenience store, despite only operating in six states.
The author stands in front of Wawa. Joey Hadden/Insider
Wawa had a touchscreen kiosk for ordering sandwiches. I thought the process was simple and I appreciated that I could customize my order to my liking.
The author orders a hoagie at Wawa. Joey Hadden/Insider
I ordered Wawa's most popular item, a hoagie, which is the regional name for a submarine sandwich in southeastern Pennsylvania, where Wawa originates.
A sub sandwich from Wawa with orange juice. Joey Hadden/Insider
Source: Insider
I ordered my roast beef hoagie with lettuce, tomato, pickles, garlic aioli, and everything seasoning, which was similar to everything bagel seasoning.
Inside the author's hoagie from Wawa. Joey Hadden/Insider
When I bit into the sandwich, I was blown away by the flavors. I thought the garlic aioli and everything seasoning were excellent additions.
The author savors every bite of her Wawa hoagie. Joey Hadden/Insider
I thought it tasted delicious, fresh, and so much better than the food I typically get on road trips.
The author enjoys her meal from Wawa. Joey Hadden/Insider
With multiple moist ingredients, the bread got a little soggy. But that didn't stop me from wolfing this sandwich down.
The author's half-eaten hoagie. Joey Hadden/Insider
Next, I hit Publix for sub number two. Publix subs are also very popular, as Insider previously reported.
A Publix supermarket in South Florida. Joey Hadden/Insider
Instead of a kiosk, Publix had a sub counter in the deli section where you watch as your sandwich is made in front of you.
The counter at Publix where you can order a sandwich. Joey Hadden/Insider
I preferred Wawa's kiosk because it was easier to see all the customizations at once without feeling rushed.
The author's sub being made. Joey Hadden/Insider
At Publix, I ordered a roast beef sub on wheat and added cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and Italian dressing. It was as close to the Wawa order as I could get with a similar menu.
The author opens up her sub from Publix. Joey Hadden/Insider
The bread on my Publix sandwich was fresh, and I could taste and feel the textures of all of the ingredients individually.
The author takes a bite of her Publix sub. Joey Hadden/Insider
Without a doubt, I thought the bread was better at Publix. It tasted fresher and didn't get soggy.
The author takes a bite of her Publix sub. Joey Hadden/Insider
But overall, the flavors weren't as impressive as Wawa's. I especially missed the garlic aioli since Publix's Italian dressing wasn't as prominent.
Close-ups show inside the Publix sandwich. Joey Hadden/Insider
I would gladly order either sub again. But next time I'm on the southeast coast with a sandwich craving, I know I'll be looking for the nearest Wawa first.
The author stands in front of Wawa. Joey Hadden/Insider
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