Sandwich is New Jersey native, but comes hot off the grill at this PB county gas station

Northeasterners living in Palm Beach County and hankering for a taste of home need look no further than an unassuming gas station mini mart in Boynton Beach. Against all culinary odds, it has become known as the spot to snag a very specific and popular New Jersey-style breakfast sandwich.

We're talking about the "TEC" — a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich — often considered the unofficial breakfast sandwich to all New Jerseyans.

Nothing gets the Garden State into a food-fueled battle quite like Taylor ham, also referred to pork roll. The salty meat is cured and smoked to a smooth consistency, not unlike a thick-sliced bologna, mortadella, or even Spam.

Despite its lackluster description, the meat is one of New Jersey's defining foods, what key lime pie and Cuban sandwiches are to South Florida.

If you’re looking for an authentic rendition of this classic meat, egg, and cheese sando in South Florida, you know it's almost impossible to find. Those in the know, however, have long-since discovered a culinary shortcut to Jersey comes via Gateway Boulevard in Palm Beach County.

The Chevron at 8840 Lawrence Road just 2.5 miles west of Interstate 95 opened in 1995. The business sold in 2016 to its current owners, but its sandwiches have been a staple for more than a decade thanks to former owner and New Jersey transplant Izhak Kalichman, who began making them on the onsite flat-top grill as an homage to his home state's unofficial favorite breakfast sandwich.

Today, Chevron station manager Mustofa Kamal says the store's current owners made it a point to carry on the tradition, offering the breakfast sandwiches for $4.99 to $5.99 apiece.

More great sandwiches: Critic’s Choice: Best Cuban sandwiches in Palm Beach County

While the TEC takes center stage, made-to-order egg and cheese sandwiches can be customized with a choice of bacon or sausage, as well. Or go all out for the $8.99 "heart attack" that combines all the meats with a hash brown patty for a truly indulgent affair.

All the sandwiches are served on the quintessential star-shaped, poppy seed-flecked kaiser roll. Sometimes referred to as "bulkie" rolls, Vienna rolls, or New York hard rolls, they're warmed on the flat-top before serving. Pillowy-soft inside and chewy outer crust making them the perfect vehicle for the melange of melty American cheese, runny fried egg, and griddle-fried meat.

"It's what everyone comes here for, we are known for them," sums up Kamal.

Sure, it's not Olde Towne Deli, Pascarella Brothers Delicatessen, or Slater's level, but for South Florida, this Boynton Beach Chevron Food Mart will do just fine.

The Chevron Food Mart on Lawrence Road: Find your "pork roll" or "TEC" sandwich grilled at the mini mart, 8840 Lawrence Rd, Boynton Beach, 561-364-4966.

Nicole Danna is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at nicoleadanna@gmail.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today .

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Sandwich is New Jersey native, but comes hot off the grill at this PB county gas station