Hot Dogs Around the World

No doubt lots of hot dogs, hamburgers and brats were consumed in honor of the Super Bowl on Sunday (we stuck to chicken wings at my house). I was doing some research for another article when I came across something called 'Hot Dog Variations'. I guess I had really never considered Hot Dog Variations before. I mean, sure, there's the chili dog and the Chicago dog, but other than that?

Yeah. Apparently there's a whole world of hot dogs out there I haven't even considered.


Picture from Dan Leveille on Wikipedia


When I was soliciting ideas for my upcoming trip to L.A. on mentalfloss, more than one Flosser suggested that I try out Pink's. I fully intend to, because the Martha Stewart dog sounds delicious - mustard, relish, bacon, tomato, sauerkraut and sour cream. My husband will probably enjoy the Ozzy dog, named after the Prince of Darkness himself. It's a polish sausage with nacho cheese, American cheese, onions, guacamole and chopped tomatoes.

In Venezuela, expect to be offered an incredibly wide variety of toppings for your dog. Just a few that might be found include carrot shreds, french fries, corn niblets, garlic sauce, chili sauce, mayo and tartar sauce.

In Columbia, you'll find the perro caliente comes with mashed potato chips, strings of ham or bacon, ketchup, mayo, mustard, onions and pineapple sauce.

West Virginia
likes to top their hot dogs with chili sauce - not so weird - and sweet cole slaw.


Picture from jslander on flickr


From what I understand, Sweden loves hot dogs. One of the most popular variations is the "tunnebrod rulleor", a dog wrapped in flatbread and stuffed with various toppings. Mashed potato is apparently a local favorite.

Georgians (especially those in the southern part of the state) enjoy scrambled dogs. You can find it in Columbus, Ga., at Dinglewood Pharmacy, where your dog is not complete without dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, chili, onions and oyster crackers. Lots of people also say your meal isn't complete unless you top it off with an icy Coca-Cola, since it also originiated in Georgia.

Guatemalans know there's nothing like topping your hot dog ("shucos") with more meat. In addition to toppings like boiled cabbage, mustard and mayo, you have the option to add bacon, pepperoni, salami, chorizo or longaniza to complete your shuco.


photo from Javier Aroche on flickr


The granddaddy of the shuco is sold in Antigua, Guatemala and is called "La Ballena" - the Whale. You get chorizo, longaniza, salchicha, ham, bacon, pepperoni, german ham and sausages, chicken breast, beef steak fajitas and polish sausages. It'll set you back between $5 and $7 depending on the toppings. I have a friend who might move to Guatemala after hearing this. His idea of a perfect meal is one which has a "meat trifecta", so this would be right up his alley.

Although 'hot dogs' can be found Down Under, a more popular option in Australia is called 'sausage sizzle'. It's a barbecued sausage on bread, optionally with condiments and onion. 'Sausage sizzle' is a versatile word, though - it's kind of like the word barbeque. It can be used to describe food, but it also describes a gathering of people, grills and adult beverages (at least that's what barbeques consist of in my world). Corn dogs have all kinds of aliases - battered sav, dagwood dog and pluto pup.

These are only a few examples - I'm sure there's strange toppings to be had on hot dogs all over the world. What's the speciality in your area?

Then there's the Rhode Island specialty that's reported on here.... http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/rhodeisland/articles/2006/08/06/dont_call_it_a_hot_dog/
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
The Rochester, NY area has 2 general classes of hot dogs:

1. What most people would call a hot dog is termed a "red hot" ("dog" is omitted).
2. Also popular is the "white hot", a white hot dog somewhat akin to a bratwurst.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_hot

Any large cookout or street fair will be sure to have both options.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I can say from first hand experience that the Hillbilly hotdog (in West Virginia) is Amazing!!

Definitely would a try if you are ever in Huntington and wanting a good hotdog!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Well, it's not "my area", but when I visited Paris last year I enjoyed several hot dogs. There, they place 2 dogs on a baguette, top with cheese and toast in the oven. Tasty roadside food!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Ok so from the Boston the Fenway Frank is big.... You have a hotdog with ketchup, mustard, chopped onions, relish....some people add chili and cheese. The other big deal is the suasage guy...like the hotdog a staple is a steaming ilatian sausage, sauteed onions and peppers, ketchup, mustard on a toasted sub bun...very very good! also we usually wash it down with beer.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
my sister lives in sweden, and when i go to visit her, i am amazed at the hot dog/mashed potato combination. many roadside snack bars have just that: a scoop of mashed potato with a hot dog on top...that's all. disturbing.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Those dawgs look tasty, especially since I'm hungry. But I would never sabotage my exercise and healthy eats with processed meat, refined white carbs, and salty/sweet condiments. Can you say FAT?
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
There is that Paula Deen Dog, with two scoops of lard on top.
(of about 1 1/2 cups of Velveeta, over breaded and deep fried onions, smothering a full bacon jacket wrapped dog.) On a bun. A Wonder-bread bun. Y'all.

link
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
In Chile, a "completo" is a hot dog variation (yes, "completo" means "complete," but I have no idea why they call it that), and it is almost always served with tomatoes, mayonnaise, and avocado/guacamole. Sometimes, it'll also be served with ketchup, mustard, and a Chilean hot pepper known as "aji."
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Over here in Brazil, we usually have hotdogs with 2 sausages, salad, mashed potatos, ketchup, mayonnaise, vinagrette(tomato, onion and vinager sauce), corn, and sometimes, even with more stuff inside, depending on the place you go. The best of all is that in some places this colestherol bomb doesn´t cost more than 1 or 2USD, or 2 or 4 reais!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
In Oz, the sausage sizzle is a bit of fixture and fitting for any event, like a school fund raiser or small charity event.

A$1 for a slice of white a SNAG and some onion, bit of grated Coon Cheese (mate, that's the name of the cheese), bit of dead horse and you're away.

Dead Horse old time ryhming slang, Dead Orse Tomato Sauce.

helps if you say in in broad and swift Ocker.

In Denmark they do Polser (spelling?) Bright red dirt water dogs in a short bun with yellow and red, as per normal, but sprinkled with crispy fried onions.

Love em.

Best "Hot Dog" in the truest sense though, was a filthy, "lips n assholes" one from Shea Stadium.

I loved it.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Great to see you've used my photo!

Fun Fact: On the counter of Pink's, is a plushie of DeviantART.com's mascot. This photo was taken for DeviantART.com to promote the plushie. Hahaha.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
My family has what we call the "Hootin'annie hot dog". Everything that goes on top, goes IN. Chop your dogs into bite size pieces, add ketchup, mustard, relish, chopped onion and chopped hard-boiled egg (don't know where that ingrediant came in). Mix altogether in a bowl then spoon into the bun. Wrap in foil, bake at 350 for about 20-30 mins and voila!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Anthony Bourdain had Japadogs on his recent No Reservations episode in Vancouver, B.C. They're apparently a "japanese take on a New York dog", featuring toppings like daikon radish, nori sprinkles, miso sesame, and Japanese mayo (wasabi mayonnaise). They looked AMAZING!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
In Peru, we have our Pan con Hot Dog usually with tiny shredded potato chips and mustard, ketchup, mayo, ají, salsa golf (mayo+ketchup) or tartar sauce.

We also have Salchipapas, which are sliced hot dogs and french fries served on a plate or a plastic container if get it on the street. You can choose any of the toppings above, some salad and if you want, an omelette, chorizo, or a chorizo omelette on top.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
If you ever happen to be around Washington, NC, there's a little place called Bill's Hot Dogs. One with everything gets you a hotdog (fried, not steamed) with homemade white chili, onions, and mustard. It's not uncommon to see people walk in and order a few sacks full to take back to their friends-- and I admit, we like to do this for our own family gatherings.

(I *am* from Chicagoland, though, and still can't work out why anyone would want their hotdog with ketchup. It just seems nasty.)
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Try a Sonoran Hot Dog. They are popular around Arizona, parts of New Mexico, and Sonora, Mexico.

Basically it is a hot dog wrapped in bacon, fried, and put in a steamed bun. It is then covered in mayo, mustard, diced chilis, diced tomatoes, and diced onions. Some places also put on beans. Its better without beans.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Oh no!!! I hope you get this message on time...avoid Pink's!!!!!!! the 2hrs+ lines make that experience completely worthless as the food itself is defnitely not that good for the price. I recommend the mexican street vendors with their bacon-wrapped hot dogs just down Melrose on weekends, or in Hollywood at night...their stuff is a lot better than Pink's at less than half the price!!!!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
There used to be a hotdog place on OSU campus in Ohio. It was called the Meaner Weiner, and you could get anything you wanted on a hot dog, and maybe several things you didn't. It was there I discovered that peanut butter and jelly(grape) are surprisingly good on a hot dog. The end result is breakfast-y/desserty and hit the spot after consuming a couple coneys. Please do not cheat yourself, try one.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Dash Dogs on the LES of Manhattan has a huge menu. It's not a regional thing, but they've got stuff like avocado, garlic aoli, salsa, cheddar, chili and just a ton of other stuff. I tried to find a list, but didn't. The Stoner Dog is great, it's chili, crushed fritos and cheese.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I can't believe nobody mentioned Klinger's favorite, Tony Packo's! Their dogs are delicious. I've only been there twice, but I wish I lived closer to Toledo so I could go more often. :D

http://www.tonypackos.com/
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
In Hawaii, there's a place where they burn out the inside of a long roll (kind of like how eclairs are stuffed), put the dog inside and then put in sweet relishes, like mango, papaya, whatever like that.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Thanks for recognizing the Scrambled Dog! I didn't realize it was a regional (aka Unheard Of) specialty until I left the South and the Columbus area. A minor correction, it has to be topped w/shredded cheddar! Local variations have the hot dog chopped up, and sometimes the bun is sliced as well.
In high school (many moons ago), I worked at Tavern on the Square (across from Kirven's, for you locals), and we had dishes I thought (at the time) were created just for Scrambled Dogs...I guess they were just oblong relish dishes?
We've finally relocated back to the South, and have the Varsity, but it just can't top a Scrambled Dog...
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Pinks does make a tasty hot dog, but be prepared for a 20+ minute wait. It's also a notorious area for pickpockets, so watch your back. But don't let that stop you, just keep an eye out.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
You haven't eat a real hot dog until you tried the "dogos" of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
one of these babies you will find in a baker's steamed bun:
Mayonaisse
Mustard
Tomato
Lettuce
Beans
A frank (of course) ..... or two
..... may be of pork
.......may be of turkey
.......may have cheese
.......may be inside a chile verde
.......always wrapped in bacon
topped with:
chorizo ( some kind of spicy meat)
caramelized onions
pickles
guacamole
melted cheese
powder cheese
mushrooms
all kinds of salsas
chipotle dressing
Ketchup
...............and fries on the side!
..if you ask nicely i can post a pic.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Hi

In Barcelona, Spain we call it frankfurt and we only add ketcup or mustard, and if you are a lucky guy maybe onion or chuckrut.

if you come to Spain you better eat "Bocadillo de Jamón" Spanish ham sandwich
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
In Washington, DC...you haven't lived until you have been to Ben's Chili Bowl on U st. It's a DC institution. Life is only perfect when you have the half-smoke (a sausagey flavored hot dog) with their special home made chili. Bliss. Simply Bliss. http://www.benschilibowl.com/

And in Nashville, TN...I Dream of Weenie
http://www.myspace.com/eastnashvilleweenery --beside's having the best hotdog name EVER--they were also voted Nashville's best mobile food stand AND best hot dog. And make sure you check out all of the delish dogs they have on offer.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Well, I am in Nashville, TN, and I own a weenie stand called I Dream of Weenie. We have two popular weenies...the Rebel Yelp has mustard, Chow Chow (a sweet-hot cabbage relish), chopped onions and jalapeno peppers. Also, i made home made pimento cheese to top the weenies. It's even better if you smother it in chili and top it with slaw. Oh, and the pimento cheese is popular at the Varsity in Atlanta.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Ditch Plains in NYC has something called the Ditch Dog, an off-the-menu speciality that slathers a hot dog with macaroni and cheese.

No, really.

I've got a picture of it here:

http://gidget.typepad.com/gidget_casts_on/2007/05/something_new.html
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
In L.A., you have to go to World Famous Oki-Dog on franklin (I think.) 2 sausages wrapped up in a giant flour tortilla with onions, mustard, cheese and pastrami. You can live on one for two days.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I grew up in Wilson, North Carolina, where Dick's Hot Dogs (yes, I'm sure they've heard all the jokes) has been an institution since 1921. Their hot dogs (and burgers) are served in a steamed bun, and "all the way" means mustard, finely chopped onions, and a very thick, meaty chili I've also heard referred to elsewhere as "greek sauce" (and Dick's owners are, in fact, Greek). I've seen this thick chili (it's not something you'd probably eat by itself, too much body) at other places on the east coast, but nowhere else. In the west the chili is more like you'd find in a bowl, just served over a dog or a hamburger.

Other area hot dog stands served a similar item, but most of them have sadly fallen before the onslaught of fast-food blandness.

To me a hot dog is one like I'd find at Dick's, or one that's grilled, but anything else just doesn't cut it.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Hey... I'd like to add the brazilian way to make (and eat) a Hot Dog... The black dog's hot dogs are famous and amazing. It could be seen here: http://www.blackdog.com.br/SiteNovo/cardapio/img/turbo_max.jpg
More than 600gr of topping...
How to eat? be prepared to use all napkins possible.
Thank you for the list, I very appreciated all of them.

Cheers
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
The ones in Sweden are not so good with the mashed potatoes. I don't know why.
But, they do have bacon wrapped dogs all over Scandinavia and they are fantastic!

Jill
ruethedayblog.com
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Out of all the states I'ved lived in I don't know why Connecticut would top the list for the best hotdogs but they do.

Rawley's in Fairfield, CT.
Hands down the best dog in the country.
http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=367

Swanky Frank's Norwalk & Westport, CT
http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=270
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
While there are many great hot dogs found around the world, one will never have to leave Chicago to get the world's greatest.

wwww.hotdogsaregoodforyou.wordpress.com
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Excellent post and comments. I echo the poster of the Aussie sausage sizzle. On the other side of the world, the Finnish hot dog is simplicity itself. Just the precooked sausage (makkara) with some mustard (sinappi). See it here on flickr.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Black people in the south like to have their hotdogs smothered in KFC with a side of watermelon. They wash it all down with some grape drank while singing old timey hymns. I've seen them do it on tv. I like my hotdogs without black people but that's just me. I get grossed out when I think about blacks while I'm trying to eat.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Best hot dogs on the planet are in Clifton, NJ at Rutt's Hut (amazing homemade relish) and at Hot Grill (Texas Weiner). I believe the Texas Weiner was invented here in NJ.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Click here to access all of this post's 58 comments
Email This Post to a Friend
"Hot Dogs Around the World"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More