THERE’S an ongoing debate with regard to the perfect method of cooking hot dogs. Moreover, what makes a perfect hot dog? “Perfectly plump and juicy with just a hint of smokiness and a trace of garlic and other spices” would be a common answer. “A recognizable beefy taste that doesn’t drown in the bun and condiments” would be another. But common is not what we’re going for—not on National Hot Dog Day.
Not your ordinary grilled, baked, steamed, poached or fried wieners, these are the dashing ‘dogs from all over the globe that made our list.
France
The French “Hot Dog”
This is literally a “hot” dog baked in a baguette with Gruyere melted onto it. You can either exercise caution or throw it to the wind when first biting into this croque monsieur-ish hot dog that comes with ketchup or a mushroom-based sauce.
South Korea
The French Fry Corn Dog
The corn dog is what Koreans call a hot dog. Theirs is even encrusted with French fries that have been cubed. There are rare variants that use tater tots. Called the gamja dog, this street food is eaten with ketchup and sometimes sugar.
Sweden
The Tunnbrödsrulle
When in Sweden, your hot dog will be blanketed with a soft doughy roll of bread that looks like a wrap. Mashed potatoes, relish, mustard and ketchup join in on the fun. Another popular filling is räksallad, a Swedish shrimp salad.
Vancouver
The Terimayo
Japadog is popular this side of the world and one must-try on its menu is the Terimayo, its signature hot dog. The winning formula consists of teriyaki sauce, nori strips and mayo.
Iceland
The Classic Street Dog
Good hot dogs are often judged by the snap of the casing when you bite into them. The Icelandic version, touted as one of, if not the best in the world, has a natural casing stuffed with a mix of beef, pork and lamb. Order one topped with just pylsusinnep (the country’s sweet and brown mustard) or go for one with everything on it.
South Africa
The Boerewors
This farmer’s sausage is a combination of beef and pork or lamb, seasoned with nutmeg, cloves and coriander seed. It is often topped with chutney, mustard and tomato relish.
Chile
The Completo
As the name suggests, the Chilean completos come with the works. Long beef hot dogs are cradled in buns and dressed with mayonnaise, diced tomatoes, chili, cheese, sauerkraut, avocado and a special green sauce.
Idaho, USA
The Potato Dog
This isn’t the standard summertime staple that America is known for. The hot dog is safely enveloped in the state’s world-famous potatoes that act as a bun. Traditional baked potato toppings such as bacon bits, sour cream, chives and cheese complete the dish.
Amsterdam
The Stoner
A pizza dog? That’s two of our favorites combined! The hot dog is enclosed in a hefty bun that has pizza sauce spread lightly on it. Pizza toppings like onions, pepperoni, mushrooms and a whole lot of cheese are then added. This goes best with the mound of fries and large soda that it’s served with.
Germany
Currywurst
The country is known for a myriad of sausage options but the currywurst remains one of the favorites among locals and tourists alike. Bite-sized wurst is doused in curry-infused ketchup while the bun is served on the side, probably to scoop up whatever sauce is left.