Nothing quite hits the spot when the summer sun is beating down like a juicy hot dog. This classic summer treat has a unique way of bringing people together – whether it’s for a backyard barbecue, a crowded beach party, or a bustling street festival. But have you ever wondered how different countries enjoy this beloved snack? Get ready to take a delicious trip around the world as we explore some of the most mouth-watering and unusual regional styles of hot dogs.
From New York City’s busy streets to Tokyo’s lively markets, every culture has put its own twist on the hot dog, turning it into a culinary work of art that reflects local tastes and traditions. Every bite tells a story: it gives us a peek into all those amazing food cultures that make our planet so diverse.
The U.S. alone has countless local takes on this dish. The sauerkraut-and-spicy-mustard-covered New York-style hot dog is an embodiment of the energy that fills the Big Apple. Meanwhile, Chicago’s version includes neon green relish, pickles and sport peppers – all sitting on top of one wiener! It represents the city’s bright and eclectic spirit just perfectly.
And once we leave American borders behind… Oh boy! In northern Mexico (and some parts of southwestern United States), people absolutely love having Sonoran hot dogs. These bacon-wrapped beauties come with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes and creamy sauces – your tastebuds won’t know what hit them! Over in Denmark, they’ve got Danish dogs which are served with remoulade sauce plus pickled cucumbers AND crispy fried onions too – talk about fancy!
As we move through Brazil, Japan, South Korea and Iceland (among others), prepare yourself for toppings galore! People around these places really know how to get creative with their sausages; it’s like they’re taking them on epic culinary adventures or something. In Brazil, for instance, mashed potatoes and crispy potato sticks make a great hot dog topping. And in Sweden? Wrap that thing up in soft flatbread along with some yummy shrimp salad – you won’t regret it!
So dust off your grill, gather all the best condiments and experience some of the world’s most amazing hot dogs. Summer just got a whole lot tastier!
The top 11 Regional Hot Dogs you need to know about!
New York-Style Hot Dog (USA)
A hot dog of the New York style is something that never goes out of fashion and reflects the spirit of a big city like nothing else. This popular street food is composed of an all-beef sausage in a soft bun with sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard, and fried onions piled on top. You can find them at hot dog carts across town where they provide just the right mix of flavors and textures in one tasty treat. Whether you’re walking through Central Park or watching baseball at Yankee Stadium, if there’s one thing every hot-dog lover must try it’s this – so make sure not to miss out!
Toppings: Sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard, onions, and sometimes ketchup.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog (USA)
The Chicago-style hot dog is a brightly colored and robust representation of the city’s famous brashness. It is composed of an all-beef hotdog in a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, neon green sweet pickle relish, tomatoes, a kosher dill pickle spear, sport peppers and sprinkled with celery salt. The resulting combination of these crisp flavorful toppings creates an explosion in your mouth where every bite crunches. Described as being “dragged through the garden,” this culinary icon truly gives one an authentic experience into Chicago’s diverse culinary traditions.
Toppings: Mustard, chopped onions, neon green relish, tomato slices, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt on a poppy seed bun.
Sonoran Hot Dog (Mexico/USA)
The Sonoran hot dog is a fusion food that’s native to areas around the border of Mexico and Southwestern United States. It is juicy and delicious! In its making, usually, a bacon-wrapped grilled sausage is put inside a soft sweet bolillo roll. After which, they garnish it with pinto beans mixed with vibrant diced tomatoes, onions as well as fresh jalapenos. The next step involves adding some creamy mayonnaise blended with mustard and jalapeno sauce on top of them all. To sum up everything nicely into one word – yum! Because what you get here is an explosion in your mouth where different tastes (salty, spicy) come together perfectly; I love making these during summer barbecues or any other outdoor gathering
Toppings: Bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, jalapeño sauce, and avocado.
Brazilian Hot Dog (Brazil)
The Brazilian cachorro-quente or hot dog is a super yummy, over-the-top variation of the traditional hot dog and it reflects their vibrant food culture. It consists of a juicy sausage in a soft bun with mashed potatoes, corn, peas, grated cheese and crispy potato sticks on top – this mix of flavors and textures is what makes these so unique! Occasionally they can also be found with caramelized onions, bell peppers or even hard boiled quails eggs added to them. A hearty treat packed full of flavor that will bring some Brazilian street vibes into your summer BBQs!
Toppings: Mashed potatoes, corn, peas, cheese, and crispy potato sticks
Danish Hot Dog (Denmark)
A gourmet delight, Danish hot dog or “rød pølse” is a sophisticated take on the classic hot dog. A traditional Scandinavian dish, it comes with a bright red sausage in a soft toasted bun. However, it’s the toppings that make this treat special: creamy remoulade sauce, tangy mustard and sweet ketchup are spread generously over it. Crispy fried onions and pickled cucumbers give each mouthful an exciting crunchiness as well as burst of flavor. Typically sold at food carts and stands all around Denmark, this should be on everyone’s list of things to try for those who want something refined but still satisfying during their summer break.
Toppings: Remoulade, mustard, ketchup, fried onions, and pickled cucumbers.
Japanese Hot Dog (Japan)
The Japanese hot dog is a fusion between traditional Japanese flavors and the ever-popular hot dog. Typically, it consists of a juicy sausage in a soft bun, but it’s the toppings that really set this dish apart from others. Just picture teriyaki sauce poured over your sausage with some spicy wasabi mayo on top! Then you add pickled ginger for tanginess and seaweed strips (nori) which gives it that umami finish. You end up getting sweet-salty-spicy all at once – what more could one ask for? This snack is perfect for people who love trying new things and will be an exciting addition to any summer BBQ.
Toppings: Teriyaki sauce, wasabi mayonnaise, pickled ginger, and nori (seaweed).
South Korean Hot Dog (South Korea)
A South Korean hot dog, or “Korean corn dog,” is an enjoyable and guilty pleasure street snack which elevates the traditional hot dog. This delicacy starts with a sausage that is commonly served with mozzarella cheese; they are skewered then coated in a batter that is sweet and salty. After being fried until it turns golden brown perfection; sometimes it may be rolled into sugar for another layer of taste. The South Korean hotdogs are often drizzled with ketchup, mustard or even sweet chili sauce on top them off to give you that crispy, cheesy and savory goodness all in one bite. A summer fair essential or any food event along the street needs this kind of meal because not only will people love them but also they will never expect such flavors from just looking at these sausages!
Toppings: Often a batter-coated, deep-fried hot dog that may include fillings like cheese and sometimes topped with sugar or other condiments like mustard or ketchup.
Icelandic Hot Dog (Iceland)
In Iceland, the national treasure is the “pylsur” or Icelandic hot dog as it called in English which is a classic hotdog with a unique and tangy taste. The meat content consists of three different kinds: lamb, beef and pork giving the sausage that salty savoriness. On top of being served in warm steamy buns it also gets garnished with both raw chopped onions as well as crunchy fried ones for some extra texture. Mustard brown in colour and sweet to the taste bud – Pylsusinnep (the essential condiment) along side ketchup plus mayonnaise based remoulade made from capers, mustard seeds among other herbs complete this truly one-of-a-kind dish’ flavour profile that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth except Iceland!
Toppings: Raw onions, crispy fried onions, sweet brown mustard, ketchup, and remoulade.
Australian Hot Dog (Australia)
The Australian hot dog, often enjoyed at summer barbecues and sporting events, offers a unique and hearty twist on the classic hot dog. Typically featuring a grilled sausage or “snag” served in a soft bun, this hot dog is topped with a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Common toppings include grilled onions, tangy tomato sauce (ketchup), and zesty mustard. For an Aussie twist, it’s often garnished with grated cheese and, sometimes, slices of beetroot for an added touch of sweetness and earthiness. This combination of flavors and textures makes the Australian hot dog a delicious and satisfying treat, perfect for enjoying on a sunny summer day
Toppings: Commonly includes grilled onions, tomato sauce (ketchup), mustard, cheese, and sometimes beetroot.
German Currywurst (Germany)
German Currywurst is a favorite street food that puts a different spin on the classic hot dog. This well-liked meal consists of a bratwurst – usually – steamed then fried and sliced into smaller pieces. These bite-sized sausages are lathered in an abundant amount of flavorful curry ketchup sauce made by mixing together curry powder, spices and ketchup. Many times it is served with crispy fries on the side or a bread roll, making it both deliciously satisfying as well as full-flavored. With its warm spiciness combined with hearty meatiness; this dish is perfect for any outdoor event during summer festivals in Germany where people need something comforting to eat!
Toppings: Sliced sausage topped with a mixture of ketchup and curry powder, usually served with fries or bread.
Swedish Tunnbrödsrulle (Sweden)
A special hot dog variation from Sweden called Tunnbrödsrulle is a very unique and filling dish. This Swedish street food contains a sausage wrapped in mashed potatoes with salad on flatbread known as tunnbröd. It may also have pickled cucumbers among other things like crispy fried onions and a creamy shrimp salad for toppings which make its taste more complex. The outcome is an interesting combination of different flavors and consistencies where the tangy, creamy or crunchy meet salty meatiness. The Tunnbrödsrulles are great to take on picnics during summer or have them at fairs where people sell fast foods because they give an opportunity to experience sweden’s creative side when it comes to cooking.
Toppings: Hot dog wrapped in soft flatbread (tunnbröd) with mashed potatoes, shrimp salad, lettuce, and crispy fried onions.
I hope you enjoyed my pick of Hot Dogs from around the world. Do you have any others you would recommend? Let me know in the comments!