Hot Dog Toppings - Regional Hot Dogs
Hot Dog Toppings Around the World
Folks can get pretty particular about hot dog toppings, and their locale often determines what makes for a fantastic frank. New Yorkers will scoff at a mild mustard, Cincinnatians are sticklers for Greek-style chili, and Chicagoans will get all wound up if their dogs are disorganized. We've rounded up the tastiest, craziest hot dog toppings from all over the globe. Release the hounds!
Nathan Ellis Perkel
New York City Hot Dog
New Yorkers are known for their straightforward style -- and so are their hot dogs. Some spicy mustard and a handful of kraut is all the classic NYC frank requires.
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Nathan Ellis Perkel
Coney Island Hot Dog
The East Coast's favorite seedy seashore destination birthed an equally iconic dog, topped with mustard, then smothered in chili and onions.
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Nathan Ellis Perkel
West Virginia/Carolina "Slawdog"
The classic Slawdog -- which originated in West Virginia and migrated south -- boasts cole slaw, mustard and onions, but variations include vinegar slaw and optional chili.
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Nathan Ellis Perkel
Cincinnati "Cheese Coney"
It's no surprise that the chili capital of the Midwest drowns its hot dogs in their famous, soupy fare, but they also load on generous handfuls of shredded cheese to differentiate from their Coney brethren. Franks are also shortened to allow more room for toppings. Raw onions, anyone?
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Nathan Ellis Perkel
Chicago Hot Dog
Chicagoans are hardcore about their hot dogs. If built correctly, each ingredient will be active in every bite: A steamed, all-beef hot dog is snuggled into a steamed poppyseed bun, then topped with yellow mustard, "nuclear" relish, chopped onions, two tomato wedges, a pickle spear, two sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
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Nathan Ellis Perkel
Rhode Island "NY System Hot Wieners"
Don't call them hot dogs! These wieners -- made famous by Olneyville -- are renowned for the manner in which they're dressed: The chef lines up as many bare wieners as he can from wrist to elbow, then layers on meat sauce, chopped onion, mustard, and celery salt.
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Olneyville New York System Hot Wieners
New Jersey "Breakfast Dog"
This bacon-wrapped rendition originated in Tijuana, where it earned the name "Danger dog" due to its questionable quality. New Jersey appropriated the dicey snack, tossed on a fried egg and some melted cheese, and called it breakfast.
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Nathan Ellis Perkel
Kansas City
The Kansas City hot dog is wrapped in melted swiss cheese, then generously topped with sauerkraut. It is the frank afficionado's answer to the Reuben sandwich, a beloved K.C. staple.
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Nathan Ellis Perkel
Seattle-Style Dog
Seattle-style hot dogs are slathered with cream cheese and onions, and many Pacific Northwest establishments offer regional-fave salmon dogs as an alternative.
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Nathan Ellis Perkel
More About Hot Dogs
We've gone to the dogs! Try our favorite hot dog brands and expert recipes.
- Hot Dog Taste Test
- Hot Dog Recipes
- Tyler Florence's Expert Hot Dog Method
- Steven Raichlen's Hot Dog Technique