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