If there is one thing we find fascinating, it’s learning about the different food cultures worldwide. We may enjoy our hot dogs the “traditional way” in the US, with a good dollop of mustard and ketchup. However, what’s “traditional” to us may seem strange to others.
With that in mind, we thought it would be a great idea to take you on a culinary journey with us.
We will explore delicious hot dogs from all corners of the world. You never know. It may inspire you to try a hot dog recipe you’d never thought of before!
Tunnbrödsrulle from Sweden
We will start in Europe, where there are some weird yet wonderful takes on the classic hot dog.
In Sweden, we don’t know what’s stranger; the fact that hot dogs are served wrapped in flatbread rather than in a hot dog bun or the toppings that come with it.
You can expect lettuce and fried onions. Pretty normal so far, right? Well, add in some shrimp salad and mashed potatoes for good effect.
Hey, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
All of these components taste incredible on their own, so why not wrap them up together in some flatbread instead?
Chévere or Chorys from El Salvador
Most people will opt to either grill or boil their hot dogs, yet in El Salvador, hot dogs are fried.
They are then served with jalapenos, chopped onions, and escabeche, which is a mixture of carrots and cabbage.
The Scrambled Dog from Georgia
In Georgia, they sell what is known as The Scrambled Dog. It has legendary status and is a preferred snack for many.
It’s unlike any other hot dog snack you will find around the world.
This hot dog comes with chopped sausages, which are literally bathed in pickled onions and chili. The finishing touch is oyster crackers, which are sprinkled on the top, adding crunch and a unique flavor.
Pancho porteno from Uruguay
One thing you will notice in this post is that there are a lot of countries that like to serve their hot dogs with melted cheese, and Uruguay is certainly one of them.
Their hot dogs tend to be served with heaps of melted cheese on top, with mozzarella often the cheese of choice!
Hot dogs in Germany
We are sure you were expecting Germany to be on this list! After all, it is a nation that is known for producing the best sausages in the world.
Considering the sausage itself is the star of the show, you probably won’t be too shocked to learn that the Germans do not go overboard in terms of toppings. Some mustard and sauerkraut, which is fermented cabbage, are typically all that is required.
Worried your hot dog will lack flavor? Don’t be!
There are so many different varieties of sausage that are simply bursting with flavor, including:
- Currywurst
- Bratwurst
- Nurnberger
- Laberwurst
- Mettwurst
- Blutwurst
- Weisswurst
- and much more
Perros calientes from Colombia
If you order a hot dog in Colombia, it will typically come with pink sauce on it, which is a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup. This is known as burger sauce in the UK. Pineapple salsa is also served on top, and you get a big helping of French fries.
Some of the other popular toppings include shredded Costeno cheese and bacon. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even order your hot dog with a quail egg on top.
Argentina’s Pancho
In Argentina, it’s a case of the bigger, the better, as you can get your hands on a superpancho.
This is simply a hot dog that’s larger than your typical version.
In terms of toppings, it tends to come with tomatoes and crispy potato sticks. You can then add your choice of sauces.
Shucos from Guatemala
Next, we’re taking you to Guatemala, where they serve what is known as Shucos.
What makes hot dogs here different from America is that various grilled meats are used, including salami, beef, chorizo, and sliced sausages.
Some of the different toppings you can expect include mustard, mayonnaise, steamed cabbage, and guacamole. This is then served on toasted bread. There’s a lot going on, yet there’s no denying that Shucos is the perfect comfort food.
Chile’s Completos
Hot dogs are known as completos in Chile. There are a number of different versions of hot dogs, with the most popular being “The Italian.”
You may be wondering what Italy has to do with Chile. However, it simply gets this name because of the colors of the condiments, which replicate the Italian flag.
This hot dog comes with sauerkraut, homemade mayonnaise, onions, diced tomatoes, and mashed avocado, so you can see where the green, white, and red theme comes from. It’s not just visually appealing, though; it tastes pretty incredible too.
Amsterdam’s hot dog/pizza creation
Amsterdam has brought together two of our favorite junk foods, hot dog and pizza, creating the perfect late-night snack.
Considering the location, you may not be surprised to learn that this creation is known as “The Stoner.”
This hot dog features a frankfurter that is topped with huge amounts of cheese, peppers, pepperoni, and pizza sauce.
What could be better than our two favorite types of junk food combined?
The French Hot Dog
The French hot dog is simple, but sometimes the simplest things are the best, right?
This hot dog is served inside of a delicious baguette, with Gruyère cheese melted on top.
With a combination such as tasty, fresh bread and gooey, smooth Gruyère cheese, what’s not to love?
Venezuela Hot Dog – The Asquerosito or Perro
The traditional Venezuela hot dog made “with everything” is a simple, boiled sausage that is topped with grated cheese, crispy potato sticks, diced onions, cabbage salad, carrots, and lots of sauce.
The sauces are key here!
Beyond the classics, like mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup, you can also add a number of other sauces as well. Some of the most popular include the likes of:
- Tartar sauce
- Pineapple sauce
- Garlic sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Barbecue sauce
- Venezuelan “Alemana” sauce
- Sweet corn sauce
Sonoran Hot Dog
The Sonoran Hot Dog was created in Hermosillo, which is the capital of Sonora, a northwestern Mexican state. It has since become highly popular in two Arizona cities: Phoenix and Tucson.
So, what’s this famous hot dog like?
Well, the hot dog is firstly wrapped in bacon, and then it is cooked. After this, it is placed in savory Mexican bread, known as a bolillo bun.
After this, lots of exciting toppings are added. We’re talking about tomatoes, onions, pinto beans, mustard, mayonnaise, and jalapenos.
The Danish Dog
Last but not least, we have the Danish dog!
If you are a fan of Five Guys, you’ll be familiar with the concept of adding your own toppings. And, we’re sure that many of you go for both fried and raw onions when creating your own burger or hot dog.
We can never really be bothered to prepare both when cooking for ourselves, but when both or on offer, you take them, right?
Well, the Danish dog is accompanied by both raw and fried onions. Other toppings include thinly sliced pickles, remoulade, mustard, and ketchup.
Remoulade is a European, mayonnaise-based sauce. You can find these hot dogs in stands and carts all around Denmark, and the good news is that it’s pretty easy to recreate this style of hot dog from the comfort of your own home.
Which country do hot dogs best?
It’s crazy to think there are so many ways to enjoy the humble hot dog! But which country does it best? We’re certainly going to have a lot of fun finding out.
Let us know if you have tried any of the recipes mentioned above!
More from Articles
Hot Dogs in Cinema: Iconic Hot Dog Movie Moments
Hot dogs, the classic street food we all adore, have had some pretty memorable moments in the world of cinema! Introduction …
Fun Hot Dog Serving Ideas At Children’s Parties
If you're looking to delight your little guests with something as fun to eat as it is tasty, look no …
The Best Hot Dog Sauces from Around the World
Embark on a global culinary journey as we explore the best hot dog sauces from around the world! Hot dogs vary …