I love to try different types of hot dogs to experience their mouth-watering flavor. Each type reflects the culinary tradition of the place where it originated from and never fails to give me a unique experience.
If you are also a fan of hot dogs, I am glad that you are here. In this article, I will go over 45 varieties of hot dogs from all over the world. This list will give you plenty of options next time you need a convenient yet delicious meal.
American Hot Dogs
You can’t talk about hot dogs without mentioning America. This country is full of delicious varieties, all of which have amazing tastes and appearances. Let’s check them out!
1. Michigan Hot Dog
Michigan hot dog is a delicious beef hot dog made by steaming the bun and adding ground beef and Michigan sauce (or meat sauce). They make the famous sauce using tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
Some people also add yellow mustard and onions. Onions are often placed above or under the beef. Another notable feature of this hot dog is that it does not contain cheese. You can find this delicacy in Plattsburgh, New York, or Quebec.
Interestingly this type of hot dog is not popular in Michigan despite its name. Apparently, the people behind it came from or first met each other in Michigan, hence the name.
2. Italian Hot Dog
Although this variety is called “Italian hot dog” it actually originated in the United States. You can find the authentic version in Jimmy Buff’s restaurant in New Jersey.
To make an Italian hot dog, people deep fry the hot dog then put it in a pizza bread or Italian roll. Then they make it more flavorful by adding potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Many restaurants in New Jersey use sausage, chicken, or hamburgers for the protein instead.
3. Polish Boy
Polish Boy is a variety of hot dogs in Cleveland, Ohio. Traditionally, people make it by grilling or deep-frying kielbasa sausage. They then place it in a bun and top it with coleslaw, French fries, and barbecue sauce.
This type of sausage is available in a lot of restaurants in Cleveland. But the best place to enjoy it is Freddie’s Southern Style Rib House, which has a very delicious barbecue sauce.
In the 1940s, Virgil Whitmore, a restaurant owner, made this hot dog with smoked beef sausage and everything he had in his restaurant. Nowadays, there are a lot of variations, some even including pulled pork.
You can find Polish Boys in every street food cart. They can be ordered with Stadium Mustard, a variety of brown mustard which tastes similar to Dijon spicy mustard.
4. Corn Dog
If you love the distinctive sweet taste of corn, you should never miss corn dog, a type of hot dog made by deep-frying sausage that is covered with cornmeal batter.
It originally came from America, but many variations exist in other countries, such as Canada, Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand. In Australia, people sometimes use wheat-based batters in place of cornmeal batters.
You buy corn dogs at sport arenas, food courts, county fairs, roadside eateries, and carnivals. The most popular topping is cheese, particularly cheddar cheese or Swiss cheese.
5. Mac & Cheese Dog
Mac and Cheese is a classic dish already. But have you ever tried Mac and Cheese hot dogs? I am sure that it tastes amazing. It has a bun, a sausage, cheese, milk, and bread crumbs. You can add some chili powder to heat it up a little bit.
With this recipe, you can easily turn Mac & Cheese in your fridge into a delicious dish from leftover hot dogs. I am sure that it will be just as delicious as what you buy from classy eateries or food stalls.
6. Crispy Dog
Most hot dogs are not crispy at all. However, if you love to have some crispiness, try Crispy dog. It is a specialty of Texas. Its origin is still a mystery. But according to local people, it first appeared in the Malt House, a famous San Antonio restaurant that, sadly, closed down in 2018.
This hot dog is crispy, thanks to the corn tortillas casings. People wrap the hot dog and other toppings such as cheese, bacon, mayonnaise, and mustard, into the corn tortillas, then fry it in oil until it becomes crispy.
Serve it alongside salsa and a dipping sauce made from bacon and jalapeño peppers to enjoy its best taste.
7. Bagel Dog
Bagel dogs are different from a common hot dog. There is no topping at all. Instead, the sausage is wrapped in bagel-style bread. You can find this distinct American variety in grocery stores and food stands. These hot dogs can be sold in prepared or frozen form.
It is prevalent in Chicago, New York, and Cincinnati areas. People make it by first steaming and covering the sausage with bagel dough. Then, they sprinkle some sesame seeds or poppy seeds over it and finally grill it to perfection.
8. Half-Smoke
The history of “Half-Smoke” is still a mystery.
If you come to Washington D.C., you will fall for a very spicy and delicious hot dog called “Half-Smoke”. It is bigger than a common hot dog. The filling consists of smoked ground beef and pork, onions, chili sauce, and herbs.
Compared to common hot dogs, Half-Smoke is thicker. The meat is also more coarse. You can find a lot of hot dog carts in Washington D.C. that sell Half-smoke. It is also popular in Weenie Beenie, located in Virginia.
Are you curious about why people call it “Half-Smoke”? The answer to this question is unclear. Some people say that it is because they cut the sausage into 2 halves before grilling.
Some believe that it got that name because people make it using pork and beef according to a 1:1 ratio. Many people even say that this is because the sausage is not smoked completely.
9. Hot Weiner
If you come to Rhode Island, don’t forget to try Hot Weiner.
Another name of Hot Weiner, a delicacy of Rhode Island, is “New York System Wiener”. The term “New York System” refers to a special type of diner-style restaurant that focuses on serving hot dogs and is usually found in Rhode Island.
Of course, the crown jewel of the menu of such restaurants is Hot Weiner, which is thinner and smaller than other varieties. It consists of veal, pork, and beef.
People top the hot dog with yellow mustard, onions, celery, and a meat sauce made of several kinds of spices.
10. Chicago-Style Dog
Who doesn’t love a hot dog with plenty of toppings? Chicago-style hot dogs are such a variety. It consists of sausage, a dill pickle spear, and yellow mustard.
The type of buns used is poppy seed bun, which gives a delicious nutty taste. People prepare the hot dog by steaming, grilling, or water-simmering the hot dog. Some sellers may add ketchup, while others prefer omitting it.
There are also many variations of Chicago-style hot dogs. Some cooks include lettuce or slices of cucumber while leaving out poppyseeds. There is a famous variation called “cheese-dog” that is served with cheese sauce and jalapeño peppers.
11. Cincinnati Coney
The full name of this variety is Cincinnati Cheese Coney Dog. People make it by steaming the hot dog bun properly before topping it with pork or beef sausage, lots of grated Cheddar cheese, and mustard or hot sauce.
Those hot dogs also include a large quantity of special condiments, such as cinnamon, allspice, and Worcestershire. They flavor the meat inside to mouth-watering perfection. You can find Cincinnati Coney mostly at Cincinnati chili parlors.
12. Puka Dog
Puka dog is a delicacy of Hawaii.
Puka Dog is the signature hot dog of Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language, this name means “hole”. It gets this name because of how locals poke a hole in the bun while toasting it to keep the inside dry and crispy.
The sausage will be later added to the hole on the sweet bun. Finally, people top the sausage with sweet mustard, tropical fruit relish from mangoes or pineapples, and sauces.
13. Ripper
Ripper is a very delicious deep-fried hot dog.
Ripper was created in a restaurant in Clifton, New Jersey, called Rutt’s Hut. People deep-fry in oil, resulting in a greasy yet crunchy texture. It can also burst, crack, and rip. That’s why people call it “Ripper”. People often top it with onion rings, corn chips, and bacon.
14. Dixie Dog
Dixie Dog is native to Hungtington, West Virginia. It came from Stewart’s root beer stand in 1932. People call it “Slaw Dogs” or just “Hot Dogs” in West Virginia.
The blubbery hot dog sausage is stuffed in the split hot dog roll. Then people add creamy coleslaw and chili sauce to it.
15. Fenway Franks
franks are a delicious ballpark hot dog of Boston.
Fenway Franks are a very special type of hot dog. It has a stronger flavor than other varieties because the hot dog is heavily seasoned with mustard, garlic, and onions. It is also very juicy, thanks to an excellent preservation method.
To make Fenway franks, you first have to boil and grill the hot dogs. It will help if you know the ideal boiling time of hot dogs. Then, put them on split bread rolls and add toppings to make them more flavorful. This hot dog is a delicacy of Boston, where people often enjoy it while watching baseball games.
16. Chili Dog
Chili hot dogs include any variety with hot dog buns, meat sauces (usually chili con carne), and toppings (such as mustard, onions, and cheese). They have a lot of regional versions, including famous names like Hot wiener, Michigan hot dog, Carolina-style hot dog, or Half-smoke.
The origin of chili hot dogs is still a mystery. Many people believe that it came from Texas, while some posit that it was invented at the Art’s Famous Chili Dog Strand located in southern Los Angeles. Nowadays, it is available at sports stadiums, local eateries, and street stands.
17. Junkyard Hot Dogs
If you like to enjoy French fries with hot dogs, there is no better choice than Junkyard hot dogs. It features split and steamed buns filled with sausage, grilled onions, French mustard, and American cheese.
18. Carolina-Style Hot Dogs
Carolina-style hot dogs are very flavorful.
The Carolina-style hot dog has a unique flavor. It features sausage stuffed in a split bread roll. The toppings, which include onions, slaw, chili, and maybe mustard, make it special. People sometimes use mustard in place of slaw.
This type of hot dog is full of flavors. In every bite, you will get the savory taste of hot dogs, the sweet flavor and crunchy texture of slaw, and some spiciness provided by chili and mustard.
19. Dodger Dogs
If you are a fan of the Dodger baseball team, I am sure that you have heard about or tried Dodger dogs. People love to have one while enjoying the baseball game. People make it by grilling a long pork wiener then wrapping it in a steamed white bun.
The toppings are up to you. Some popular ones are crispy onions and mustard. The best version of this hot dog is available at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Its concessions manager in the 1960s, Thomas Arthur, was behind its creation.
Since then, Dodger hot dogs have become a very lucrative symbol of the Los Angeles-based baseball team. There are 2 versions of them, namely the steamed and grilled versions.
20. Idaho Hot Dog
Unlike other types of hot dog, which consist of hot dog buns, Idaho hot dog (or Idaho super tuber) is cooked by stuffing the hot dog into a potato, grilling it, and adding toppings. Many people choose sour cream, bacon bits, and chives for the last part.
However, not all types of potatoes are qualified to be the ingredient of this delicious skinless hot dog. People only use the local Idaho potatoes.
21. Coney Island Dog
Coney Island dog does not come from Coney island but Michigan.
Coney Island dog features a steam bun filled with beef sausage, diced white onions, and a tasty meat sauce (usually beanless chili con carne). It is very popular in American restaurants, especially as a dinner item.
While its name says Coney Island, this hot dog actually came from Michigan when it was created by two Greek immigrant brothers in 1917. They simply borrowed the name of this beachfront because of its fame.
22. Texas Tommy
Although this hot dog has the word “Texas”, it comes from Pennsylvania. It has been popular since the 1950s. To make Texas Tommy, people first split the sausage then put cheese on it. Then they wrap it with bacon and stuff it in a toasted bun.
Texas Tommy hot dog recipes were present in a lot of ladies’ magazines. You can find it on the menu of many restaurants in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and also Philadelphia.
23. Seattle Dog
In the 1980s, a bagel vendor named Hadley Longe started to sell hot dogs consisting of bagels, sausage, and cream cheese at Pioneer Square. Later on, his fare became very popular. For some reason, people took to calling it “Seattle dog” or “Seattle-style hot dog”.
What makes Seattle Dogs so delicious is the cream cheese. People add it to the hot dog using pistol-grip sauce dispensers, a method invented by the owner of Dante’s Inferno Dog.
The casing of the modern version of Seattle dogs is toasted buns. The toppings are also more diverse, which can include barbecue sauce, cabbage, pico de gallo, and pickles.
The sausage is cut halfway in the middle to save cooking time and make sure the noodle is cooked thoroughly. You can find Seattle Dogs in food carts, especially on late-night and game days.
24. Slaw Dog
In West Virginia, people make hot dogs by grilling or steaming the sausage then topping it with slaw, onions, and chili sauce.
If you want to buy the authentic version of Slaw dog, be ready to enjoy it without common hot dog toppings like sauerkraut, pickles, and ketchup. Local people don’t like to add them into Slaw dogs.
Slaw dogs originated between the 1920s and 1930s. People first sold them at the Stopette Drive-In in Charleston. Nowadays, people serve it in styrofoam containers or a sturdy paper boat.
25. Reindeer Dog
By looking at the name, can you guess where this type of hot dog comes from? It must be native to a place where reindeer live, right? And that’s Alaska, though you may also find this type of hot dog in many northern countries.
The hot dog consists of pork, beer sausage, and protein-rich reindeer or caribou meat.People split and grill the hot dog, put it in a steamed bun, then add toppings (cream cheese, glazed onions, mustard, etc.) Some versions also have relishes and ketchup.
26. Cheese Dog
Cheese dogs is a generic name that refers to the type of hot dog with cheese or processed cheese as the main filling. Similar to other types of hot dogs presented above, this one also has a lot of variations.
A famous variation is Seattle dogs, which contains cream cheese. Texas Tommy does not just have cheese but also bacon. Meanwhile, Reuben dogs contain Swiss cheese, corned beef, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut.
Other Countries
If you want to diversify your culinary experience, why not try hot dogs from other countries? I bet that they are not less tasty than American hot dogs.
27. Sonoran Hot Dog – Mexico
As the name suggests, this type of hot dog comes from Sorona, a Mexican state. In America, you can find it in Latino neighborhoods or some nice restaurants in Tucson, Arizona. People grill a bacon-wrapped hot dog and put it in a bolillo-style hot dog bun.
The toppings often consist of onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and mustard. Sorana hot dogs are a very popular street food. The vendors who sell them are called “dogueros”.
28. Completo – Chile
What is special about this Chilean variety is its large size. It is twice as big as the standard American hot dog. People usually top it with avocados, salsa Americana, ají pepper, and green sauce.
There are a lot of variations of Completo in Chile, such as Dinámico, Completo Italiano, and Completo A lo Pobre. The authentic version was created in the 1920s by Eduardo Bahamondes. He first sold it in his restaurant called “Quick Lunch Bahamondes”.
People also call Completo “Original” or “Italiano”. You can buy it at the fast-food stores or laid-back eateries across Chile.
29. Bratwurst – Germany
You are probably very familiar with Bratwurst if you are a real fan of German cuisine. It is a type of sausage containing meat, which can be beef, pork, or veal. The difference between common hot dog sausage and Bratwurst is that the latter is fresher.
Regarding the toppings, they can be anything. Some popular ones are onion, ketchup, mustard, bell peppers, and sauerkraut. Germans usually enjoy this hot dog with a cup of beer.
Traditionally, Bratwurst is served on its own as a snack. Some people love to top it on a white bread roll and savor it with mustard. Pairing the hot dog with potato salad, rye bread, pretzels, or sauerkraut is also a good idea.
30. Montreal Hot Dog – Quebec
Montreal hot dogs are also called “steamies”. It is a very common fast food in Quebec, especially in Montreal. It consists of sausage, plain chopped cabbage, mustard, and relish. Most of them do not have ketchup, so you have to order it separately if you want.
There are 2 versions of Montreal hot dogs. The steamed one goes by the name “steamé” or “stimé”. Others prefer grilling or toasting their hot dogs and call them “toasté” or “toastie”. However, the steamed version is cheaper and more common than the toasted version.
If Montreal hot dogs are full of toppings, people call them “all-dressed hot dogs”. They are the tastiest version.
Although the Canadian government has very strict regulations regarding street foods, Montreal hot dogs are still very popular all around the country. They are always available on street carts.
31. Hungarian Hot Dog
Hungarian hot dogs are a little bit spicy.
Hungarian hot dogs consist of a type of Hungarian sausage called “kolbász” and flavored with paprika. People cut it into 2 halves, then add onions, chili, and mustard on top of it.
You can find it in Northwestern Ohio, especially in a famous Hungarian-American cafe named Tony Packo’s Cafe.
32. Hamdog – Australia
Hamdog was invented in 2004 by Mark Anthony Murray, an Australian citizen. It features a split beef patty wrapped in a bread bun and topped with onion, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles.
In 2005, Chandler Goff created another variety of Hamdog by covering the hot dog with bacon, cheese, onion, and hamburger. Then he deep-fried everything and put a fried egg on the top.
33. Choripán – Argentina
Choripán looks more like a sandwich than a hot dog. It is one of the signature foods of Argentina. Its name consists of 2 elements. The word “chorizo” means “sausage,” and the word “pan” means “bread”.
This hot dog consists of crusty bread rolls and sausage. The toppings vary a lot. They can be chopped tomatoes, onions, and red capsicum. People serve Choripán with a delicious sauce called “Chimichurri”.
Choripán is the culinary masterpiece of Argentina.
34. Halv Special – Sweden
This variety originated from Sweden. Depending on the number of hot dogs, there are 2 versions: Halv (with 1 sausage) and Hel version (with 2 sausages). Both always have mashed potatoes on top.
The toppings of this stunning hot dog usually include mustard, roasted onions, ketchup, and pickles. People often serve this hot dog with Pucko, a type of chocolate milk. Some people may choose to grill the sausage, while others prefer boiling it.
35. Icelandic Hot Dog
Another name for Icelandic hot dogs is “Pylsur”. It first appeared at a hot dog stall called Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which has remained popular for over 60 years.
It consists of a local Icelandic sausage made from free-range lamb. The sausage is stuffed in a steamed bun and topped with ketchup, sweet brown mustard, and fried and raw onions. If you want to try authentic Icelandic hot dogs, I highly suggest that you order those toppings.
36. Dagwood Dog – Australia
Dagwood dog is often served at festivals.
Dagwood dog is an Australian variety that does not consist of a hot dog bun. Instead, locals cook it with a stick. They coat the hot dog with batter, deep-fry it, then coat it again with a layer of tomato sauce. In some regions, you will hear people call it “Dippy Dog” or “Pluto Pup”.
37. Shucos – Guatemala
Shucos is a flavorful hot dog from Guatemala. It is also well-liked in other Latin American countries. While the English translation for its name is “dirty”, “shuco” is more like a slang term for having many ingredients and toppings in this hot dog.
Similar to other hot dogs, Shucos consists of split bread filled with hot dogs and plenty of toppings, such as mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, and guacamole.
38. Mixtas – Guatemala
Mixtas is another cheap yet very fresh and delicious hot dog from Guatemala. This variety stands out from other types of hot dogs because it uses tortilla, not hot dog buns. The way people cook the hot dog and the toppings varies from region to region.
The topping often includes common fresh vegetables such as onions, guacamole, green chiles, and diced tomatoes.
39. Danger Dog – Mexico
Danger dog is another type of hot dog coming from Mexico. People prepare it by wrapping a hot dog in bacon then placing it on a hot dog bun or bolillo (a savory baguette-like type of bread). They serve it with many types of toppings.
No one knows for sure how this very cheap hot dog earns its interesting name. But one thing is certain: you can buy Danger dog in restaurants, street vendors, and sporting venues in Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, and San Francisco.
40. Klobasnek – Czech
Klobasnek was invented by Czech people in Texas.
This type of hot dog is a type of finger food prepared by Czech people who live in Texas, America. People wrap the sausage in kolache dough. Modern versions of Klobasnek have other ingredients such as cheese, ham, eggs, and peppers.
In the south of Moravian Silesia, people serve this hot dog on Easter. They also add prepared meat and klobása.
41. Pancho
You can recognize Pancho quickly from its distinct extra-long sausage and ample toppings. This Uruguayan specialty has no established set of toppings, which vary widely according to regions and personal preferences.
Most often, the toppings are onions, cheese, corn, and a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise called “salsa golf”. It is best to enjoy it alongside French fries.
42. Cachorro Quente – Brazil
Brazilian cuisine is well-known for its fulfilling and delicious food. Their hot dog also has those characteristics.
Except for the bread roll and sausage, everything in this well-known Brazilian street treat can vary from region to region. Some popular toppings are tomato sauce, green peppers, onions, and ground beef.
Although this hot dog originated in Brazil, it has become a widely-consumed street food in Portugal. Cachorro Quente is often served with side dishes such as peas, pice de Gallo, grated carrots, potatoes, and corn.
43. Perro Caliente
Have you ever seen any hot dog that has fruit toppings? If not, let’s try Perro Caliente. Its steamed or boiled sausage is accompanied by raspberries, pineapples, and common savory ingredients, such as mustard, mayonnaise, and crushed potato chips.
In some regions, people also add a quail’s egg or lettuce. Another interesting thing about Perro Caliente is that it is quite large. After preparation, people cover the hot dog with paper or place it on a styrofoam boat.
44. Pølser – Denmark
Pølse is a traditional Danish hot dog created in 1921. Danish people enjoy this one as a fast-food alongside a cup of beer. It consists of a special sausage called rød pølser, which has a distinctive red colorand only consists of pork.
Apart from the red sausage, Pølser also contains a hot dog bun. People flavor it with spices such as nutmeg and cardamom.
45. Párek V Rohlíku – Czech
Párek V Rohlíku stands out by its unique appearance and simple ingredients.
Párek V Rohlíku looks different from the common hot dogs because the long sausage is tightly covered with bread rolls. But this popular Czech delicacy is still a type of hot dog.
It is one of the simplest ones, in fact, because people flavor the sausage with only mustard or ketchup. You can find Párek V Rohlíku at gas stations and mobile food carts for a quick yet delicious meal.
Hot Dog Is An All-Time Favorite Fast Food
I believe that nobody can ignore the mouth-watering flavor of hot dogs. They are so flavorful, fulfilling, and delicious. But not all hot dogs are the same. You will get different flavors every time you savor a new variety, and there are quite a lot of them for you to indulge your taste.
Try as many types as you can! I bet that at least one of them will give you an unforgettable culinary experience. Feel free to leave a comment, and don’t forget to like and share this article so that more people know about these tasty hot dogs.
