Few foods feel more American than the hot dog, a mainstay at ballparks, street carts and Fourth of July barbecues. But to simply call hot dogs "American" is to miss a whole lot of nuance, and potentially offend local connoisseurs across the country. How to prepare and eat a hot dog is a matter of regional pride. Which is the best? The answer is probably the one you grew up with. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Throughout New York City, you can still find carts selling boiled hot dogs (Sabrett's and Nathan's are two of the big names). These boiled hot dogs are affectionately known as "dirty water dogs," though the dirty water doesn't affect the taste. They are typically served with mustard, sweet onion sauce, and a bright red sauce. In Chicago, there are strict rules for preparing a hot dog: finely chopped onion, tomato slices, sport peppers, lettuce, salt and pepper, and pickles. Ketchup is never added. In the South, hot dogs are often fried and served with coleslaw, onion, and chili. On the West Coast, hot dogs are wrapped in bacon and fried, then topped with avocado, salsa, and sour cream. In Kansas City, hot dogs are topped with melted cheese, chili, and onion. Each of these regional variations is unique and cherished by locals.