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What’s the perfect American hot dog? Depends where you grew up
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- Hot dogs are a quintessential American food with diverse regional variations that reflect local pride and culinary traditions across the U.S.
- New York City hot dogs are typically boiled and served with sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard, and onion sauce, while Chicago-style dogs feature steamed or grilled buns with mustard, neon relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport pepper, and celery salt—ketchup is not allowed.
- Cincinnati and Detroit have unique styles involving chili-based toppings, with Cincinnati’s dogs heavily covered in shredded cheese and Detroit’s featuring Coney sauce, a beanless beef chili.
- Kansas and Arizona offer distinctive takes, including Kansas-style dogs with barbecue influences and Arizona’s Sonoran hot dog, which is bacon-wrapped and topped with beans, onions, jalapeno salsa, and crema on a bolillo roll.
- Despite regional differences, the $1.50 Costco hot dog is widely beloved nationwide, symbolizing the hot dog’s status as an affordable, adaptable, and democratic food.
