As I grew up, I was often confronted with the question: Is a hot dog a sandwich? My immediate answer to this question was no, on the grounds that it isn’t between two pieces of bread. However, my confidence in this answer was shaken by my friend bringing to my attention that there are sandwiches where the two pieces of bread are attached. Yet, after a brief consideration, I countered with the fact that while yes, the two pieces of bread are connected, the roll itself is designed to be broken into two pieces of bread forming a top layer and a bottom layer; they just sometimes stick together from an unfinished slice.
This then brought me to the question, if not a sandwich, then what is it? After much deliberation, I concluded that a hot dog is a taco. This is because of the shape of the bun, the intention and makeup of the bun, and the contents of the hotdog.
Firstly, the shape of a hot dog bun is the most crucial piece of information as to why a hot dog is a taco. The hot dog bun is accurately described as an ellipsoid, “a surface all plane sections of which are ellipses or circles” (Merriam-Webster). This is then sliced down the middle of the bun, keeping the bottom intact.
Now that the hot dog bun has been examined and geometrically classified, we can explore a taco shell. A taco shell can also be classified as ellipsoidal since all surfaces of a taco shell are circular or ellipses. Furthermore, the taco shell remains intact on the bottom of the taco. While a taco shell may be thinner due to the ingredients used, it has the same shape as a hot dog bun; a hot dog is most closely defined as a taco.
This similarity is further shown in “The Cube Rule of Food” diagram, in the image labeled by the number three. Now, this image isn’t just a picture that was randomly created on the internet. It holds a significant amount of reliability and was cited in The Washington Post, used in Maryland Courts and nominated for a Webby in 2019.
Though some may argue that this difference in thickness of the hotdog bun is enough to disqualify it from being a taco, take a moment to examine other foods. Is Chicago deep-dish pizza not a pizza because it is significantly thicker than a brick oven pizza? Is a sandwich on a bun not a sandwich because it is thicker than a sandwich on sliced bread? The shape of the bread is the defining feature, not the thickness.
Secondly, the intention and form of the bun are crucial to its identity as a taco. Many buns are sold connected on a particular side. Yet, these buns are sold to be separated into two pieces. The hot dog bun, on the other hand, is sold with the intent to keep its shell-like shape.
Many people who go against my claim often refer to the type of bun that a hotdog differs from that of a taco shell. I argue that a taco shell doesn’t have an exact definition. While the average taco shell is made with a soft or hard tortilla, several other shell substitutes exist. These include shells made of cheese, lettuce and just recently, at taco bell, a shell made of chicken. If a taco shell can be formed by something that’s not even a type of bread, then a hot dog bun could undoubtedly be classified as a type of taco shell.
In drawing things to a close, let’s discuss the contents of a hot dog. A taco can essentially have anything in it. A breakfast taco has eggs, usually meat (ham, bacon, or sausage), and cheese. Some tacos include fish, beef, chorizo or chicken, and some may not have any meat (i.e. veggie tacos). Considering the fact that tacos can consist of nearly anything, the contents of a hot dog can’t be a disqualifying factor of it being a type of taco.
I’d argue that the contents of a hot dog help to classify it as a taco. A taco usually contains a form of meat, cheese, salsa and beans, among other things. A hot dog also contains such ingredients: the meat being a hot dog, some people add a slice of cheese to a hot dog, relish, which by definition is essentially a salsa, and many people add baked beans to their hot dogs.
Not only can the contents of a hot dog not be a disqualifying factor, if anything, but they also support the argument that a hot dog is, in fact, a taco. All in all, due to a hot dog’s bun shape, functionality, and ingredients, as well as the hotdogs contents, a hot dog is a type of taco.
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As a seasoned culinary enthusiast with a profound understanding of food categorization, I find the debate over whether a hot dog is a sandwich or, as the author suggests, a taco, to be a captivating exploration of gastronomic taxonomy. The article delves into the intricate details of bun geometry, structural integrity, and the diverse range of ingredients found in both hot dogs and tacos. Allow me to dissect each concept presented in the article, reinforcing my insights with a depth of knowledge in culinary analysis.
Firstly, the author contends that the shape of the hot dog bun is crucial to its classification as a taco. The article cites the Merriam-Webster definition of an ellipsoid to describe the bun's shape. I concur with this assessment, emphasizing that the geometric similarity between hot dog buns and taco shells, both being ellipsoidal, forms a solid basis for considering hot dogs as tacos. The reference to "The Cube Rule of Food" diagram further supports this argument, backed by its citation in reputable sources like The Washington Post and its use in legal contexts.
The thickness of the hot dog bun is addressed, with a counterargument that thickness doesn't negate the classification. Drawing parallels to other foods, such as deep-dish pizza and sandwiches on buns, strengthens the claim that thickness is not the defining factor; rather, it's the shape that matters. This nuanced analysis showcases a keen understanding of culinary diversity and the importance of form in classification.
Moving on, the article delves into the intention and form of the bun, asserting that the hot dog bun is sold with the intent to maintain its shell-like shape. This distinction from other buns that are sold connected but meant to be separated adds depth to the argument. The author skillfully dismisses the counterargument that a hot dog bun differs from a traditional taco shell by highlighting the variety of taco shells, including unconventional options like cheese and lettuce. This flexibility in taco shell composition strengthens the case for including hot dog buns in the taco category.
Finally, the discussion turns to the contents of a hot dog and how they align with the diverse ingredients found in tacos. The article notes the inclusion of meat, cheese, salsa (or relish), and beans in both hot dogs and tacos. This parallel in ingredients serves as a compelling argument, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the culinary landscape and drawing meaningful connections between seemingly distinct food items.
In conclusion, the article presents a well-reasoned argument, drawing on geometric analysis, culinary intentionality, and ingredient parallels to assert that a hot dog is, indeed, a type of taco. This nuanced perspective showcases a profound grasp of culinary taxonomy and an ability to navigate the intricacies of food classification with finesse.
