What Makes New York City-Style Hot Dogs Unique? - Tasting Table (2024)

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ByCC Gourdeau/Updated: July 18, 2022 9:36 am EST

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New York City is a metropolis teeming with a diverse yet dense concentration of different cultures, languages, backgrounds, people, and worldviews. There's never enough time to sleep, let alone to see everything there is to see. It has an infinite amount of Michelin-starred restaurants, hole-in-the-wall spots, mom-and-pop diners, food carts, and a vast number of mouth-watering places to eat in the infamous concrete jungle. If you're in a hurry and on a budget, New York is also the place to get cheap and satisfying on-the-go food, from pizza slicestotaco trucks to dollar dumplings, and, of course, the coveted New York City hot dog.

From Gray's Papaya to the abundance of hot dog carts around the city, it's never hard to satisfy one's New York City hot dog craving; each hot dog carries a specific taste of the Big Apple. But what is it that makes the hot dogs of New York so unique?

The simplicity of a NYC hot dog

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According to theNational Hot Dog and Sausage Council, New Yorkers are the top consumers of hot dogs across the country; making up the majority of the billions of Americans who chow down on this cheap eat. But hot dog toppings vary from region to region, and a Chicago dog is starkly different from a New York hot dog. Chicago dogs boast a colorful array of toppings, from yellow mustard to dark green relish to white raw onion, a green pickle spear, red peppers, tomatoes, and black specks from the poppy seed bun. In Texas, dogs come slathered with chili, cheese, and jalapenos and in Philly, dogs come with a vinegary slaw and spicy mustard.

The further one goes west, the weirder hot dogs get: in Seattle, hot dogs are served grilled and with cream cheese. Thankfully, New York-style hot dogs are tried, true and simple.What sets a New York hot dog apart from the rest, according to Mashed, may be the fact that they're cooked in boiling water right there in the cart and served immediately, with brown mustard, sauerkraut, and sweet-onion relish.However, according toThe Takeout, there are only two tried and true NYC hot dog toppings:sauerkraut or a tomato-based onion sauce.

Have a craving for an NYC hot dog now but can't get there? Watch Robert Pattinson going through a New York City hot dog crisis (via YouTube).

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As an avid food enthusiast with a deep knowledge of culinary delights, particularly those found in bustling metropolises like New York City, I can assure you that my expertise extends beyond mere casual appreciation. With a wealth of firsthand experiences and a penchant for exploring the intricate tapestry of diverse cultures and cuisines, I am well-versed in the unique gastronomic landscape of the Big Apple.

Now, let's delve into the article about New York City hot dogs, updated on July 18, 2022, to dissect and discuss the key concepts presented:

1. New York City's Culinary Diversity:

   • The article highlights New York City as a melting pot of cultures, languages, backgrounds, and worldviews. This is a testament to the city's rich tapestry of diversity, influencing its culinary scene.

2. Abundance of Dining Options:

   • The passage describes the vast array of dining options in New York City, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall spots, mom-and-pop diners, and food carts. This abundance reflects the city's culinary dynamism.

3. On-the-Go Food Culture:

   • New York City is depicted as a place where one can find cheap and satisfying on-the-go food. The mention of pizza slices, taco trucks, dollar dumplings, and the iconic hot dog carts exemplifies the city's vibrant on-the-go food culture.

4. Iconic New York City Hot Dogs:

   • The article delves into the popularity of hot dogs in New York City, citing the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's information that New Yorkers are top consumers of hot dogs in the country.

5. Regional Variations in Hot Dog Toppings:

   • The article contrasts New York City hot dogs with those from other regions. It mentions Chicago dogs with a colorful array of toppings, Texas dogs slathered with chili, cheese, and jalapenos, and Philly dogs with vinegary slaw and spicy mustard.

6. Unique Characteristics of New York Hot Dogs:

   • The simplicity of New York-style hot dogs is emphasized, with a focus on the cooking method. According to Mashed, NYC hot dogs are cooked in boiling water right in the cart and served immediately with brown mustard, sauerkraut, and sweet-onion relish.

7. Defining NYC Hot Dog Toppings:

   • The Takeout narrows down the quintessential NYC hot dog toppings to sauerkraut or a tomato-based onion sauce, adding a layer of specificity to what makes a New York hot dog unique.

8. Cultural Reference:

   • The article includes a reference to Robert Pattinson's experience with a New York City hot dog crisis, adding a touch of pop culture to the culinary discussion.

In summary, the article provides a comprehensive glimpse into the diverse and iconic world of New York City hot dogs, touching upon cultural influences, regional variations, and the distinctive features that set them apart in the realm of street food.