The Quest for Hot Dogs

A few weeks ago, I visited Jason's area of Seoul known as Shinlim (신림) where I had the opportunity to eat my first real hot dog in Korea (after 1 and half years!) Of course after that, I couldn't stop thinking about hot dogs, which brings me to my journey today. The moment I stepped off the bus from work, I walked to the nearby street vendor that had graciously sold me a hot dog yesterday.

Only today, his hot dog truck was vacant and locked. Disappointed, I began to wander. There had to be another hot dog vendor in my neighborhood. Up and down I walked, hungry, but I just couldn't find another weiner. Finally, I decided to give up.

But as I stepped inside a convenience store to buy a less worthy dinner, I saw not one, but two hot dogs on the refrigerator shelf right next to the kimbap (Korean sushi rolls) and sandwiches. Needless to say, I'm writing this entry with a smile on my face. Here's a picture of my delicious meal:















I've also discovered that the strange use of sour cream on hot dogs does not taste strange at all. The manufacturer knew what he was doing when he included it in the package.

Here are a few great hot dog ideas:

• The Croissant Dog - A croissant used in place of a hot dog bun, topped with pickles and honey mustard


• The Buffalo Dog - A hot dog on a stick, marinated in hot sauce, and served with ranch dipping sauce


• The Bison Dog - A hot dog made with 100 percent bison meat, sprinkled with relish, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and topped with chipotle sauce


• Hot Dog Flavored Pringles


• Hot Dog Sushi Rolls - Chopped and cold hot dog wrapped in cucumbers, fried onions, rice, seaweed, sesame seeds and topped with spicy mayonnaise


• Steamed Hot Dog Bun - Dimsum style bun stuffed with chopped hot dog and chili