Ah, hot dog – you’re a food that manages to elicit almost comically polar opposite reactions from the general public. This solidly loud and proud American food staple most commonly found on the streets of New York and in the stands of that nation’s favourite pastime – baseball, obviously – might not seem to fit into Hong Kong’s culinary landscape, but we’re here to elevate the humble hot dog from the murky depths.
Join Foodie on an adventure to find the spots dishing out the best hot dogs in Hong Kong!
The best hot dogs in Hong Kong
Zeppelin Hot Dog
At Zeppelin (this local brand currently counts 16 locations in Hong Kong, so you’re never far away from a Zeppelin shop), we always order up the classic chilli dog with cheese (HKD57), an enduring guilty pleasure made here with a smoky Dutch rookwurst sausage. If we’re looking to indulge even more on our cheat day, we instead opt for the US-style rings dog (HKD49), which offers onion rings wrapped around a frankfurter like a crunchy, protective blanket, along with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and a swish of Parmesan cheese powder. Cholesterol, be damned!
Zeppelin Hot Dog, multiple locations across Hong Kong
OH! MY DOG!
Kwai Chung is a hotbed of niche eats, and in this New Territories ‘hood, OH! MY DOG! is up next on our hit list. The frankfurters used at this shop are juicy and have just the right snap, and they get a double thumbs up for their toasted sesame buns and generous and creative toppings. The pickle dog (HKD42) with chorizo, pickles, and sauerkraut appeals to our love of strong and tangy flavours, whilst the cheese, bacon, and egg dog (HKD52) is a hearty brunch alternative.
OH! MY DOG!, Shop 2, G/F, Victory Garden, 153 Tai Loong Street, Kwai Chung, 3105 1991
Sonny’s
Arguably more well known for its NYC-style pizza slices, this hole-in-the-wall Soho joint also serves up another beloved American staple: hot dogs. The classic dog (HKD75) with drizzles of ketchup and mustard and a scattering of chopped onion is Big Apple street food at its finest, however, our favourite hot dog at Sonny’s takes its cue from Chicago. Like all the dogs here, the Chicago dog (HKD85) stars an all-American beef hot dog, but it’s the traditional Windy City toppings of tomato, onion, and sweet pickle relish that really float our boat.
Sonny’s, Shop A, G/F, 1 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, 9755 0355
Five Guys
In Foodie’s burger rankings, Five Guys hasn’t made the cut. When it comes to hot dogs though, this American chain comes out on top in terms of juicy flavour. Made with an all-beef hot dog split and grilled lengthwise, the bacon cheese dog (HKD85) is the ultimate pick for us at Five Guys, featuring layers of melted American cheese and super-crispy applewood-smoked bacon. As it does with its burgers, Five Guys pushes the envelope with its hot dogs too, offering up to 15 extra toppings for free, from grilled onion to jalapeño.
Five Guys, multiple locations across Hong Kong
Wing Lok Yuen Restaurant
There’s only one thing that Wing Lok Yuen is adored for more than its milk tea, and that’s its hot dogs. At this old-school cha chaan teng in Central, the Canto-style hot dog (HKD42) is petite and slathered with a sweet and tangy mayo-like house sauce that’s legendary around these parts. For just HKD4 extra, you’ll get double the sausage and double the fun.
Wing Lok Yuen Restaurant, G/F, 19 Chiu Lung Street, Central, 2522 0965
Arirang Hot Dog
We move from the USA to South Korea with Arirang, a popular Korean street-food chain. Similar to American corn dogs crafted with a cornmeal batter, Korean-style hot dogs are enveloped in bread dough and panko before being deep-fried to crispy perfection. The bestseller at Arirang is the potato cheese hot dog (HKD40), an addictive combo of savoury sausage, salty potato cubes, and ooey-gooey mozzarella. Did someone say “cheese pull”?
Arirang Hot Dog, G/F, Food Loft, Park Aura, 54 Electric Road, Tin Hau, 9478 9808
IKEA Bistro
Of course IKEA Bistro deserves a mention on this list, because IKEA serves up a basic hot dog with soft drink combo for just HKD15. Is there really anything better to fill your tummy than a hot dog plus bevvy for less than 20 bucks? Not in our book.
