How long are you wanting on line for a hot dog? Five minutes, ten minutes...how about 25 minutes? That's how long I waited in the line for my first to taste my first Japadog. As the name implies, Japadog is a hot dog done Japanese style with nori, wasabi mayo, teriyaki sauce or Benito flaxes. There available at two hotdog stands..or Japadog stands at in Downtown Vancouver. I checked out the Burrard St. and Smythe location.It was a great sunny day, so I decided to be part of the 40 or so waiting for the gourmet meat in the bun. From my quick survey- many of us were Japadog virgins. One couple in town from LA read about the dogs on line-clearly the less serious side of our city's culinary reputation.I'm not opposed to waiting in little to experience something new.
This Japanese version of a hot dog was $4.75 and he got me all the beef,Teriamyo version. Is still a hot dog but with a distinctly Japanese flavour and I love the way shredded nori looks on top.The Japadog become so popular that the owner apparently considering opening a Japadog restaurant.It's a good idea considering the stands don't appear on the street when it rains- and it rains here a little bit.
One thing more I have to say when it comes to hotdogs, I am a bit purist. The funky toppings are fun, but give mustard, relish and grilled onion any day.I'll even venture into a sauerkraut. I'm going to leave the Japadog and the lineup up to the tourists.
Happy Summer!!
