“Hot Dog” is the most popular finger food in the world. It is popular and loved by all around the globe. Statistics show about 150 million hot dogs are consumed annually in America alone. Nevertheless, there are several theories behind the origin of “Hot Dog”. Popularly known as “Hot Dog”, “Weiner”, “Frankfurters” and “Red Hot”, it leaves us wondering about the birthplace of this mouth-watering delicacy.

Invention, Name and Popularity

Vienna and Frankfurt claim that it originated in their region and that is where the name “Frankfurters” and “Wiener” stem from. “Wiener” is delived from the German word “Wien” used for Vienna, Austria and the name “Frankfurters” was given by a German Butcher Johann Georghehner, a sausage maker, who got his training in Frankfurt, promoted the food product in Frankfurt, and named it after his town. However, during early days “Frankfurters” and “Weiner” were mainly sausages eaten solely with fork and knife and served during regal coronations. The bun part of the “Hot Dog” was introduced by a German Immigrant Charles Feltman who started selling sausages in a bun to fulfil demand of his customers for variety of sandwiches. He sold his sausages on a small pushcart on Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York and was concerned about the affordability of variety of sandwiches. Consequently, he invented idea of a sausage in a bun, a different kind of sandwich that satisfied his customer’s demands and was easily manageable on his pushcart. Thus, the famous dish was invented. In contrast, another theory suggests Germans eat the famous dachshund sausage with bread and hence they are the originators. Nevertheless, its popularity grew over the years; it came under limelight during the Columbian Exposition exhibited in 1893 in Chicago. Vendors sold huge quantity of sausages as people loved this delicious, easy to eat and low-cost dish. Later Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904, its association with Baseball sports and amusement parks went in making “Hot Dog” the most famous and favourite finger food until today.

Its Crazy, Its Fun, Its Entertaining People are crazy behind this fast food delicacy. In America, numerous regional versions of original hot dog in a bun with mustard, ketchup and onions or sauerkraut are served.

More than 150 million hot dogs are consumed annually in America. People love the “dog” so much that they have hot dog eating contest every year.

Hot dog eating contest are organized every year at regional level. Individual restaurant owners also host hot dog eating contests. However, Nathan’s Famous located at Surf and Stilwell Avenue in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York, holds the most prominent hot dog eating contest.

Celebrate Love for Hot Dogs

It is an international hot dog eating contest. It is approved by IFOCE, International Federation of Competitive Eating. People from across the globe participate in this contest. It is held annually on 4th July on the Independence Day in the United States. This legend is been going on since 4th July 1916. History has it that four immigrants held a hot dog eating contest to prove who is more patriotic and since then the trend started.

Today every year on 4th July, there are thousands of onlookers present outside Nathan’s Famous to watch this historic competition. It is telecasted on TV as well. Statistics show that in 2010, about 1.677 million viewers watched this contest on TV. Joey Chestnut grabbed the “Mustard Yellow Belt” in 2010 for the fourth consecutive year.

It is a remarkable sight, when 20 contestants stand behind the 30-foot long table set up outside the Nathan’s restaurant and competes for the 10-minute competition. The enthusiasm, vigour, energy and enjoyment offered by this contest are unmatched to any other and they day to celebrate this event is apt in every sense. The crowd is equally thrilled to watch the participants compete and they too treat themselves to some luscious hot dogs, cheer and enjoy.

When someone speaks of ketchup, onions and mustard along with a succulent beef, pork, ham, chicken sausage and a soft bun, the brain instantly rattles “Hot Dog”. Everyone likes their “Hot Dog” custom made. Therefore satisfying similar taste buds and fulfilling regional penchants “Hot Dog” chains offer something to suits every individual’s palette.

Weinerschnitzel is among the most famous “Hot Dog” chains in the world. They sell approximately over 60 million “Hot Dogs” in a year. Adding twist to the most fun and delectable entree dish, Weinerschnitzel serves various types of “Red Hots” like plain and simple Chili Dog, Chili Cheese Dog to a Chicago Dog that includes tomato, special pickle, onion, relish, mustard, celery, salt and sport peppers. Hot Dogs mostly made of Beef and Turkey, their speciality mini corn dogs is very well known.

Nathan’s Famous “Hot Dog” chain situated in Westbury, New York. Nathan’s is been in the Hot Dog business since 1916 and is famous for its beef “wieners”. Keeping it simple they serve “Hot Dogs” with variety of luscious toppings as Cheese, chilli, red onions, sauerkraut and salsa. Nathan’s Famous also conducts a popular “Hot Dog” eating contest every year.

Serving Various Types of Mouth Watering Weiners

Another popular “Frankfurters” chain is the Gold Coast Dogs based in Chicago. Locally well known as Vienna Beef Hot Dogs the char grilled dog served with choice of toppings that include onions, mustard, tomatoes, relish, pickle, celery salt and choice of condiments is favourite among many people.

Apart from these, several other chains like Hot Dog on a Stick, The Varsity, Matts Gourmet Hot Dogs has numerous units in various states. Hot Dogs on Sticks speciality remains hot dogs on stick dipped in unique party batter cooked in soy oil and topped with condiments. Varsity dole outs everything from famous naked dog to special cheese chilli slaw dog. Lot can be done with “Hot Dogs”, the list is endless therefore consumers are spoilt for choice.