We Dig the 'Dogs at Funky Dogg, Chaowai Soho

Being a food writer is all about taking on challenges. If sea cucumber marinated in xo sauce isn't bad enough, then how about foie gras ice cream, or dried puffer fish? It's not that we're sensation seekers or suckers for punishment - it's our sense of obligation to you, dear readers! So it was with a measure of relief that we realized we'd get to eat something fairly normal when our friend casually ask, “Are there any new hot dog spots in Beijing?”

The query led us to the busy CBD, where the worker bees rarely have time to enjoy a five-course lunch with wine, opting instead for quick comfort food. Funky Dogg meets that need and then some. Its decor is dominated by black and white tiles, neon lights brightly declaring “I love hot dogs!” above the bar, and all the other signifiers of the classic American diner.

The menu is more avant-garde, with a staggering 16 variations on the hotdog (RMB 26-48) and two choices of buns, whole wheat or white. As well as traditional cheese toppings, there's Mexican chili, fried chicken, or even kimchi and beef, and you can also choose a roast pork, pepper beef, or cheese sausage.

The staff recommended the Rich Potato Dogg or the So Crunchy Dogg (both at RMB 26). We opted for the former, its hot sliced bun cradling a pepper beef sausage and mashed potatoes, topped with deep-fried onion and chopped scallion. The mashed potato was seasoned well with a big twist of black pepper, and the sausage had just the right amount of condiments. The only flaw was that the buttered bread was too soggy to bear the heavy burden laid upon it. Thankfully the staff was thoughtful enough to provide disposable gloves.

Purists might be enraged, and bellow: “But a hotdog should only have a sliced bun, a Frankfurter Würstchen sausage, sauerkraut, and mustard!” And fair enough, Funky Dogg's dogs aren't authentic. But they are delicious. Their ice cream cones are also light, cool and refreshing.

These hotdogs are generously portioned and reasonably priced, and we had to unbutton our belts after our hotdog and salad combo. Funky Dogg’s hotdogs are also available on the usual delivery platforms. We can’t wait to try the kimchi and beef version soon. It's just one of the many sacrifices that we make for you, dear readers. 

Funky Dogg
Daily 10am-10pm. 0190, Yanzi Hutong, Bldg A, Chaowai Soho, Chaowai Dajie (137 1839 7633)
時髦热狗店：朝外大街朝外soho a座燕子胡同0190(便利蜂隔壁)

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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Tracy Wang