WHILE the precise origin of the hot dog is up for debate, it is generally accepted that the concept of a German sausage sold inside a long roll was popularised in the USA.
It was in America that the hot dog gained fame as a street food of the working class, with vendors operating carts on corners, at amusement parks and at ball games.
But the concept has evolved in recent years, with several Perth outlets taking the humble dog into plains barely dreamt of last century.
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As one Community News gourmand put it last year, “gourmet hot dogs are the food trend du jour and places are popping up everywhere serving delicious wieners in a bun”.
So which are the very best? We have put our experts to the task, and come up with the definitive list.
10. Bunnings
Why not kick off the list on a controversial note? Bunnings hot dogs, chided and derided though they may be, have become an Australian institution. For a few bucks, you get a sausage on a bun or bread to munch on while you peruse those giant aisles. Sure, they may burn the onions, and use bulk-buy bread – but for a value option you could do a lot worse. Check out Venezuelan comedian Ivan Aristeguieta’s hilarious take on the Bunnings sausage sizzle below.
9. Fast Eddys, 454 Murray Street Perth
More famous for its burgers, Fast Eddys’ hot dogs never disappoint – there’s a reason they’ve been a Perth fixture since 1978. The Bacon Big Boy certainly hits the spot, and check out the chilli dog if you like a little kick.
8. Doghouse Cafe, 158 Orrong Rd Lathlain
Doghouse hot dogs are superb, and excellent value for money. With varieties like the Red Ned, the ‘Beefy’ and the ‘Vienna’, Doghouse’s dogs will light up your taste buds – all selling for eight bucks or less.
7. The Bratwurst Bar, hot dog stand at Fremantle Markets, South Terrace & Henderson St Fremantle
The Bratwurst Bar is all about the German-style sausages made from local WA produce. They contain no preservatives or artificial flavours and are gluten free. You can’t go wrong with one of these dogs.
6. Frankly My Dog, Shop 38 Sorrento Quay Boardwalk Hillarys
Top off a trip to Sorrento Quay with one of the best hot dog experiences you’ll have in Perth. Frankly My Dog has a big reputation, and backs it up with consistently excellent dogs. Looking for something a little different? Go the Greek Doggess – tomato and red onion salsa, olives, salad greens, and crumpled fetta.
One of three Varsity outlets throughout Perth, Varisty Waterford has a super range of delicious hot dogs. For our money the ‘country fried hog’ is the pick of the bunch, with pork schnitzel and ‘slaw topped with – wait for it – jalapeno and pineapple salsa.
4. Brotzeit German Bar and Restaurant, Stockland Baldivis Shopping Centre
A global chain which is based in Singapore, Brotzeit – which also has outlets in the CBD and Joondalup – does a massive range of German beers and a hot dog that has to be tasted to be believed. The cheese and bacon hot dog features a bacon-wrapped pork sausage, caramelised onion, emmental cheese and aioli.
3. Wassup Dogs, 113 Royal Street East Perth
With another store in Fremantle, Wassup Dogs is rewriting the rule book for hot dog excellence. With a massive selection, including a vegan option, our pick for Wassup’s best is the aptly named ‘Best Dog’ – beef sausage with Capsicum, corn and onion sautée, olive oil, salt and pepper, mixed lettuce. Throw in some homemade garlic mayonnaise, tasty cheddar cheese and you’ve got yourself a sure-fire winner.
2. Run Amuk, 386A South Terrace South Fremantle
Formed in 2011, Run Amuk has wasted no time amassing a dedicated following in South Fremantle, and it won’t take you long to work out why. With a host of great hot dogs to choose from, we recommend the Jezebel for a taste you won’t soon forget – with premium bratwurst, sweet chili mayo, cheddar, crispy bacon, a pineapple, coriander & red chili salsa topped with shredded coconut.
1. Frank’d, 97 Francis Street Northbridge
Frank’d has blown us away consistently since it opened – it seems no matter what we order, our socks are blown off. Whether it’s the Scooby Do (bratwurst, melted cheddar, brie and parmesan cheese) or the El Chapo (double beef patty, tomato salsa, smashed CCs, chilli mustard and cheese) or the good old Dirty Dog (crispy bacon, caramelised onion, bbq sauce and cheese) you simply can’t put a foot wrong. And please, do yourself a favour and try some of their amazing fries. Frank’d – take a bow.
