
Actually, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Hot dogs usually aren’t very interesting but these are nothing like the generic ones that Kobayashi stuffs down his gullet by the dozen. On the corner of Smithe and Burrard in downtown Vancouver is Japadog, a very unique little hot dog stand that serves hot dogs…Japanese style…that has drawn rave reviews from every newspaper in town. After hearing about it for so long, a few friends and I decided we had to go see for ourselves and headed downtown…specifically for hot dogs.

Japadog began in 2005 and on this particular day, the stand was manned by these two very happy folks who enthusiastically took our orders. They seemed to really take pride in and enjoy their work, asking which trimmings we wanted. Today, there were three different Japanese style hot dogs on the menu: Terimayo, Oroshi and Misomayo as you can see from the picture below.

They also make regular hot dogs but that would be like asking Michaelangelo to paint you a white canvas. You’d have to be a very boring person to order off the “regular” menu instead.

I ordered a Misomayo dog which was the most expensive of the bunch at a very reasonable $5.00. It had a blend of sesame sauce, Japanese mayonnaise and radish sprouts on top of a turkey smokey. Radish usually isn’t very appetizing but I assure you, this was delicious! Despite being a hot dog, it was distinctly Japanese. It reminded me a lot of those Japanese pancakes (or okonomiyaki). I topped it with a little of this fantastic wasabi mayo which had quite a bit of horseradish kick to it. One of these days, I’ll try to make some of this myself.

I was really, really hungry today so I wasn’t quite done. I ordered a Terimayo dog after I finished my first. This was basically fried onions, teriyaki sauce and seaweed on top of a 100% beef smokey. It was also delicious but not quite as good as the Misomayo dog.

If you plan on eating at Japadog, I must remind you that it’s a hot dog stand and there is nowhere to sit, which sucks in the 30-degree weather we’ve been having. There are benches or ledges, etc nearby, however. Drinks are $1.00 a piece and Japadogs usually range between $4.00 – $5.00 each. If you arrive right at lunch time, be prepared for a long wait as it’s a popular lunch destination for the numerous office buildings and Robson street stores nearby.
Also nearby was THIS beautiful beast…

{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds ‘umai’ (delicious)! Too bad I live so far =(
I thought “oishii” was delicious?
You’re right too… “umai” is slang.
I’ll take the Ford GT!
Coming from a Mustang owner, I’m not surprised. How are you liking the Civic?
I keep it parked in my car-park unless I absolutely need to venture out. Good thing I’m well stocked on food.
“Car-Park”?!
Damn Northies…
Yup, you have to put up with our proper grasp of the English language, like “Z” pronounced “Zed”.
So sorry that you Yanks lost the War of 1812. No hard feelings. Cheerio!
Shhh! It’s embarrassing! I haven’t driven on 4 cylinders since I was 16.
Screw the GT and give me a C5!
On a side note, I just Dugg and Stumbled this post
This sounds very interesting and I would love to try one – too bad I don’t live anywhere near Vancouver!
Hey! Why the hell can’t I leave any comments!?!
Fix this now , ED!!! Or I’ll slap you with my Chinadog!
Because you signed in with a different e-mail address, you noob.
Hey Ed, since you know so much on this, perchance you might know why my bloglog pic won’t show up on the comments even though it used to before. Kelly = noob too
Not sure. You have to use the same user name, e-mail and website that’s associated with your MyBlogLog I think.
Yeah, you have to use the same URL as you have on MyBlogLog….
That’s been my problem in the past. May you should contact tech support!
I have been… dammit… I guess I will have to contact support afterall.
One last thing Ed – FIX THE DAMN TAB ORDER FOR THE COMMENTS!!!
Yeah, fix it!!! Ed, you NooB, Ed!!!
I still think a Chinadog is a good idea. It’ll come in two varieties: Shar-pei and Chinese Cresting.
Looks tasty, I’m going to give that a try when I come back home in couple weeks!
i love dat car
….an d hotdogs 2… lolz XD
I’m flying out to try one!
from: Wonderful Downtown Halifax Nova Scotia
Is the stand out during the winter? I’m visiting next week and would love to try one.
OMG!!!!! LAST YEAR I WAS THERE,, THEY ARE RELY GOOD….. BEAUTIFUL BRITISH COLUMBIA .. LOVE THAT PLACE
Given the apparent popularity of the product, I wouldn’t be surprised if the owner of Japadog was also the owner of the Ford GT.
The guy who started it was a former ad salesman
http://www.japansugoi.com/wordpress/japadog-japanese-hotdog-success-in-vancouver/
Well I love both Japanese food and hot dogs so I hope to see this cart in person in the near future… Also, food carts in general rule.
Never tried it. The food looks good in the Photos. I noticed a Japadog Cart in Los Angeles when I was there for a visit. Probably some day I’ll give it a try.
Hey – we’re Americans but stuffy Brits!
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