Hot Dogg in Da Hood

Article By Mike Leaner

North end of Defuxiang Bar Street, next to Old Henry Bar
德福巷最北边,老船长酒吧旁边

Average Priceper Person/人均消费:20-30RMB

PROS: Upscale street food experience; good western-style food

CONS: The beer situation

shu1Back when I was growing up in the States they used to call them “Roach Coaches,” but foodies know that, in recent years, the prestige of the food truck has skyrocketed. The US is in a street food renaissance because of them, bringing lots of exotic flavors and interesting food combinations to American palates. But what about China, where street food is such an omnipresent part of our daily lives? Well, just because fried noodle and jianbing carts rule the streets, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a little something different.

Hot Dogg in Da Hood is a hip new food truck started by some locally famous rappers, perhaps the first of its kind in Xi’an. Finding Hot Dogg is pretty simple: north end of Defuxiang Bar Street, next to Old Henry Bar. Look on the western sidewalk for a big red truck with tables around it. So easy!

If you couldn’t tell by the name, the specialty here is hot dogs. For 28RMB you’ll end up with a nicely-sized frankfurter, in its proper bun, done up a little bit with ketchup and some other sauces. In keeping with the food truck spirit, Hot Dogg’s menu is small: you can also choose a grilled ham and cheese sandwich or a salad for 18RMB each, or something called “crazy toast,” which is seasoned toast all sliced up to share with friends.

There are drinks here, but fair warning, the drinks come from a nearby bar and you get those Bar Street prices to go with it. A hot dog and beer is great, but that beer can really jack the price of your bill up quickly if you’re not careful.

While Hot Dogg remains a work in progress, there is a more than solid foundation to build on. Their small menu is ready and able to quash your drunken munchies and the outdoor seating in full view of the Bar Street anarchy is great for people-watching. It remains to be seen if my suggestion for a Chicago-style dog will come to fruition, but, at any rate, anyone lamenting the loss of Frank’s Hot Dogs a couple of years ago may find hope in Hot Dogg’s simple and tasty franks.

Mike Leaner likes to get dirty but not for free. He can be reached at reviews@xianease.com

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