Celebrate national hot dog day with a 'K-Dog' — 4 NJ places to try this Korean food trend
National Hot Dog Day is July 19th, but — if you ask us — that's way too close to the Fourth of July to already be thinking about another frank on a bun. Especially after watching Joey Chestnut eat 62 of them at Nathan's annual spectacle.
The thing with holidays, though, is that we totally love them. So, despite the fact that we're probably not downing a Sabrett this Wednesday, we're obviously still celebrating the big day. We're just doing it with a different kind of dog.
If you've ever vacationed in Asia, watched a K-drama or food crawled through Flushing, you've likely heard of the "K-Dog." Featuring a savory sausage rolled in a sweet rice flour and panko bread crumbs, the popular Asian street food has been a staple in South Korean night markets since the 1980s. It is essentially the Korean version of a corn dog, and, today, it's popping up all over the United States.
Finding Korean street food in New Jersey
Beyond the sweet batter, though, the Korean corn dog differs from the American classic in other ways. First, it doesn't actually have to feature a hot dog at all. Sometimes, it's made with cheese — like a vertical mozzarella stick — or a 50/50 combination of both (sausage on the bottom, cheese on the top). And second? It's covered in toppings. Sauce drizzles, sugar dustings or even french fries, a K-dog's can exterior can make the treat as photogenic as it is delicious.
So, if you're looking to celebrate National Hot Dog Day with something more interesting and flavorful than a ballpark frank, read on. Here's where to find a K-Dog in New Jersey.
Bo's Korean Hotdog, Ridgefield
Bo's Korean Hotdog is a hole-in-the-wall, counter-service joint in Ridgefield that serves some of the best K-dogs around. Sweet, savory and crunchy, the spot's dogs boast complex flavors and satisfying textures (from humble, mom-and-pop digs). Indulge in one straight from the fryer and we challenge you to find a better cheat-day eat.
Go: 796 Broad Ave.; 201-699-0091, ssongs-hotdog-nj.business.site
Two Hands Corn Dogs, Palisades Park & Passaic
With over 40 locations across the U.S., the team behind Two Hands Corndogs are K-dog professionals. In its owners words, the goal of the company is to "capture America's tastebuds" with "the Korean-style corndog that has not been tasted before." The way they plan to do that? Through delicious flavors, like the signature ranch-drizzled "Two Hands" and Cheeto-dusted "Spicy."
Go: 210 Broad Ave., Palisades Park & 962 Main Ave., Passiac; twohandsus.com
Good Chicken, Montclair
Local Montclair favorite Good Chicken may be known for, well, chicken, but the fast-casual spot's K-dogs are also top tier. Hot, juicy and crispy, the team's rice — or potato — dogs taste fresher and heartier than most others we've tried. This doesn't come as a surprise, though, as the restaurant prides itself on using the highest quality, premium ingredients.
Go: 114 Bloomfield Ave.; 973-337-5075, goodchickenusa.com
Oh K-Dog, Fort Lee
Fort Lee might be the best spot to eat Korean food in Jersey, and Oh K-Dog is one of the biggest K-dog chains in the country, so it makes sense that the latter would open up shop in the former. With fillings from squid ink to rice cakes — and six finishing sauces (we love the cheesy mustard) — the company advertises the "#1 Korean Rice Dog" in the states. If you haven't tried a K-dog yet, then, their Fort Lee shop is a great place to start.
Go: 302 Main St.; 201-429-2417, ohkdog.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: K-Dog: Where in NJ to try Korean trend on National Hot Dog Day
