Majestic in its simplicity, the right hotdog is defined by two simple but great ingredients: the fluffy bun and the boiled or baked sausage, Vienna or Frankfurt. The authentic recipes of American streets and German playgrounds call for it with ketchup and mustard, pickles, onion and even cheese.
However, its modern culinary versions are served literally everywhere, from the tables of bistros to the halls of star restaurants with all that this implies for the quality of the ingredients and the level of techniques.
In Athens, hotdogs come in many different options since every self-respecting canteen makes a good hotdog, but also culinary hot spots of all kinds offer creative alternatives. Here are some picks we picked out:
Johnie Hot Dog
In three different parts of the city, Johnie’s canteens make hotdogs with the finest ingredients in countless versions and variations. The options here are so many and different that they do not leave even the most demanding palates unsatisfied.
First in the preferences of those who love the classics is of course the hotdog with Frankfurt sausage, cabbage, carrot, caramelized onions, tomato sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard.
Berlin bratwurst with white sausage and Berlin ketchup with curry, egg dog with all the ingredients of the classic plus egg, blue cheese dog with blue cheese sauce and sweet Danish cucumber are just some of the combinations that Johnie suggests.
Of course, there is always the alternative of improvisation since the list of materials exceeds 40 options and contains everything you can imagine,
Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
136 Syngrou Ave., Kallithea, in front of Panteion University, tel.: 210 9246 707
Καντίνα Χαμοστέρνας (Hamosternas canteen)
In this Taurus-located canteen, the boiled and grilled sausages have their place of honour, not only in the sandwiches, for which a huge queue is formed every day, but also in the hotdogs. The secret is their deep deliciousness as well as the quality of the rest of the ingredients.
The grilled sausage is juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside and a little hot. The boiled, although lighter, in this case has its own distinct taste value that is fortunately far removed from the reputation of the tasteless, uninteresting ingredients that usually follows it.
It is also worth noting that in this canteen they use exclusively handmade mayonnaise and the hotdog buns are always so fresh and light that they melt in the mouth. It opens every day at 20:00 and closes at 4:00.
55 Hamosternas, Tavros, tel.: 694 257 577
The Art of Dirty
Brand new and very modern, this shop in Chalandri is dedicated to street food with influences from every corner of the planet.
Among the sinful burgers, the exuberant sandwiches and the exotic baos, hotdogs stand out for their deliciousness but also for their cute appearance which steals impressions at first glance.
These are mini versions, sold two pieces per serving, in three different combinations of ingredients: Grilled Frankfurt Sausage – Caramelized Onions, BBQ Pulled Pork – Cheddar, and Veggie Burger – Mushroom Cream – Caramelized Onions.
However, for those who love the more traditional size but also the more familiar flavours, there is also the Dirty Hot Dog with two frankfurters, caramelised onions, coleslaw, ketchup and mustard sauce.
Papanikoli 2, Chalandri, tel.: 210 7004 663
Ο Πρίγκηπας (The Prince)
In the place of the sandwich shop “I cantina tou Giannis”, which had grown over generations and generations with the “cleanest” dirtiest hotdog in the area, the Prince recently opened.
The fresh ingredients used and fast service have already put the shop on the favourites list of locals. In terms of hotdogs, the options available are few but very well made, which is why they are worth trying.
Frankfurt sausage or country sausage, whatever your appetite is, you’re sure to enjoy it. For chicken fans, they also make hotdogs with chicken bites, dried onion, pickled cucumber, potato sticks, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise.
81 Ifigenias Avenue, Metamorfosi, tel.: 210 2828 612
Λobby (Lobby)
In the burger lounge of the Electra Metropolis hotel, the classic hotdog is made with drumstick sausage, caramelised onions, curry mayonnaise and tomato jam, which is why it is so delicious.
In two words, it is a classic version of the iconic New York street food in a twisted version that makes a difference, not only in taste but also in the place of enjoyment. Enjoy it in the super designed and cozy environment of the Lobby, along with a Greek beer or a sophisticated cocktail.
30 Voulis, Syntagma, tel.: 214 1006 225
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