It’s one of those things that you’d never think of yourself but once someone else mentions it, you’re totally hooked on the thought: Japanese-themed hot dogs. To which your taste buds reply: !!!

They come in several variations. And they’re all worth a shot. To each his own (Anthony Bourdain had a terimayo and miso mayo; Daniel Dae Kim from lost enjoyed a veggie oroshi).

There’s the terimayo ($4.25): hot dog plus teriyaki sauce slathered onions, japanese mayonnaise, and nori strips. Next is the oroshi dog ($4.50): pork bratwurst plus grated daikon radish, green onions, and “special house sauce” that’s kinda soy saucey. Finally there’s the misomayo ($5): a turkey smokie plus miso sauce, mayo and kaiware, which are daikon horseradish sprouts

On top of this heavenly triumvirate are a handful of standard plainer dogs to which you can apply a host of sauces the most exotic of which include: wasabi mayo, japanese 7 spice togarashi, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.

Oh and how can I forget. New this summer Japa Dog is offering special “kurobuta” (which translates to black pig) sausages ($5.50) made of 100% all-natural Berkshire pork, and boy are they juicy.

Japa Dog
Kitty corner the Scotiabank Paramount at Burrard x Nelson
Hours (weather depending): M-Th 12-7.30pm; Fri and Sat 12-8pm; Sunday 12.30 to 8pm
Prices: $3 to $5
Website: www.japadog.com