Ignore the complainers – these days, you can find most anything in Shanghai (provided you’re prepared to pay for it). Until recently, however, the beloved hot dog was a snack largely reserved for Bikini, Munchies and the odd convenience store.
The Dog House, managed by co-owner Michael Huang, is hoping to change that. They’ve developed a stellar set of gourmet dogs ranging from RMB35-45, sold from their storefront at the newly-opened Soho Fuxing Plaza at the Xintiandi Metro station.
The Peking dog
When it comes to toppings, it's safe to say that The Dog House borders on unconventional. Perhaps thematic might be a better description. With 13 different offerings, Dog House aims to craft a hot dog to please all parties, with such offerings as a 'Japanese dog' with wasabi mayo, a 'Korean dog' with kimchi, 'Mexican dog' with chili – even a 'Sichuan dog' with peppercorns and crushed spicy peanuts. Somewhat ironically, the only one missing from this United Nations of dogs was an all American original, with fried onions and a drizzle of ketchup and French.
The Sichuan dog
According to Huang, if a customer rolls up asking to try a classic hot dog then he’ll do it, but he doesn’t advertise them since “that’s not really what The Dog House is about.” Gourmet is the focus here, and don’t you forget it.
Opinion was divided over which of the six hot dogs we tried won the day, with a surprise standout being the 'Sichuan dog.' Crunchy and flavorsome thanks to the aforementioned crushed spicy peanuts, Chef Mark Pierce sure didn’t hold back any punches when it came to the heat, with a scattering of deep-fried chilis, counteracted by fresh coriander. Another winner was the 'cheese dog,' which won us over thanks to a generous layer of house-made three cheese sauce, incidentally, the same sauce which features atop the waffle-cut potato fries (RMB22).
The Korean dog
The Dog House pushes boundaries when it comes to the ‘Peking dog,' which features hoisin sauce, spring onions, cucumbers, and a sprinkling of crispy duck skin, a surprisingly congruous combo with hot dog sausage and a little bit moreish. Another surprise was the ‘Tropical dog,' with a layer of chopped fruits, a coconut mayonnaise sauce, toasted coconut chips and a wedge of lime. Unorthodox, yes, but quality ingredients and careful preparation pulled it off.
The Cheese Dog
As is, The Dog House is definitely worth a visit if you’re happening through Xintiandi (it’s right by the metro station exit leading to Soho Fuxing Plaza) and probably even a destination visit if you’re as ardent a hot dog fan as we are. Overall, the hot dog toppings here are a success, although we'd like to see the option of having a larger sausage to achieve the perfect bun-to-sausage ration.
The Tropical Dog
Furthermore, don’t rock up with a group larger than three if you want a seat – The Dog House is a storefront with just three stools and a bar, with the majority of business aimed at takeout. On our visit, the overflow of customers lingered around outside eating their dogs in the mall; the size/abundance of toppings make walking and eating with these things verging on hazardous. Don’t worry, though - ownership tells us their expansion strategy will be aggressive over the next few years, meaning you might see a few more dog houses around town before too long.
NB. On our second visit we took our dogs to go. This was an error – they don’t travel well, becoming cold and soggy surprisingly quickly. Best scarf them down then and there while they’re hot.
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The Reuben Dog
Price: RMB35-45 for hot dogs, sides from RMB18.
Who’s going: Passersby, for now.
Good for: American food, snacks, hot dogs.
> See a listing for The Dog House.
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