Hot dogs in buns against a white background.

What Exactly Is A 'Dirty Water' Hot Dog?

NEWS

By ALEX SPRINGER

Person adding mustard on a hot dog.
Despite the staggering variety of delicious franks available to New York diners, the Big Apple's signature hot dog has been colloquially dubbed the "dirty water" hot dog.
A hot dog cart with price signs.
How the snack got its name has a lot to do with its prep. Vendors use hot water, swimming with seasonings like vinegar, pepper flakes, onion and garlic powder, to cook the franks.
A hot dog with toppings on a plate.
As the hot dogs heat up in this tasty bath of ingredients, their natural flavors become deliciously enhanced. Once ready, most vendors will pop them in a bun and top them up.
Franks on a grill.
Some vendors throw the hot dog on the griddle for a moment to get a little caramelization on the exterior, but it's a little taste of New York no matter how it comes to your bun.