From Chicago to Korea: 15 Unique Hot Dogs in Honor of National Hot Dog Day

Hot dogs have come a long way since their humble beginnings in Frankfurt and Vienna (Germany in the 13th–15th centuries, where frankfurters and wieners were first made. These days, they are much more than just baseball snacks and backyard barbecue staples, they've become a global phenomenon with creative (and sometimes downright outrageous) variations. From the neon-green relish of the classic Chicago Dog to the bacon-wrapped, salsa-smothered Sonoran Dog of Arizona, every region puts its own flavorful spin on this all-American favorite. Venture beyond the States and things get even more interesting: Iceland tops its lamb-based dogs with crispy onions and remoulade, while Brazil piles on mashed potatoes, corn, and even quail eggs. Some versions, like Korea's deep-fried, sugar-dusted hot dogs are social media sensations, while others variants, like the peanut butter-slathered hot dog, are just plain weird.

In celebration of National Hot Dog Day, we're taking a juicy bite into 15 of the most iconic, delicious, and bizarre hot dog styles from the U.S. and around the world. Whether you're a purist or an adventurous eater, this slideshow has something that'll make you hungry or maybe a little curious.

Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, this dog is served on a poppy seed bun and topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, neon green relish, pickle spear, sport peppers, tomato slices, and a dash of celery salt, but never ketchup. A true regional icon.

A favorite in Seattle, Washington, especially popular near bars and stadiums. Topped with cream cheese and grilled onions, sometimes jalapeños or cabbage. It's often sold from late-night food stands or trucks.

A Tucson specialty that is wrapped in bacon and grilled, then topped with pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeño salsa. Served up in a bolillo-style bun that is influenced by Mexican flavors.

Despite the name, the Coney Island Dog actually originated in Michigan. A beef hot dog topped with a bean-less chili (Coney sauce), yellow mustard, and diced onions. Served in diners throughout the Midwest, it's a regional favorite.

A truly classic staple of NYC street food: This all-beef hot dog comes in a bun, usually topped with spicy brown mustard, sauerkraut, and/or onion sauce. You can find this delight being sold by street vendors all over the city.

Who said fusion is only for fine dinning? This Japanese-Canadian fusion dog originated in Vancouver. Toppings include seaweed, teriyaki sauce, wasabi mayo, and pickled daikon. Became popular through Japadog food trucks.

Take a gander at Iceland's national snack food. Made with a blend of lamb, beef, and pork. Topped with raw onions, crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard (pylsusinnep), and remoulade.

This messy and massive street dog comes topped with mashed potatoes, peas, corn, cheese, ketchup, mayonnaise, and even quail eggs or grated carrots depending on the region. Basically everything but the kitchen sink!

A popular street snack in Korea, they are often battered and deep-fried like a corndog. The toppings can vary but typically include sugar, french fries, or cheese. This hot dog variant has gone viral worldwide.

This famous red sausage is found in Denmark, and it usually is served a bun or with rye bread. Toppings include remoulade, mustard, ketchup, pickled cucumbers, and crispy onions.

The only danger here may be to your cholesterol levels! This bacon-wrapped hot dog fried on a griddle, typically found in Los Angeles. Topped with grilled onions, jalapeños, ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Popular as a street snack.

Found in upstate New York, especially Plattsburgh. A steamed hot dog with meaty sauce (similar to chili but without beans), onions, and mustard on a steamed bun.

Popular in Alaska, especially Anchorage, and is unique as it is made from reindeer sausage, topped with sautéed onions and sometimes cabbage or other unique condiments. You could see how this one might not be for everyone.

A common sight spotted at fairs and festivals. Very similar to a corndog, the sausage is battered and deep-fried, often served on a stick and covered in tomato sauce (ketchup).

An unusual but viral combo often found in gourmet hot dog serving locations. Peanut butter is spread inside the bun or drizzled on top of a banana. Sometimes paired with bacon or jelly.