In America, hot dogs can be found virtually anywhere. More than just a staple at ballparks or Independence Day cookouts, the hot dog has become an expression of various regions’ cultures and tastes. Newark, for example, has an Italian spin with a deep-fried frank in pizza bread. The Sonoran dog in Arizona makes a nod to the state’s Hispanic population, with toppings like pinto beans, jalapenos, and guacamole. We’re breaking down the Brazilian Hot Dog, and while we don’t serve these gems as a complete meal at Texas de Brazil, keep reading for a great tip!
Hot dogs are not just a favorite food in the United States. While many countries around the world have their own version, from the shrimp-salad adorned tunnbrodsrulle in Sweden to the simple and snappy Czech parek. Just like in America, the choice of bread, sausage, and toppings is unique to a country’s own tastes and history.
The Brazilian Hot Dog has it ALL
In Brazil, the Cachorro quente is an indulgent on-the-go meal that takes toppings to the extreme. Vienna-style franks are cooked in a tomato-based sauce, placed on a mashed-potato lined bun, and finished with any number of toppings. While nothing is off-limits, really, the preference for toppings varies according to region. But a standard, completo-style Brazilian hot dogs (that’s a hot dog with “the works”) might include:
- Potato sticks
- Diced ham
- Cilantro
- Ground beef
- Parmesan cheese
- A quail egg
- Peppers and onions
- Corn and peas
- Shredded carrots
What the Brazilians Pair with this Meal
In the States, we usually eat our hot dogs with a cold beer. So you may wonder: What do Brazilians drink with their hot dogs? Brazilians turn to something a little stronger: the cachaça. Made from fermented sugarcane and heavily regulated, Brazilians produce nearly 800 million litres of cachaça a year. It is the drink of choice for most occasions and may be drunk straight or mixed into a cocktail, such as a Caipirinha.
When mixed with a little sugar and lime juice, the cachaça is refreshing with a subtle spice, much like rum. In the case of the hefty cachorro quente, a strong drink is just what the doctor ordered to cut through those bold and filling layers.
Where Can I Find Brazilian Hot Dogs in the US?
Unfortunately, the Brazilian hot dog has yet to make its way into mainstream American cuisine. There are a few places on the East coast serving up traditional cochorros, like Hot Doogy and Love Dog Hot Dog Buffet. Outside of those areas, your best bet is to make them yourself. Texas de Brazil has over 50 locations across the US and overseas. Next time you visit, you might try doctoring up one of our rodizio-style Brazilian sausages with a ciabatta roll, a side of our garlic mashed potatoes, and any number of toppings from our yummy salad bar. Perfeito!