Quick Answer: Are There Any Hot Dogs Called Dicks Dirty Dogs?

“What is a ‘dirty dog’ hot dog?” The term ‘dirty water dogs’ is a colloquial reference to the iconic hot dog pushcarts found throughout New York City. These pushcarts are known for cooking their hot dogs in large vats of water, which can sometimes appear murky or ‘dirty’ due to the accumulation of salt and fat from the hot dogs being cooked in the same water. This unique cooking method, popularized in New York City, gives these hot dogs their distinctive flavor and has become a beloved part of the city’s culinary culture. [As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the practice of selling ‘dirty water dogs’ was well-established in New York City, but I cannot provide information beyond that date.]

Have you ever wondered why these popular street hot dogs in the New York/New Jersey area are affectionately known as “dirty water dogs”? Well, the nickname “dirty water” dogs originates from the cooking method commonly employed by push carts in this region. Essentially, it refers to the practice of continually simmering hot dogs in the same pan of water throughout the day. As more hot dogs are cooked in this water, it becomes increasingly “dirty” due to the accumulation of excess salt and fat. This unique cooking process is what gives these hot dogs their distinctive and flavorful name. (Published on June 17, 2012)