[mr.x]

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/vancouver+japadog+phenomeon+dogs+japanese+style/1525503/1525504.bin?size=620x400

Vancouver's Japadog phenomeon: Hot dogs, Japanese style
With two carts on the street, this chain of uniquely styled hot dogs is on the rise

By Mia Stainsby, Vancouver Sun
April 23, 2009

Considering how much the Japanese like baseball and given that a Japanese guy (Takeru Kobayashi) was the world hot-dog-eating champ for six years in a row until an upset in 2007, the Japanese were destined to take a run at hot dogs -- in their own way.

And that's what you'll find at Japadog, distinguished by the red-hot-dog cart. The first one appeared on Burrard at Smithe a few years ago, just outside Sutton Place Hotel. Come lunch and early dinner, there's always a lineup for these hot dogs, dressed in Japanese garb. Recently, a second cart popped up at Burrard and Pender, on the Scotiabank corner. And from what owner Noriki Tamura says, there will be a sit-down indoor Japadog opening soon in the downtown area, location not quite established. And soon, he'd like Japadogs in the U.S. and Japan.

"I believe I can do it. I want to expand Japadog in the world," he says. "When I was university student, I read the books of Richard Branson of Virgin Group. I thought, seriously, I want to be entrepreneur one day."

Tamura's lowly hot-dog cart has garnered celebrity fans over the years. The quirky take on hot dogs (with flavours of wasabi, teriyaki, miso, seaweed) was featured in oh-so-gonzo Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, a travel TV show of adventurous dining.

Gangsta rapper Ice Cube liked Japadog turkey dogs so much, he stopped by 10 times. "Oh, he is very nice person," says Tamura. Being Muslim, Ice Cube couldn't try anything with pork.

The American hot dog, wedded to Japanese condiments, is a hit with locals, too, judging by the clot of people around lunch and early dinner time. The price, of course, is one of the allures. These bruisers will cost anywhere from $4 to $6.

Misomayo comes with a turkey sausage, radish sprouts, sesame miso and Japanese mayo; Oroshi is a bratwurst with green onions, grated daikon, teriyaki sauce and nori; Terimayo is a beef dog with seaweed and wasabi mayo. There's a veggie dog for those who prefer. Newer, non-dog items are okonomi, a grilled pancake of Berkshire pork sausage, cabbage, bonito flakes; korokke is like a deep-fried croquette of mashed potato, cabbage and special sauces.

Kobayashi ate 59 hot dogs in 10 minutes at the Coney Island hot-dog-eating world championship, but should think twice before stepping up to Japadog hot dogs. These are no wimpy weenies.

(At the 2007 championship pig-out, Kobayashi and his competitor each ate 59 hot dogs in 10 minutes. His opponent won in overtime by finishing five more hot dogs seven seconds faster than Kobayashi.)

mstainsby@vancouversun.com

http://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/Vancouver+Japadog+phenomeon+dogs+Japanese+style/1525503/story.html

[touraccuracy]

A terimayo dog sounds good, I'll have to try it out one day.

[fever]

I had two today. The line's ridiculous at lunch time.

[SpongeG]

saw both carts on friday - both had long lines

are they at UBC too? or was it a temp thing?

http://www.beyondrobson.com/jdog.jpg
pic from beyondrobson.com

[mr.x]

I've always wondered how they move those carts around when they close....i'm assuming onto some truck of course, but you never see it happen.

[Yume-sama]

Japadog is delicious! The best hot dog in Vancouver. I get the Terimayo with no seaweed (not a fan of the dry stuff).

すごくおいしかったです！

It is definitely NOT something you would find in Japan, but... it is very good :P

[Vancity]

so this Japadog thing is a Vancouver thing?

[SpongeG]

http://www.japadog.com/en/

[SpongeG]

Our English is very poor. The followings may make mistakes. We are sorry.

^^ from their web site

also

Hotdog stand, JAPA DOG in Vancouver, Canada. Japanese started in Vancouver. We have many kind of hotdogs. The JAPA DOG comes in three perkily perfect versions: the Terimayo is smothered in Japanese mayo, nori, teriyaki sauce, and fried onions: the Oroshi is a bratwurst laden with special soy sauce, green onions, and daikon: Misomayo is turkey smokie laden with special miso sauce, Kaiware, and japanese mayo.　Please come to our restaurant, hotdog stand! You can enjoy special hotdog in Vancouver!

[Yume-sama]

:P And if the food doesn't get you, the cute Japanese girls that work there should.

I believe they are students who are in Canada on foreign exchange, just based on their English ability (not much), but they light up when they get to speak Japanese! :D

[flight_from_kamakura]

that picture at ubc made me chuckle - it's the return of the knoll!

[Vancity]

Wouldn't be surprised if this Japadog sensation goes BIG...

Nice that it started in Vancouver, though :D

[jlousa]

*l* if it takes off Vancouver can house their world headquarters. Maybe a 400ft office tower that looks like a hotdog would work on Davie St. :tup: (hmm...too far??)

[Vancity]

*l* if it takes off Vancouver can house their world headquarters. Maybe a 400ft office tower that looks like a hotdog would work on Davie St. :tup: (hmm...too far??)

wouldn't that be great, if Japadog goes big, and anchors a head office here in vancouver. that'd be awesome. i'm not sure about the office tower looking like a giant hotdog, though :P haha

[mr.x]

http://www.eikongraphia.com/wordpress/wp-content/DSC_3805b%20small.jpg

[SpongeG]

haha

that might be a bit much for Davie street though

[usog]

Oh god, the shape...

[Alex Mackinnon]

Would is also make a buzzing sound?

[Vancity]

http://www.eikongraphia.com/wordpress/wp-content/DSC_3805b%20small.jpg

Is that an actual building??!

[SpongeG]

its in barcelona

its is called Aguas de Barcelona

[SpongeG]

it lights up at night

http://www.eikongraphia.com/wordpress/wp-content/Barcelona_-_Agbar_Tower_-_night%20wikipedia%20small.jpg

[SpongeG]

similiar to the one in London

http://www.grandchauffeurs.com/gherkin.jpg

[mr.x]

Every night at midnight, there's a 10-minute white fireworks show at the top of the building.

[Vancity]

that is one of the ugliest buildings i have ever seen in my life.

wow.

I dunno. I personally don't like it.

[dreambrother808]

the one in london doesn't automatically scream dildo though.

[metroXpress]

:haha: Interesting connection!

[mr.x]

the one in london doesn't automatically scream dildo though.

Yea, it does look a little more like a bullet.

[Hot Rod]

JapaDog is awesome.

I wonder why it took so long for it to get some press though, they've been in downtown for years now.

Also, I think JapaDog will do very well in the Dotombori section of Osaka! :) as well as Chicago and New York (of course).

[Chikinlittle]

That's a Foster building, isn't it?

that is one of the ugliest buildings i have ever seen in my life.

wow.

I dunno. I personally don't like it.

[Vancity]

I gotta try a japadog when I'm in downtown next time. Does anyone know where they're located? My girlfriend and I'll have to try it :)

[Hot Rod]

in front of the Sutton Place hotel downtown and in front of the Scotia building down in the financial district. (both locations are on burrard street)

[metroXpress]

^ Thanks...I got to try them as well

[SpongeG]

long line ups yesterday and friday

[Yume-sama]

Yeah, the worst thing you can do is go during lunch time :P They get obscenely busy!

[Vancity]

I went today with my girlfriend downtown, and we had to go and check out those Japadogs! Haha...I was kidding around, and said what if the Koreans started doing the same thing. I can see it now...Koreadog. Or what about the Americans wanting to name their "hot dog" to Ameridog? ;) haha all jokes aside. Those Japadogs were HUGE! but they were a declicious treat. i finished mine pretty quickly. my girlfriend took some more time with hers..hehe..anyone who haven't tried the Japadogs should go sometime and try 'em out. they're pretty good. A bit on the pricey side (6.25 for my Japadog) - $13 in total - no drinks.

[Yume-sama]

But the drinks are only $1 each :P

[SpongeG]

u pay for the priviledge

[metroXpress]

Glad that they are good :)

[Vancity]

But the drinks are only $1 each :P

yeah, but that dollar could be used for them parking meters ;)

haha j/k

[SpongeG]

what do you get for $1 15 minutes? lol

i hate the varying parking meters - the ones next to the convention centre are killer $2 for 24 minutes

[Vancity]

Yeah, but it's better than having your car towed away. When I was eating my Japadog with my gf, we saw Buster (the tow truck company) take this van away, right when the couple got to their car. The guy was nice enough to let them have their car, but they obviously still had a fine to pay.

[metroXpress]

This would fit quite nicely here...


http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/Coneheads-movie-01.jpg
(via starpulse.com)

[LotusLand]

Every night at midnight, there's a 10-minute white fireworks show at the top of the building.

lol sometimes the show only lasts for 45 seconds :D

[CanadianCentaur]

Gotta love those Japa-dogs!

I've had the pleasure of having eaten a couple of hot dogs from them last year. Definitely gonna try having yet another from them when I get back to Vancouver later this month. :D

[mezzanine]

Dunno if it will be permanent, but today I saw a Japadog cart by coal harbour community centre today (location #3?)

[Spork]

I noticed a shop in coal harbour on Sunday that looked like it was going to be a full out japadog store.

[Yume-sama]

Hmmmm, really? That's disappointingly far from me :P

[SpongeG]

their website advertises that they have franchises available they do want to branch out

[raggedy13]

I noticed a shop in coal harbour on Sunday that looked like it was going to be a full out japadog store.

I was surprised to come across this too. I saw it for the first time yesterday and took some pics:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/3575463276_c296298665.jpg?v=0 http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3574601313_36ef59e820.jpg?v=0
pics by me

[Yume-sama]

That's awesome!

I'm happy for them. The owner seems like a nice guy! :yes:

[Yume-sama]

Just looking over their website, they pay pretty well for a hotdog stand (I think!)

$16.80 Hourly, for 40 Hours per week

[Yume-sama]

I waited in line at Japadog for half an hour yesterday at noon, got a little sunburnt, but OH MY GOODNESS their new Kurobuta (the Kobe beef of pork) Terimayo is to die for.

Heck, I probably would get skin cancer from standing in line for it everyday.

[SpongeG]

Just looking over their website, they pay pretty well for a hotdog stand (I think!)

$16.80 Hourly, for 40 Hours per week

its a lot of standing and stress

[CBeats]

Damn it...I walked past that store on Monday and was really hoping to buy some good food, but it was closed because Mondays are the Japanese equivalent of our Sundays in regards to holidays, apparently. It was just bad timing. I'll have to go back soon. What's the best tasting thing?

[Yume-sama]

:P Yeah, a lot of things in Japan close on Monday. It's kind of irritating.

The Terimayo is their famous hotdog, it comes with Beef hotdog normally.

I would recommend the Kurobuta Terimayo which is the pork version, but $2 more expensive.

[twoNeurons]

its a lot of standing and stress

You can always make your own. If you've got a BBQ, the ingredients are readily available.

[SpongeG]

what?
their wages - they deserve them

[twoNeurons]

:P Yeah, a lot of things in Japan close on Monday. It's kind of irritating.

The Terimayo is their famous hotdog, it comes with Beef hotdog normally.

I would recommend the Kurobuta Terimayo which is the pork version, but $2 more expensive.

But they don't understand why we close shops early on Sunday... when that's one of the busiest shopping days.

Guess it all evens out.

[twoNeurons]

what?
their wages - they deserve them

Lol... I misread it. In any case, we have made our own. Haven't made them taste as good yet though.

[LotusLand]

Japadop makes a lot of $$$. I asked the normal hot dog vendor on Robson and Burrard and he smiled and said "more than me, thats for sure" lol.

[Spork]

I always wonder why our streets don't have a greater variety of food vendors. I recently read an article on Toronto's licensing policies for food vendors - they are not geared at variety. They have pad thai, sushi, ramen, tacos... I would be a lot happier if even the existing standard hot dog vendors put their own ethnic twists on their products - mexican hot dogs anybody?

[Yume-sama]

Yeah, it's crazy. Never any lines at the other places.

These guys are SWAMPED. But for good reason! Nothing else like it.

[officedweller]

Tenku Bakudanyaki — Richmond’s Answer to Vancouver’s Japadog?

The Bakudan Yaki is loaded with seven ingredients … cabbage, mochi, quail eggs, shrimp, squid, octopus and sausage.

http://chowtimes.com/2009/06/01/tenku-bakudanyaki-richmonds-answer-to-vancouvers-japadog/

http://chowtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/tenku-4-400x600.jpg

http://chowtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/tenku-11-600x400.jpg

[Canadian Mind]

Looks gross, and thats coming from a guy who eats army food daily.

[Yume-sama]

Umm. No thank you....!!

I've never even seen anything like that in Japan, except for the normal Takoyaki (fried octopus balls).

Those ingredients just don't mix. I mean mochi, seriously? A yummy sweet treat on its own...

[quobobo]

Umm. No thank you....!!

I've never even seen anything like that in Japan, except for the normal Takoyaki (fried octopus balls).

Those ingredients just don't mix. I mean mochi, seriously? A yummy sweet treat on its own...

Sweet? It's made with only rice. It's a yummy sweet treat if you add a bunch of other ingredients...

[Yume-sama]

:P Well, who buys plain mochi? :whip:

I still can't imagine that texture mixed with all of those things.

[twoNeurons]

Umm. No thank you....!!

I've never even seen anything like that in Japan, except for the normal Takoyaki (fried octopus balls).

Those ingredients just don't mix. I mean mochi, seriously? A yummy sweet treat on its own...

Mochi is just glutenous rice pounded into a paste. It's just an ingredient. Perhaps you're thinking of the treats made from mochi, which of course have added sweetener.
Or perhaps Matcha, but that's more bitter (well, its natural taste is).

It looks like a monster takoyaki and looks fantastic! Takoyaki doesn't necessarily have to have Octopus in them, too. There's all kinds of variety in Osaka (home of takoyaki) and many people in Kansai has their own takoyaki grill at home.

[Yume-sama]

Well, by definition takoyaki has to have octopus, or else it is not takoyaki.

タコ　(tako) = octopus, and 焼き　(yaki) = cooked, grilled, fried, etc.

[LotusLand]

I always wonder why our streets don't have a greater variety of food vendors. I recently read an article on Toronto's licensing policies for food vendors - they are not geared at variety. They have pad thai, sushi, ramen, tacos... I would be a lot happier if even the existing standard hot dog vendors put their own ethnic twists on their products - mexican hot dogs anybody?

Forget hotdogs for a minute. Why not have a samosa stand, bring in that indian flair you know. Those would kill in the downtown core! Donairs, tacos etc... for a city of such great ethnic diversity our street vendors are definitely lacking.

[Canadian Mind]

Forget hotdogs for a minute. Why not have a samosa stand, bring in that indian flair you know. Those would kill in the downtown core! Donairs, tacos etc... for a city of such great ethnic diversity our street vendors are definitely lacking.


OMG yes! :psycho:

[raggedy13]

Thanks officedweller, those look pretty interesting. I'll have to try those on my next Richmond excursion.

[quobobo]

:P Well, who buys plain mochi? :whip:

I still can't imagine that texture mixed with all of those things.


Me, yakimochi is great.

I agree about the texture though, it's probably a little much.

[SpongeG]

I always wonder why our streets don't have a greater variety of food vendors. I recently read an article on Toronto's licensing policies for food vendors - they are not geared at variety. They have pad thai, sushi, ramen, tacos... I would be a lot happier if even the existing standard hot dog vendors put their own ethnic twists on their products - mexican hot dogs anybody?

since i was laid off i was thinking of opening a hot dog cart - apparently its a huge thing taking off amongst laid off people in the states - anyway i was thinking of doing bollywood style hot dogs it could be a good niche

[Yume-sama]

:frog: What kind of hot dog would that be?

[deasine]

We already have our answer to Japadog in Aberdeen Centre... forgot what's it's called but it's the Japanese place at the end... yummy Yakisoba Sandwiches ^__^

[SpongeG]

:frog: What kind of hot dog would that be?

i don't know yet - i was thinking a lamb sausage maybe or veggie ones cause i don't think they would eat beef if it were a real indian style - figure out toppings and sauces etc - like a nice lamb sausage with a good chutney maybe? or a tandoori chicken sausage thing

[LotusLand]

i don't know yet - i was thinking a lamb sausage maybe or veggie ones cause i don't think they would eat beef if it were a real indian style - figure out toppings and sauces etc - like a nice lamb sausage with a good chutney maybe? or a tandoori chicken sausage thing

Butter chicken hotdog? Maybe a bit much. You should apply to open one up, I'd definitely check it out :)

[hollywoodnorth]

I always wonder why our streets don't have a greater variety of food vendors. I recently read an article on Toronto's licensing policies for food vendors - they are not geared at variety. They have pad thai, sushi, ramen, tacos... I would be a lot happier if even the existing standard hot dog vendors put their own ethnic twists on their products - mexican hot dogs anybody?

reason is like almost everything in VANCOUVER there are some old and fucked up bylaws.

The food served at Carts must be precooked. ie hot dogs or icecream or pop

I wish to christ we would have a nice falafel or burrito cart down by the beach. but not in no-fun city that would be incorrect.

[jlousa]

No open a Canadian Hot dog stand, For the bun use a rolled up pancake, you'd throw a quarter slab of bacon into it, and douse the thing with maple syrup. Dessert would be Coffee Crisp, and the only pop you could sell would be Canada Dry. And don't accept paper money, only loonies and twoonies.

You also have to have a uniform, I suggest a canuck jersey and toque.

I don't think it would be really tasty but I'd buy one once. :tup:

Not sure about the precooked thing, there are a few popcorn stands and lots of roasted chestnuts stands those aren't precooked. I do beleive you need to prove you have access to running water and a washroom, not for your clients but for yourself, usally just an agreement with a neighbouring building.

[Spork]

since i was laid off i was thinking of opening a hot dog cart - apparently its a huge thing taking off amongst laid off people in the states - anyway i was thinking of doing bollywood style hot dogs it could be a good niche

Oh god yes. Dooo it! I don't know if it's just me, but Indian food seems to be taking off quite steadily. I know that I love it myself!

[Yume-sama]

:notacrook: I predict Indian food is the next big thing.

[raggedy13]

I noticed there is going to be a new Japadog eatery on the south side of Robson, between Granville and Seymour. I took this pic of the outside a month or so ago but didn't know what it would be at the time. I walked by today and saw that the lettering on the window was finished and it spelt "japadog" down the left side:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3991939126_088da900aa_b.jpg

[hollywoodnorth]

that's actually the 500 block of Robson. its between Richards and Seymour ;)

[raggedy13]

My bad, you're quite right.

[Yume-sama]

Oh my God. It's like my prayers have been answered. I won't have to walk like 6 blocks anymore.

[Vancity]

Oh my God. It's like my prayers have been answered. I won't have to walk like 6 blocks anymore.

LOL

[SpongeG]

it looks like two spaces - walked past it last night

[delboy]

it looks like two spaces - walked past it last night

okay i have to ask. What the hell is a japan dog?

[deasine]

okay i have to ask. What the hell is a japan dog?

Japanese style hot dog. I don't know how else to explain it. Let's take one of their hot dogs for instance, they add Japanese mayo and all sort of other ingredients. Incredibly delicious.

[raggedy13]

Here is a pic, delboy. I highly recommend you try it sometime.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/3020672005_aa6c4d0511_b.jpg
by stephenccwu (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenccwu/3020672005/) at flickr.com

[raggedy13]

I wonder if this will come to be known as a signature Vancouver food icon, like what the cheesesteak is to Philadelphia, deep dish pizza to Chicago, smoked meat to Montreal, etc.

[gassho]

Delurking for first time post. :) Relocating to Vancouver next summer and a Japadog will be one of my first city-specific food forays. Can't wait to move!

[mr.x]

They were at UBC earlier in the week, these hot dogs are AMAZING!


BTW, they are opening a Japadog Restaurant next month at 530 Robson.

[deasine]

They were at UBC earlier in the week, these hot dogs are AMAZING!


BTW, they are opening a Japadog Restaurant next month at 530 Robson.

Not unless you had to wait an hour in the pouring rain... it's better when you don't have to wait =P

[Rusty Gull]

Am I the only one who is less than enthusiastic about Japadog these days? Prices seem to be on their way up, and the quality is iffy on some days. I had a very mediocre Japadog at their Waterfront Station cart yesterday - hugely overpriced at $7.

The menu at that cart only had three types available, and they were literally scratched onto a make-shift menu that was essentially a torn piece of cardboard. Very bush league.

I've also noticed that they have taken plain hot dogs off their menu (which was good for little kids who hate most condiments outside of ketchup, Japanese or otherwise). There was a bit of a xenophobic sign saying "please respect our Japanese hot dogs"...I construed it as a shot against American tourists who might be confused by the essence of Japadog.

Additionally, rumours about that the employees (mostly ESL students from Japan) are over-worked, underpaid, and generally unhappy.

I've said it once, and I'll say it again, people: The Olympics were the ultimate jump-the-shark moment for Japadog. This franchise is now in serious decline.

[sono65]

:previous:

I would have assumed the exact opposite. Have you checked out their store location on Robson st.? I've been 3 times now, and it's been packed every time with enthusiastic customers. The employees were cracking jokes with each other and seemed to be having a good time. Doesn't look like their slowing down in the least.

[Yume-sama]

I've not been to their Waterfront stand. I wouldn't pay too much attention to any signs with questionable English... that's surely not what they mean, as they speak very little to no actual English, and probably meant something completely different. It's strange their menu would be limited, though I think the Waterfront location was supposed to have more of their "specialty" items like the Ume dog. They have quite a lot of copycats around town now, too! I've seen two carts selling "Japanese style hotdogs" and at the Calgary Stampede this year there was one lol. You can always order a plain hot dog, even if it is not on the menu. Yeah, they'll probably giggle at you, but so is the risk :P Like going to a seafood restaurant and ordering chicken. The Robson Store is always extremely busy, I almost feel bad for the people working there...! I have heard their pay is $12 - $15 / hour. You can make up your mind whether that's good enough or not.

Most of their employees definitely are pretty FOB Japanese :P Though they have a white girl working at Robson St. That was strange.

BTW, I have a hunch "respect" was meant to be "enjoy", lost in translation. Depending on how you write it in Japanese and type it in to Google Translate~ lol

[SpongeG]

the waterfront one is probably a franchised one, they've been offering franchises for a while now as a way to expand

[Yume-sama]

I don't know about that, but it is seasonal in that it's only there during the Summer.