It’s a classic debate: what’s the best condiment for a hot dog? Ketchup, mustard, relish, or hot sauce? While there are proponents of each condiment, the truth is that it depends on your personal preferences. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different options and let you decide for yourself which condiment is best for your hot dog.

Ketchup

Ketchup is a staple condiment in many households. Ketchup originated in China, where a sauce made from fermented fish and spices was used to flavor food. The British East India Company began importing ketchup to England in the early 1800s and it was soon popularized as a condiment, using tomatoes as a base. Today, ketchup is made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Ketchup is sweet and tangy, and it pairs well with both beef and pork hot dogs. If you’re looking for a classic flavor combination, ketchup is a great option.

Mustard

Mustard is another popular condiment for hot dogs. Mustard is a popular condiment made from the seeds of the mustard plant. There are many different types of mustard, including yellow, brown, and Dijon. It’s made from ground mustard seeds, vinegar, water, spices, and turmeric (which gives it its distinct yellow color). Mustard ranges in flavor from mild to sharp and pungent. If you’re looking for a little bit of flavor, mustard is a great option.

Relish

Relish is a third option for topping your hot dog. It’s made from chopped cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Relish is sweet and crunchy, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for something different than ketchup or mustard. Relish is available in many different flavors, including sweet, savory, and spicy, which allows for endless possibilities when it comes to recipes.

Hot Sauce

The fourth and final option for topping your hot dog, and our personal favorite, is of course hot sauce. Our Chicago Hot Sauce combines all of the flavors listed above into one delicious bottle. Our Chef King Phojanakong specifically took the famous Chicago classic, The Chicago Red Hot, as his inspiration. The Chicago Hot Sauce is our mildest hot sauce, more like a spicy relish than anything else, which is made with Chicago community garden grown jalapeno peppers, apple cider vinegar (for the tanginess of ketchup), ground mustard seed (as an homage to yellow mustard), and dill (for the flavor profile of pickled relish). So rather than go out and buy three bottles of condiments for your next hot dog, pick up one bottle of Chicago Hot Sauce and give it a try!

So, what’s the best condiment for a hot dog? Ketchup, mustard, relish, or hot sauce? The answer is: it depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a classic flavor combination, go with ketchup. If you’re looking for something with a little bit of heat, go with mustard. If you’re looking for something sweet and crunchy, go with relish. And if you’re looking to spice up your meal, go with hot sauce. No matter which condiment you choose, enjoy. But we strongly recommend trying out The Chicago Hot Sauce Sauce!