Support Us Button Widget

Take a bite out of this NOVA-style hot dog

Chicago’s got one, and even Seattle has its own signature recipe, so we’re planting our flag on the hot dog map.

A griddle full of half-smoke sausages at Ben's Chili Bowl.

Do these half-smokes have you drooling? We’ve got a new twist on DC’s fave dog.

Photo by T.Tseng via Wikimedia Commons

We’ve got an important question about hot dogs for you. No, not whether they are sandwiches, tacos, or neither, but rather — why doesn’t NOVA have its own signature frankfurter? Sure, DC is home to the half-smoke, loaded with onions and chili sauce, but we’re looking for something that Northern Virginia can call our own.

So without further ado — we know you’ve got barbecues to get to — NOVAtoday presents our NOVA-style hot dog, aka the “Sweet and Salty SuperNOVA.”

Ingredients:

  • Baguette, preferably sourced from your favorite local Vietnamese spot, like Banh Mi DC in Falls Church
  • A half-smoke sausage
  • Virginia ham
  • Apple butter from the Shenandoah Valley
  • Virginia-grown peanuts

First things first. We’re taking a page from NOVA’s Vietnamese cuisine with a baguette bun, reminiscent of a classic banh mi. We couldn’t help but take a page from DC, too, and include a half-smoke sausage as our base – but don’t worry, we’re straying from their dog after that.

For a sweet and salty twist, we’re adding slices of Virginia ham, a slather of apple butter made in the Shenandoah Valley, and a sprinkle of Virginia-grown peanuts. We’re all about keeping things hyperlocal, and that includes our ingredients. Don’t knock it till you try it.

While we think this weiner is perfect as is, add an extra mid-Atlantic touch with a fresh steamed Chesapeake Bay oyster on top — or eat it before as a frankfurter d’oeuvre.

More from NOVAtoday
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Northern Virginia and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
We like to call this one, “NOVA Nostalgiawave Midweek Mood.”
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
The bread type is reaching new heights in popularity, and we’re here to help you find the best loaves in NOVA, or start making your own.
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in NOVA.
Sick and tired of your usual bar? Check out these spots with a fun vibe to switch up your regular Friday night.
New to the city or just looking to meet some new people? Our guide can help you find the people who most align with your interests.
Try these 13 ice cream, custard, and sweet shops around NOVA.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of NOVA’s many beautiful patios.
Alexandria is making significant progress in environmental sustainability through initiatives like expanding electric vehicle infrastructure and introducing new composting programs.