Hot Dogs: Are They Sandwiches? Maybe? Let's Not Think About It Too Much.

Is a Hot Dog a Sandwich? And… a Salad?

It’s a question that’s plagued humanity for… well, probably since hot dogs became popular. Is a hot dog a sandwich? It sounds silly, I know, but people really care. And recently, the debate has been… expanding.

I was at Old Man Hemlock’s deli yesterday, just grabbing a pickle (don’t judge, I like pickles) and I overheard him arguing with Mrs. Gable about it. “It’s bread, meat, and a topping! That’s a sandwich, plain and simple!” Hemlock declared, wiping down the counter. Mrs. Gable, bless her heart, wasn’t having it. She was saying something about “hot dog culture” and how it deserves its own category.

Apparently, it’s not just deli regulars. I did a little digging (okay, a lot of digging, mostly just scrolling through websites so I didn't have to talk to people) and found out it’s been a whole thing for years. Some folks point to dictionary definitions – if it’s something between bread, it’s a sandwich, right? And, believe it or not, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance actually legally considers hot dogs sandwiches for tax purposes. California too, apparently. Who knew taxes could weigh in on culinary debates?

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, though, they’re firm. They say a hot dog is, well, a hot dog. Unique. Special. Not just a sandwich in disguise. It’s about the bun, they say – one split piece, not two slices.

But then… things got weird. While researching, I stumbled upon a thread asking if a hot dog could also be considered a salad. And honestly, I hadn’t even considered that! It’s got toppings, right? Onions, relish, maybe some tomatoes… could that qualify? I’m… honestly unsure. I mostly just stick to plain hot dogs with ketchup, so it doesn't really impact me personally.

I tried to bring it up with Hemlock, but he just waved his hand and said, “Don’t start with the salads, Leo. Just… don’t.”

So, is a hot dog a sandwich? A salad? Both? Neither? I have no idea. I’m just a guy who likes pickles and avoids conflict. Maybe the real answer is… it doesn’t matter? As long as it tastes good, who are we to judge? Though, I'm probably going to avoid bringing it up at the next neighborhood barbecue. Just to be safe.