Understanding the Hot Dog Debate: Why Some Call It a Sandwich, Others Don't

When it comes to categorizing food, there are few items as divisive as the humble hot dog. Some refer to it as a sandwich, while others firmly place it in the realm of sausages. This article explores the reasoning behind this debate and the broader implications of culinary classification.

Defining a Sandwich

The very nature of what constitutes a sandwich has been called into question, with some insisting that it must contain two slices of bread. This defining characteristic, however, is a relatively recent innovation. In reality, the concept of a sandwich predates sliced bread by centuries.

The Historical Context

Pioneer chef Jeffrey Moskowitz notes that the open-faced sandwich had been around for quite some time before its more modern, sandwich-like counterparts. In fact, the first mention of a sandwich according to some historians occurs in The Aeneid by Virgil, in 18 BC. Later, the pizza comes from a similar thought process behind the open-faced sandwich, emphasizing its legitimacy as a sandwich concept.

Hot Dog as a Culinary Conundrum

A key piece of the debate centers on the hot dog, which often causes confusion. Many may not consider a hot dog a sandwich because it typically comes in a roll rather than between two slices of bread. However, the basis of being called a sandwich is not solely dependent on the bread. Instead, it can be determined by the nature of the filling.

A Hot Dog's Complexity

A hot dog is indeed a type of sausage, but it is also commonly served as a filling within a roll. The advent of the hot dog as a standalone street food, often accompanied by condiments like mustard and sauerkraut, has likely contributed to the misconception that it is not a sandwich. The term "hot dog" itself has evolved from being a specific type of sausage to encompassing all types of sausages served in a roll.

Broadening the Sandwich Concept

There are numerous examples of foods that can technically be categorized as sandwiches, even if they don't fit the traditional two-slice mold. Elaborate examples like the Elvis Presley's Fools Gold Loaf and the Runza, a stuffed bread filled with various meats and ingredients, challenge the standard definition of a sandwich. Furthermore, items like tacos and burritos, while not sandwiches, have similar characteristics to them.

The Logic Behind Classifying Hot Dogs as Sandwiches

Given the above examples, it becomes clear that the basis of a sandwich is more flexible than commonly thought. A hot dog, when served in its iconic roll, is still a filling within a roll, which is a form of sandwich. Comparing a hot dog to items like dumplings, pizzas, cutlets, or pies further reinforces its sandwich classification. While the hot dog is distinctively different from a traditional sandwich, it remains more sandwich-like than it does any of the other aforementioned food items.

The debate over whether a hot dog is a sandwich ultimately circles back to how we define the term. There is no clear and universally accepted definition of a sandwich, which allows for a range of interpretations and classifications. As long as the hot dog remains a popular and beloved dish, the debate is likely to continue.