Sonoran hot dog facts for kids

The Sonoran hot dog is a special kind of hot dog that first appeared in the city of Hermosillo, Mexico, in the late 1980s. Hermosillo is the capital of the Mexican state of Sonora. This tasty hot dog is very popular in cities like Tucson and Phoenix, and other parts of southern Arizona.

What makes a Sonoran hot dog unique? It starts with a hot dog wrapped in bacon and then grilled until it's crispy. It's served in a special bolillo-style bun, which is a bit like a soft, crusty roll. Then, it's loaded with toppings! These often include pinto beans, onions, and diced tomatoes. People also add different sauces, like mayonnaise, mustard, and spicy jalapeño salsa.

Where Did This Hot Dog Come From?

The Sonoran hot dog began its journey in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. It became popular there in the late 1980s. From Mexico, its fame spread north across the border into the United States. It quickly became a favorite food in cities across southern Arizona.

What Makes It Special?

The Sonoran hot dog is famous for its unique combination of flavors and textures.

• Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog: The hot dog itself is wrapped in bacon and grilled. This gives it a smoky, savory taste and a nice crunch.
• Special Bun: It's served in a soft, slightly sweet bolillo-style bun. This bun is often warmed or toasted.
• Lots of Toppings: What really sets it apart are the many toppings. These usually include:
  • Cooked pinto beans
  • Chopped onions
  • Diced tomatoes
  • A mix of condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, and spicy jalapeño salsa. Some places might even add other things like cheese or avocado!

Where Can You Find Them?

You can often find Sonoran hot dogs sold by vendors called "dogueros." They usually sell them from street carts or small stands. These carts are a common sight in places where the Sonoran hot dog is popular.

In 2009, it was estimated that there were over 200 places selling Sonoran hot dogs in Tucson alone. The city of Phoenix has even more places where you can try this delicious and unique hot dog.

Images for kids

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  Two Sonoran dogs topped with minced onion, green chile sauce, diced tomato, pinto beans, mustard, and mayonnaise.

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  A Sonoran hot dog, with pinto beans, tomatoes, green salsa, jalapeño, mustard, and mayonnaise, and with avocado and cotija cheese on top

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  Sonoran hot dogs, with mayonnaise on top

See also

In Spanish: Hot dog de Sonora para niños