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Philadelphia has its signature cheesesteak, New York lays claim to pizza with thin, foldable crust and Chicago is known for its hot dogs—covered in neon green relish, tomatoes, onions, sport peppers, pickle spears, celery salt and mustard. These dishes are so iconic that they've long-since transcended their status as regional delicacies and become menu items that people all over the world are familiar with.
However, global ubiquity doesn't guarantee a chef's interpretation of a well-known cuisine will be faithful to its source. Such is the case with this Chicago-style hot dog, which was discovered and subsequently posted on Reddit by a user who goes by the handle itssheramie. The "Chicago Classical Hot Dog" is served at a Taiwanese fast food restaurant called Burger Talks and features familiar toppings such as sliced tomatoes, onions, pickles and mustard. However, Burger Talks' rendition of the dish differs from tradition with its inclusion of cheese slices and a bed of what appears to be iceberg lettuce.
To be fair, it's not uncommon for food to change as it's translated across borders. American fast food chains like China Panda and Taco Bell have been serving up inauthentic Chinese and Mexican food for decades now. Instead of devising something like General Tso's Chicken or the Quesalupa, at least Burger Talks decided to emulate a dish that previously existed. It certainly wouldn't pass muster with a dyed-in-the-wool Chicagoan, but we should just be happy that this Taiwanese hot dog isn't doused in ketchup.