What Exactly Is A 'Dirty Water' Hot Dog?

Despite the staggering variety of delicious franks available to New York diners, the Big Apple's signature hot dog has been colloquially dubbed the "dirty water" hot dog.

How the snack got its name has a lot to do with its prep. Vendors use hot water, swimming with seasonings like vinegar, pepper flakes, onion and garlic powder, to cook the franks.

As the hot dogs heat up in this tasty bath of ingredients, their natural flavors become deliciously enhanced. Once ready, most vendors will pop them in a bun and top them up.

Some vendors throw the hot dog on the griddle for a moment to get a little caramelization on the exterior, but it's a little taste of New York no matter how it comes to your bun.