Street meat, Japanese-style

S?treet meat, Japanese-style

Daikon. Nori shreds. Seaweed sprinkle. Hot dogs get a cultural makeover thanks to an ex-adman's creative take on the tube steak.

By: Alexandra Gill

Published on May 18, 2009

One of the most thoroughly enjoyable food experiences to be found in Vancouver is alongside a Japadog sidewalk cart.

The crowds are huge and the lineups can be long, but I've yet to see anyone get upset or even mildly impatient while waiting for a fatty, flavourful Kurobuta pork sausage loaded with fried onions, teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise and nori shreds.

Japadog, which first rolled up to the corner of Burrard and Smithe three years ago, has opened two new locations this spring: one at Burrard and Pender; the other at the Coal Harbour Community Centre.

In addition their delectable pan-Asian twists on the standard tube steak, the Japadog stands always offer a pleasant break in the sunshine, boisterous greetings from the friendly staff members, a bevy of incredulous smiles from curious onlookers and a few laugh-out-loud chuckles from the chalkboard promotions written in whimsical "Japlish."

"Top chef's special" "You may need 911?" "Ice Cube loves this turkey."

And isn't it just incredibly heartwarming to see an innovative entrepreneur turn his humble sidewalk business into a rip-roaring success despite the city's archaic street-vendor regulations?

Read the rest of this amazing story at The Globe and Mail.