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Categories: Hot Dogs, Food Stands [Edit]
899 Burrard StMon-Thu 12 pm - 7:30 pm
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 8 pm
Sun 12:30 pm - 7 pm
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Yes it's expensive, but if you don't eat it everyday or generally speaking even once a week - your wallet will be fine.
This isn't your regular supermarket hot dog - they make it from scratch. So if you guys actually take the time to chew that juicy dog - you can tell it's fresh, juicy, and ultimately a fat popping crunch can be heard from chewing the juicy meat.
We had the okonomiyaki which was just like eating the non-hot dog version. True - the condiments and uniqueness of it's uses on their hot dogs bring them to fame, but it's important to note that the dogs itself is very nice.
They have 2 stands in downtown and a new store around the area too. Each location serves generally different types of dogs. Do expect to wait - usually around 15 to 30 minutes as many ppl(mostly tourists) line up for the dog.
DON'T get the combo - it's not worth it - you get an soda(your typical can of coke, sprite, etc) and a 25 cent bag worth of chips - for TWO bucks more, when it's worth only like 25 cents wholesale and $1.00 from a grocery store )
Ultimately this is an experience for every tourist and an occasional one for locals.
As a huge fan of sausage-shaped foods and a self-proclaimed connoisseur of condiments, I was more than mildly shocked by my "meh" experience at Japa Dog.
I don't know if it was the wait, the hype, or the smallish size of the sausage I received that didn't quite cut the proverbial mustard, but I was less than impressed.
Let's just say I've put better tasting things in my mouth for less than $6.00 that take a lot less time than this.
I visited the location at Burrard near Pender (which, if you didn't know, is in fact the least busy of all the Japa Dog locations). This location is often neglected, possibly due to a lack of nearby places to perch while you munch.
If you do grab a Japa Dog here, I recommend grabbing your Dog and heading to the often-overlooked benches in the small park beside the Burrard Street Skytrain station for some fun lunchtime people watching (or flunchtime pwatching, as I like to call it).
As for the other Japa Dog stands (and the store on Robson), I have yet to visit but will be sure to try them.
Yours faithfully: The Ninja Pirate
MJO
Mmmm.... what's the big deal!?!?
OK, so it's a twist on a hot dog with Japanese flavor/concepts, but does that really make hot dogs worth $5 and up? I definitely like hot dogs, but if I'm going to spend that much money on one, it should wow me. With all the hype and the people lined up, I was disappointed after getting my beef terimayo dog that there wasn't much to wow about. So they put some seaweed and teriyaki/mayonnaise on... It tasted OK, but I ended up putting on a lot of condiments that in my opinion made it taste better - I really don't understand the popularity.
Overall, it's just too average... I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.
Expensive (for a hot dog stand) but brilliant! JapaDog has circumvented Vancouver's ridiculous street-food bylaws (only hot dog carts are allowed) by pairing awesome Japanese toppings like edemame, seaweed, and sweet mayo with traditional meat on a bun. Delish! A bit pricey, but definitely worth it if you're craving something salty and sweet and kind of crazy.
Oh yeah, and, service is *slow*. Be prepared to wait 10 - 20 mins for your food. But it's worth it!
I just don't see what a big deal is... I much prefer a traditional hotdog with just ketchup and mustard with a bit of relish to any of the flavors on the menu at Japadog. Most of the flavors are just too sweet, there is no balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors of hotdogs. These pale in comparison to Korean style hotdogs like bulgogi hotdogs or kimchi hotdogs!
I really love Japadog - especially the miso mayo! It's a little bit unusual, but once you get past the mental barrier of japanese/hotdog fusion it's really much more complimentary than you might imagine! I get cravings for them every couple of weeks... mmmm :)
You've never really been to Vancouver if you don't try Japadog ^_^. Me and my friend went to Vancouver couple of months ago and we kept seeing Japadog stalls around the city and they are always busy. So we decided to try it out on our last day. The hot dogs are very juicy and it just melts in your mouth. Terimayo is the best!
Still 1 star.
I just had Japadog again today.
Good Marketing. Unique product. Lots of hype.
But does it taste good? No.
I paid extra to get the Kurobata Pork Hot dog with Oroshi topping today. Was it even a good hotdog? Not really. Were the toppings good and did they match well with a hot dog? Not at all.
The sub we got next door at Vietsub was much better and less than 1/2 the price.
Really? The hot dog itself wasn't even that good. And just mayonnaise on top? Really? I will give it… Read more »
WOW! Best hot dog ever, hands down!!
Clever concept, fun service, and exceptional taste. It was worth the 30 minutes it took to get my japadog. Who would have thought sushi condiments on a hot dog could taste soo good. I ordered the Veggie Okonomi and my bud ordered the Veggie Terimayo. The rest is history.
Someone needs to bring this concept down to LA, drop the price, and start slanging some Japa Dogs. (Dogzilla in Venice doesn't compare) Japanese mayonnaise is a highly addictive substance...use with care. dadadadamn!
Great place for unique hotdogs, not the usual suspects-ketchup, mustard n relish. I usually go to the one on Burrard Street. On a good day the lineup is about half and hour, but I think it's worth it. I tried their new location and I feel the hotdogs are not hot enough and have enough toppings on it.
I usually order the house special. I love the mayo sauce and seaweed on it. Sometimes I'd order the pork one with minced daikon. I find that one to be a bit too salty.
Overall it's a good place for a good bite on the go.
From cars to stationery to electronics, the Japanese have a way of making everything a little more amazing. So what's next?...Hot dogs of course!
Like Anthony Bourdain, we seriously love Japa Dog. Line or no line..rain or shine..Japa Dog is always worth it in our book. Every time we are in Vancouver, we have to stop by at least 2 or 3 times. Seriously it's that good. Cheesy terimayo dog and the terimayo kurobuta are our running all-time faves.
Listed in: Oh Canada :)
Simply sexy!!
Great Dogs (Terimayo) awsome friendly service! a little over-priced but oh well, Vancouver is an expensive city am i right?? I come here A Lot!...mabey because its only a block away from where i live!! i love convenience!! anyways! if you have never gone to Japadog before I suggest u get off your bottom, come down and taste these little Dogs of love!!! :)
You take an American Classic like a hot dog, add some Japanese flavors to it, and sell it to Canadians and you have a recipe for success, A Japadog.
The Kurobuta pork was by far the best of the dogs. I usually don't like eating at vendors like these because to be honest, it will never be as clean as a restaurant.
How long can this fad last? When will restaurants concoct something better and cheaper? To be honest, this might be one of those fads that might actually last. I don't think restaurants can compete with this business plan. This place is so busy that they have 4 ppl running this place. They got it down to a science. One person takes the order, another person grills it, another spreads the condiments and another person expedites it.
Japadog was one of the many highlights in Vancouver. I sure hope they bring it over to California. I was very impressed with this dog.
I went there to try after they opened their shop. Surprisingly, they actually made a simple hotdog taste amazing~
I tried out their Okonomi, which was a pork sausage with Japanese flavorings (ie. Japanese Mayo). Thinking that it might be too greasy, I took a bite, and couldn't stop afterwards. The hotdog was well cooked, the bread was crispy and tastes fresh, and the dressing was not overdone. I completely fell in love with it.
I then tried the Katsu, which was a deep fried pork in a hotdog, with shio fries (fries with salt). Again, it was good, except I feel the sauce was a bit too much and the whole thing tasted a bit salty too.
I would consider going back again, but not all the time. Paying $7 for a premium hotdog can be hard on the wallet.
I've tried several different Japadogs on different visits to Vancouver, dragged along by different friends. I do not understand the hype.
If you're expecting the best flavors of Japanese food in a hot dog, you won't get that from Japadogs. You basically get a hot dog with meat of normal quality plus some seaweed, fish flakes, and ambiguously Japanese teriyaki-okonomiyaki-wasabi flavoring. The sauce is not mind-blowing. The hot dogs are also very salty.
Japadogs might make decent drunk food if the stand was open late, but it's not!
For a hot dog stand, it's actually pretty original. I will give them the credit of having an amazing idea for such a limited policies you are allowed in Vancouver to have food stands, until recently.
I would say it is such an interesting way to sell food. I do enjoy the creative side of creating such an amazing product. I would say I enjoyed the hot dog, it had an amazing taste as it was different.
I would deduct points on being amazingly pricey. It was like 8 dollars for a specialty hot dog, and it wouldn't stop there. These dogs were so easy to make at home to have the same great taste. I do understand the hype and all, but seriosully? Price is heavy when you are in Vancouver... especially eating such a hot dog.
Definitely worth a try since you can't find japanese style hotdogs elsewhere. The dog I tried had bonito flakes, and I put some wasabi mayo... Really tastey, but there is quite a wait and I normally do not pay 8+ dollars for a hotdog, so I think it might be a bit too expensive.
But hey... a Roots polo shirt is 70-85 bucks, so maybe it's considered cheap.
Wildly overrated.
As a Seattleite, and as a Japanese-American, and as a lover of hot dog stands, I've been told by many that this place is to die for. Well, I say it's not to die for, in fact, it's not even to be minorly injured for.
They heat an average sausage (which was actually a little tough-skinned -- ick). They put it in a Safeway bun. They splash some random Japanese-esque ingredients on top. And they laugh all the way to the bank.
To me, it'd be like going to Japan and opening a sidewalk cart that sells sushi with random North American ingredients like ketchup and tater tots. And then calling it "Yankie Sushi". Actually, Japan is a weird place, so this might actually work. Maybe I'll give it a try. And then I'll be laughing all the way to the bank.
Conclusion, Seattle cream-cheese dogs are way better. Does Van have juicy cream-cheese dogs with sauerkraut? If so, where?
I just visited their new covered location and love it. It's just as busy as their carts but now at least you might get a chance to get some cover from the rain and sit down.
The new seasoned fries in a paper bag are especially addictive. Get a Terimayo, fries and a drink then have cream puff dessert next door at Papa Beard's. Done deal!
I always wondered why Japadog was so popular, so I finally decided to try it out during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. I got to say it was crazy that I had to line up for 2 hours on the street for a hot dog. It wasn't cheap either. It was good, but it was nothing special to me. Just a hot dog with special sauce and seaweed on top instead of ketchup and mustard. For me, a Japadog is just a fancy hot dog.
If i had to sum up Japa dog in one word it would be
I heard plenty of good things about this establishment and on a recent trip up to Vancouver got to finally see what all they hype was on these dogs. Being an out of towner finding the the cart wasn't too difficult though with all the carts on the blocks there menu sign helps distinguish them from the rest of the pack.
Upon looking at the menu I was tempted to order the edamame brat , but decided to try the kurobuta terimayo. As far hot dogs go it tasty and didn't go overboard on flavor. If your on the run or don't feel like dining in for lunch, I'd recommend trying this place.
Rumor has it that I came to Vancouver just to have a Japa Dog. Well, that's a lie. D'ya hear me? A baldfaced LIE! "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky"... I really didn't. Oh wait, a frankfurter was involved (rimshot, please). Anyhow, Jamie W. and I came up north for his birthday this past 4th of July weekend, and right outside of the front door of our hotel was the legendary Japa Dog stand.
It's fate, I'm tellin' ya. I've been wondering about Japa Dog ever since, you guessed it, Anthony Bourdain ate one on an early episode of "No Reservations". Hot dogs from my peeps? This I needed to try, and without hesitation, we waited in a three-deep line to order one. With three manically efficient Japanese young adults tending the grill and condiments, the multiple menus were a tad overwhelming at first, but I ended up gravitating toward the Terimayo menu and ultimately the bratwurst.
It was a Canadian five spot and a quarter for a large bratwurst nestled in a soft bun with a teriyaki sauce mixed with mayonnaise and shreds of seaweed on top. It was quite a presentation (see photo), but then again, it is Japanese after all. I added an artistic squeeze of wasabe mayo for a hint of green to complement the seaweed. It was solid good for a dog, fresh-tasting without having the greasy residue of a ballpark frank. At the same time, I have to admit it didn't blow my kimono off either. But it's definitely a good bargain and a unique experience worth having.
FOOD - 4 stars...more novelty than a true culinary find, but a good dog is a good dog, so there's no sense knocking it
AMBIANCE - 3 stars...well, it's on a busy corner in downtown Vancouver...if the rain doesn't get you, the sprinklers in the nearby planters will
SERVICE - 4 stars...typical Japanese efficiency, expect no less
TOTAL - 4 stars...it's the hot dog of my peeps...Respect!
Listed in: Vancouver, Victoria, Veni,…
I'm sorry but I really have to give JapaDog a bad review... What's with all this craziness about it ?!?! It's in the end just another hotdog vendor in the street of vancouver, and not even a very good one. Their buns are bellow average and their sausages not that great either....
And worst of all ?? They've been chut down by the city of vancouver for un-propper health condition.... which is very bad, when you know how lenient the city is about the hotdog carts (according to them, about a third of the carts should be closed for unhealthy issues....).
If you don't trust me, go and check the city website :-)
http://www.vch.ca/medi...
Any how, maybe that now, with the diversification that is happening, we will have some true interesting and good food vendors, but still not sure, when I see how the whole thing has been poorly handled by the city....
Konichiwa... Bonjour... BC yelpers!!!
Arigato... Merci... for the fabulous yelp reviews!
I just came back from a lovely 4th of July weekend in Vancouver and I had a chance to hit up Japa Dog! Oishii!!!! I just had to see what all the great yelp reviews were about ;o)
I had the edemameterimayo hotdog! =]
Best hot dog I ever experienced in my life! Sugoi!
If you're planning on visiting Vancouver... JAPA DOG is a must!
Find street parking and wait in the line.
I may just have to come back to BC for another Japa Dog!
xo-
Miss Yelp 2010
JAPADAAAWG! WHA WHA!!
And that is...my sis and I acting like fools after having Japadog. In the car. On the street. Anytime. Anywhere.
You would be too if you had these amazing hot dogs! Japadog was Hot on Yelp when I was doing my Vancouver research. And when Marc D insisted that it was the spot to go, it was a no brainer. Thanks Marc!
The stand at this location is busy! Foot traffic. Car traffic. Parking is impossible around here. So get dropped off.
There's a line to order and a line for pick up. But it's worth the wait! You need all the time you have to study the menu before ordering. There are so many options! I want them all! And while waiting to get your order, you can see and smell the sausages being cooked. Salivation overload!
Beef Terimayo: Grilled beef sausage topped with Japanese mayo, seaweed and teriyaki sauce. The hot savory sausage with the creamy mayo mixed with the sweetness of seaweed and teriyaki sauce. Oh my goodness. So so good.
Okonomi: Grilled Kurobuta sausage topped with fried cabbage, bonito flakes, Japanese mayo, and okonomiyaki sauce. The pork sausage was thick and juicy. Yum. The cabbage and bonito flakes added another layer of texture. And the sauces once again created an explosion of flavors. Double yum!
BOMBDIGGITY DELICIOUS!
I love you, Japadog. I don't have much to say that hasn't already been said - I have waited patiently in line for all varieties of their dogs (the veggie option, of course) and I have loved all of them. My top 2 are the Oroshi and the Spicy Cheese Terimayo. Yum!
This is a must-visit experience for locals and tourists alike - true fusion that represents how diverse and wacky Vancouver really is!
Listed in: My Very Favourites, Yummy Veggie-Friendly Fast…
Seriously addicting gourmet hot dogs. This place has changed my meager opinion of what typical dogs tasted. The Okonomi with bonito flakes was so yummy. The mayonnaise sauce was interesting and added a nice element to the juicy meat. I made my hot dog into a meal with the french fries shaken in garlic and spices. This was so good that it makes you want to eat the crispy bits on the bottom.
Another bonus is the condiment area. They let you add pickles, cabbage, hot sauce, wasabi, mayo, etc to your hot dog or dip with french fries. I love diy food!
Listed in: Vancouver ain't so bad
Oh meaty wonder!
I came to this cart establishment to taste the legend. This place is surrounded by throngs of tourists so its easy to spot on the corner of Burrard and Smithe. I went with the Terimayo spicy cheese dog.
kind of a frankenweeny (rememeber the ones with cheese on the inside) covered in japanese mayo, grilled onions and nori. The service is super friendly and efficient. They even sport pics of famous celebrities like Ice Cube, Steven Segal and that asian guy from Lost. Luckily there are some convenient steps to sit you duff down and eat your salty prize.
Listed in: Vancouver Highlights
A couple hours after touching down in Vancouver, the first thing we wanted to try was Japadog.
Luckily the lunch time rush was over and the line was short. We ordered up two veggie terrimayo dogs and waited patiently. The concept itself is genius. I even noticed other "regular" hot dog stands with their Japadog knock offs. Hilarious!!
The flavor profile is interesting. I am not a fan of seaweed, but I wanted to try new things. The combination of a veggie dog with terriyaki sauce, mayo, onions and seaweed was actually pretty good. A little sweet, a little salty and a whole lotta scrumptious.
I only managed to try Japadog once during my trip. There are way too many cool food options in Vancouver. I can't wait to go back!
Minus 1 star for the menu being so confusing.
Otherwise, Japa Dog is the bomb! The person behind this is a genius! Such a simple concept.
The spicy cheese terimayo and kurobuta terimayo were my favorites. Top it with wasabi mayo!
Bf got the oroshi, which was different but delicious as well.
I so wanted this to blow me out of the water, and instead it just kinda blew. We were stoked to try it, but in the end it was just "ok". I had Ice Cube's favorite (apparently) since me and Cube are tight. It was a turkey dog with seaweed and terimayo. The meat was good, but the rest turned me off. Too bad, because I thought the idea rocked. Will likely give it another shot.
While Costco shall forever remain in the hot dog hall of fame as dollar for dollar, the best value west of the Mississippi, Japa Dog is a first ballot hall of famer. Make no mistake about that.
Heard the hype, saw the hype, tasted the hype, digested the hype, went back for more hype. The hype lives up to the hype. Damn, these dogs are supreme. Like, the flagship dog of all dogs. Why?
Four reasons:
1. Kurobuta Terimayo
2. Okonomi
3. Oroshi
4. Bratwurst Terimayo
Long story short, Oroshi took first place, Okonomi and Kurobuta Terimayo tied for second, and the Brat placed a very respectable third. Oroshi's dealmaker was the soy and cold grated radish that just threw everything I thought i knew about a dog and Japanese food all outta wack. Amazing-ness. Okonomi was nuts with the dried bonito on top, the Kurobuta Terimayo had me speaking pig latin, and the Brat Terimayo brought a tear of joy to my eye. No, that was rain. My mistake.
Personally, I didn't waste any time going for the combo they offer or dickin around with the plain dogs. If I'm in Vancouver and getting a dog, best believe that dog will be found on the corner of Burrand and Radically Delicious. And it's gonna be dressed to the nines, ready for a little one-on-one time with yours truly. And it's gonna cost me more than what I'd like to pay for a dog, but damn, once that first snap of cased pork rings in your ears, having a short-term memory is suddenly a good thing.
The menu is kinda all over the place, Ice Cube is a certified fatty, and the cashier does all the math in his head. And it's most likely gonna be raining so find cover and taste the rainbow.
All these dogs come from heaven.
Listed in: The 10 Crack Commandments
The concept for Japa Dog is pretty simple: get a sausage, put them on a hot dog bun, and top them with Japanese inspired ingredients. And you know, it actually works! I hardly ever eat hot dogs; I can tolerate sausages but not hot dogs. But they are delicious with seaweed, bonito, and teriyaki sauce. It's worth trying once but it's not somewhere I would go for lunch everyday.
this is a must try when in vancouver! it's a totally TASTY hot dog.. i love having japanese versions of american food... because they make it taste so much better!
the oroshi dog is nom nom nom... thinking about one is making my mouth water!!!
one word describes their dogs: UMAMI!!!!
Listed in: Mind Blowing Good Food
I was so excited to go to Japa Dog. I got the Bratwurst with the radish and green onion. This may have been the problem. I should have ordered the tonkatsu one that is pork. My Japa Dog was gross. The meat was a strange consistency and it all around tasted nasty. I threw it out.
Yumz!!
We needed groceries for our week stay on Sunday - the day after our arrival. Before heading into the IGA, we found Japa Dog. There was a line but the cute japanese girls were so friendly and quick at helping us out! the wait all in all was maybe no more than 20 min - from order to the delivery of the dogs in our hands.
I ordered the Terimayo combo- beef brat with teriyaki sauce, japanese mustard and seaweed on a hot dog bun. With the Combo, the dog came with 3 snacks and a pop. my 3 snacks were little bag of corn puffs chives/dill flavored, small box of chocolate in the shape of small cigarettes and a fish jerky. The corn puffs were good, chocolate was bland and the jerky - I didn't get to try because the hubby devoured it!
The beef terimayo was awesome! Great how the flavors complemented each other to give it a different spin on regular hot dogs - the Asian way!
I've gone to the IGA 3 times since we've been in Vancouver and I'm always so tempted to get another dog - but I refrain. Definitely some good eats!
Japa Dog is Japa Crack.
It's street food at its most innovative. A hot dog with Japanese mayo, plum sauce, caramelized onions, and seaweed just doesn't sound like something I would love. But I do. Oh how I love it so.
If it's your first time here order the Terimayo, and then move on to the other flavors when you visit the next day. Odds are if you enjoy it you will visit again the following day. It's one of the better deals to be had in Vancouver.
The Oroshi with grated daikon, green onions, and special soy sauce was really delicious too. They also offer to substitute any of the dogs with a veggie one, so there's something for everyone here.
I really hope this trend gravitates closer to me, because like Mr. Pibb and Red Vines it equals crazy delicious.
Listed in: The Other Vancouver
With all the hype surrounding Japa Dog I decided to give it a go. I was actually not that impressed. I ordered the terimayo and thought it was 'ok' at best. The hot dog was waterlogged, like it was sitting in the pot for at least and hour boiling. Fries were average with some seasoning tossed in the bag. Won't be going back unless I am dragged there and you are paying. ;-)
A can't miss attraction in Vancouver. The Japanese culture is so prevalent, you have to try it in all forms!
Hot Dog + Japanese flavors. Yah, it's that awesome....the line will be long, the fry menu will be confusing, the wait to get your hot dog might seem long...BUT it's still awesome! The wait is definitely worth it!
Oroshi is the way to go!
Did I say awesome?
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