JAPADOG

It was pleasant to see a Japadog stand just outside of the international arrival entrance/​exit at Vancouver’s International Airport. Nothing beats a quick and delicious bite while waiting for a friend or just after a long flight, right?
It’s been some time since I actually sunk my teeth into one of these famous meat and bun concoctions so I thought I’d settle for the classic terimayo (teriyaki sauce, mayo and seaweed).
Perhaps it was the location, but it wasn’t as savoury as I recalled it to be. The meat was dry (even though I had witnessed them cooking it), and the toppings were lacking which required me to lather them with more. For the price you’re paying for a Japadog, it’s not worth it. However, it’s convenient to grab a quick bite at a place like YVR. The cost of a Japadog is, afterall, cheaper than the parking fee.

Who knew seaweed on a hot dog could be so good? I passed this stand right outside the Vancouver airport several times, but this was the first time that I stopped. I had the Kurobuta Terimayo. It’s their signature hot dog with both teriyaki sauce and mayo. I never would have tried that combination myself, but it was quite good. The pork was supposed to be some very high quality meat also, but I couldn’t really tell the difference between this one and any good quality hot dog meat. I really enjoyed it. I regret not having tried another. I recommend checking it out if you get the chance.

We got the Kurobuta Terimayo which was listed as «must eat» and comes with a kurobuta pork sausage, teriyaki sauce, fried onions, japanese mayo, and seaweed. We also added peppers on one half. The people were super nice and all the dogs had interesting toppings, though a bit rich and salty for my taste. Too much japamayo? They take US & CAD.

I was not even 50 meters outside of the airport when I found my first culinary love in Vancouver: Japadog. My friend, currently living in Vancouver, told/​warned me that there was a Japadog lurking right outside the airport. I didn’t think he meant RIGHT BY THE STAIRS TO THE TRAIN.
So what could I do? Despite my dinner plans, I had to eat one.
And man, was it good. I got the kurobuta terimayo. Though part of me recoiled at having to pay almost seven bucks for a hot dog, this one was worth it. And this also my first sign that I was going to a) gain weight in Vancouver and b) eat myself to death soon.