Return to main articleThe World's Strangest Street Food
REINDEER HOT DOGS
Anchorage, Alaska
When crowds show up every March to watch the start of the Iditarod dogsled race, they stay warm by bundling up, rubbing their hands together—and snacking on sizzling, grilled reindeer hot dogs. The dogs (the ones in the buns, not the sled harnesses) are actually only part reindeer meat; they're also made with pork and beef, to offset the venison-like leanness and gaminess. Fans, who scarf them down with grainy mustard and onions, swear that they're way tastier than ordinary hot dogs. And if you're worried about eating Rudolph, take heart: The hot dogs you usually eat probably contain worse. Where to find them: M.A.'s Gourmet Dogs, 4th Avenue and G Street, in downtown Anchorage; also, the Anchorage-based supplier Indian Valley Meats (indianvalleymeats.com) sells the reindeer dogs and sausages online.
