America’s best hot dog
Today, Explained | Jul 24 2026 | 00:26:06

Chef José Andrés explains what makes the winning wiener. A DC hot dog vendor respectfully disagrees.
This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
A Seattle hot dog. Photo by Scott Suchman and food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post/Getty Images.
Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger, edited by Avishay Artsy, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
A Seattle hot dog. Photo by Scott Suchman and food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post/Getty Images.
Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
