French dog is a food unique to the region, distinct from American dog. The French dog, popular in the East Hokkaido region, is made with fish sausage and sprinkled with sugar. In contrast, the common American dog is made with meat sausage and seasoned with ketchup and mustard. Incidentally, the term "American dog" is actually Japanese English and is not used outside of Japan.

The history of the sugar-coated French dog dates back to an event held by Nagasakiya in Kushiro in 1976. At the time, Kushiro had many manual laborers with a sweet tooth, and sugar was readily available, so the sugar-coated French dog took root. Local children eating tomatoes, strawberries, and potato dumplings sprinkled with sugar were also common snacks seen in East Hokkaido at that time. This local culture made the sugar-sweetened French dog a staple flavor.

Hokkaido is the only region in Japan that produces sugar, or "tensai," the raw material for sugar. Nagasakiya first opened its first store in the East Hokkaido region in Obihiro in 1970, and the Tokachi region, which includes Obihiro, is known as a major producer of sugar beet. Nagasakiya later opened a store in Kushiro in 1976, offering French dough covered with sugar. This unique way of eating was born out of the cold region's unique need for food that is easy on the calorie intake and warming to the body and soul.

The French dog, dusted with sugar, has a crunchy, sweet exterior and a salty flavor from the sausage that spreads as you bite into it! The secret of its popularity is the balance between sweetness and saltiness, as well as the fact that it is easy to eat. The moderate volume makes it the perfect snack or light meal. It is no exaggeration to say that the custom of dipping French dogs in sugar in Doto, Hokkaido, is an example of a unique food culture that combines local tradition and creativity.

This way of eating is now spreading to all provinces, but it is definitely available in the East Hokkaido area. At convenience stores in East Hokkaido, when you purchase an American dog, they ask, "Ketchup, mustard, or sugar?" they will ask you. One thing to keep in mind when eating them is that the sugar will fall off in pieces, but people in the East of Hokkaido enjoy that as a bonus.

When you visit Doto, please try the sweet and sour French dog!

Check it out as well!