There are quite a few good reasons that will guarantee my return visit to Corn Dog Dude. Among them is a selection of the American-style street treat that isn't on offer anywhere else in Thailand. And the unusual generosity offered at a very reasonable, if not inexpensive, pricing.
Opened a year ago, the 70-seat Corn Dog Dude is the first corn dog-specialised restaurant in Southeast Asia. Owned and run by a French-American from California, it highlights a variety of homemade corn dogs (deep-fried cornmeal battered sausage on a wooden stick) made fresh to order almost from scratch, among a few other choices of popular American treats.
Nothing to complain about the Dude's regular foot-long corn dog (69 baht). The golden-coloured cornmeal casing was crusty and flavourful on the inside, while the sausage was delectable.
Kids will love the Ankle Buster (75 baht for three pieces), which is a shorter version of the original corn dog to fit their smaller tummies, and the Pipe Line (69 baht), is a cheese-centre sausage.
But should you look for something a bit adventurous, go for the spicy corn dog (69 baht) that's infused with Thai chillies.
I can't miss mentioning the Cheese Stick (69 baht), the sausage-free corn dog with cheddar and mozzarella filling. It's really gooey, yummy and hard to stop eating.
Kudos to the Dude for using an impressive choice of pork sausage, which is non-starchy and not overly seasoned, for the corn dog and hot dog menus.
For fans of steamed sausage on a bun, there are six styles of hot dogs to cater to different gastronomic preferences. My favourite was the nacho dog (85 baht), which comes with lots of cheddar cheese, jalapeno peppers and corn tortilla chip topping. While a keen hot dog-loving friend preferred the original Chicago-style hot dog (85 baht) topped with tomatoes, pickled peperoncini peppers and house-concocted relish made with chopped pickled cucumber and mustard.
More options are the pizza dog, chilli cheese dog and California-style dog with avocado and green salad.
All dogs can be ordered in a set with French fries and a drink for 60 baht extra. Or add 10 baht or 15 baht to your set for a cheese or chilli topping, and 30 baht to replace the fries with a garden salad.
Speaking about chilli, beef fans should not miss the chilli cheese fries (69 baht). A generous portion of French fries (made from imported Idaho potatoes) is served with homemade Mexican-style chilli and cheddar cheese.
And if you're sick and tired of the overly sweet (and overly priced) chicken wings offered at most quick-meal establishments, you can't afford to miss the Buffalo wings (89 baht for a six-wing order), properly leavened with vinegar-based cayenne pepper sauce and accompanied by super crunchy and sweet carrot and celery sticks.
The desserts offered in corn-dog style are also really worth enjoying. Choices include cookies & cream (Oreo), marshmallow and Snickers, priced at 69 baht for three pieces they come hidden inside a crispy cornmeal ball.
The Buffalo wings with vinegar-based cayenne pepper glaze.
Corn dog-style dessert with cookie & cream filling.
