Hot dogs, the American street food has started giving hunger pangs to many a young Indians, as food experts say "they gel well with the BPO and mall culture".
Two years back, hot dogs were not on the priority list of Indians as they are associated with pork, which is prohibited in many homes in India. But with many new desi versions like the Makhni Hot Dog coming up, they are becoming popular, though only with the younger generation.
"Their popularity chart is rising in India. Hot dogs are also called 'comfort food'. It is very convenient to carry them around and eat on way to office or home. In New York and Manhattan, people picking up hot dogs from roadside carts is common sight," says Rakesh Anand of All-American Diner.
"In the last two years, the sale of hot dogs in India has increased at least 10 times," he says noting "however, it is still very less compared to an American who eats an average of 80 hot dogs a year.
Agrees a Nirulas spokesperson "hot dogs as a product is picking up very well with young adults, more so those in the BPO industry. The mall culture too has added to their popularity. They are the most popular and low price food item available in malls."