It is a rare feat for a humble 120-sq-ft street food shop to win international recognition over giant fast-food chains, but that is exactly the story of Johnny Hot Dog in Indore. Tucked inside Chhappan Dukan, this outlet serves a local version of a burger that has become a symbol of Indore’s culinary innovation. Here is the fascinating story and guide.
Table of Contents
1. The Story of Johnny Hot Dog
2. What is the Indori Hot Dog?
3. The Award: Most Ordered Dish in Asia-Pacific
4. The Secret Recipe and Ingredients
7. Inquire About Your Culinary City Tour
The Story of Johnny Hot Dog
The shop was started in the 1970s by Vijay Singh Rathore, who began by selling small snacks to local students.
- The Struggle: Armed with just a small gas stove and a hot tawa, he experimented with local spices to create a fast, filling, and pocket-friendly snack.
- The Name: While the dish is called a “Hot Dog” (traditionally associated with meat sausages in the West), Vijay Singh Rathore’s version is completely vegetarian and modified to suit the Indian palate.
What is the Indori Hot Dog?
The Indori Hot Dog is a local version of a burger:
- The Bun: A round, soft sweet bun sliced in half.
- The Filling: A spicy potato patty (*aloo tikki*) loaded with coriander, ginger, and local chilies.
- The Toasting: The bun and patty are toasted together on a large flat tawa using generous amounts of pure butter or ghee.
- The Garnish: Served fresh with raw chopped onions and a signature spicy green mint-coriander chutney.
💡 The TPH Advantage
Johnny Hot Dog is one of the busiest shops at 56 Dukan, with long standing queues. We design culinary day tours with dedicated guides who manage the orders and secure seating, letting your family enjoy their snacks comfortably.
The Award: Most Ordered Dish in Asia-Pacific
In 2019, Johnny Hot Dog won international recognition when Uber Eats announced its annual awards:
- The humble shop’s Egg and Veg Hot Dogs beat out major global fast-food chains (like McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King) to become the most ordered dish in the entire Asia-Pacific region.
- Despite the fame, the shop has maintained its single branch at Chhappan Dukan and continues to offer the same authentic taste.
The Secret Recipe and Ingredients
- The Butter: The buns are toasted until they are extremely soft and absorb the butter flavor completely.
- The Chutney: The green chutney is freshly ground daily using a secret spice blend that offers a fiery kick.
Location and Timings
- Location: Shop No. 51-52, Chhappan Dukan, New Palasia, Indore.
- Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
- Cost: Approximately ₹40 to ₹60 per hot dog, making it extremely budget-friendly.
Inquire About Your Culinary City Tour
Ready to taste Indore’s award-winning street snack? Let us organize your private transportation, food guides, and custom city itineraries.

