Serving soon
Dubai’s hot dog scene is getting a new addition as homegrown concept SNAP makes its public debut at What The Food this weekend. Created by German chef Robin Höfer, the brand is on a mission to give the humble hot dog a gourmet makeover, with fresh sausages made from scratch and plenty of homemade toppings.
A Concept With German roots
After working in fine-dining kitchens, including MICHELIN-starred restaurants, Chef Robin decided to turn his love for German sausages into a homegrown Dubai concept.
Inspired by the flavours he misses from home, Robin spent months developing his own sausage recipe, which forms the foundation of SNAP’s menu. Each hot dog starts with a German-style sausage, available in beef or chicken, made fresh in-house using quality ingredients.
The novelty of the dish, and the multicultural formula of this offering comes from Höfer’s own background. He grew up in Überlingen on Lake Constance, where early days spent foraging and fishing shaped his instinctive, ingredient-first approach.
His career has taken him through several MICHELIN-starred kitchens including Ossiano in Dubai, Disfrutar in Barcelona and Core by Clare Smyth in London, before building a reputation for immersive, memory-driven dining experiences in the UAE.
Three Hot Dogs
SNAP launches with three signature creations.
The Classic SNAP Dog comes tucked into a soft Japanese milk bun, topped with cheddar béchamel, pickled jalapeños, gherkins, sumac onions, homemade ketchup made with local tomatoes and crispy shallots.
For something with a little more kick, the Spicy Thai Dog combines cheddar and tom kha sauce with Thai salad, coriander mayonnaise and sriracha, finished with sesame, mint and coriander.
Meanwhile, the German Dog pays tribute to Höfer’s roots. Served in a homemade pretzel bun, it comes loaded with sauerkraut, sweet mustard, horseradish, homemade ketchup, SNAP mayonnaise and chives.
The Sides and Drinks
The extra-crunchy fries are another menu highlight, tossed in a special spice blend and served with a choice of homemade sauces. Options include local spice ketchup, SNAP mayo, honey mustard, labneh and loomi, spicy kimchi mayo, and coriander and curry leaf mayo.
There are also a few interesting drinks to wash it all down, including omija berry and timur pepper kombucha, white cola and osmanthus iced tea, all made in-house. The kombucha may seem like an unconventional choice, but for Höfer, it is a return to the familiar, with his supper club venture also serving a series of house-made beverages.
If you can’t decide what to order, the combo includes a hot dog, fries, a sauce and a drink.
Find SNAP
SNAP will make its public debut at the fifth edition of What The Food, Dubai’s annual food and culture festival at Alserkal Avenue. Catch the new hot dog spot on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, from 10am to 10pm.
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
