Terimayo
Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver
Regional
Hot dog topped with sweet teriyaki sauce, creamy Japanese Kewpie mayo, and shredded nori, often with onions; a Vancouver/Japanese fusion.
History
The Terimayo Dog is a Japanese-Canadian hot dog fusion that originated in Vancouver, British Columbia, thanks to the beloved Japadog street cart. It features a grilled hot dog topped with teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and shredded nori (seaweed), with optional additions like sautéed onions or pickled daikon. First introduced in the early 2000s, the Terimayo became an instant hit for its umami-packed flavor and unexpected topping combo. It reflects the multicultural food scene of Vancouver and the city’s embrace of global fusion street food. The name itself blends “teriyaki” and “mayonnaise,” hinting at its East-meets-West DNA. It’s now considered an iconic West Coast street food innovation.
Make it at home
A home-cooking version inspired by published recipes and descriptions of this style.
About this recipe
Heating, portions and shop-bought sauces are adapted for a home kitchen. Fried onions also appear on the current vendor menu.
We haven’t kitchen-tested this version. Portions and timing are a guide for home cooking; follow any specific package directions in the recipe.
Last checked: .
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 beef hot dogs
- 4 soft buns
- 4 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 4 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise
- 1–2 nori sheets, shredded
- ¼ cup fried onions, optional
Instructions
- Grill or griddle dogs until hot; warm buns.
- Add dogs, teriyaki sauce and mayonnaise, then nori. Add fried onions if desired.
Local favorites
Where to Try It
Every restaurant below is in this style's home turf – the place it comes from – and its own menu or website confirms it serves the style today.
(this isn't a "near you" list)
Sources and further reading
- JAPADOG, All Beef Terimayo — Original vendor lists beef, teriyaki, Japanese mayo, fried onions and seaweed.
- Lenore Newman, Spacing Vancouver — Independent local food scholarship identifies signature toppings.
- The Georgia Straight — Independent firsthand tasting confirms the beef dog and three signature toppings.
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