Author
Owner, Hotdogray
Raytio Ray is the owner of Hotdogray. Hotdogray is an American hot dog brand inside AI DARTS in Taipei's East District, which started as a small stall in Zhongshan District in 2017. The signature is our chili: pure pork slow-cooked with more than ten Mexican and American spices. Ray writes this blog about hot dogs, chili, and eating and hanging out in Taipei's East District.
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A walking taco is an American snack where taco toppings go straight into a bag of corn chips, so you can eat it on the move. Here's where it comes from, how it differs from a regular taco, and how to pick from Hotdogray's 6 walking tacos ($55 to $75).
Hotdogray FAQ: how much to spend, takeout options, vegetarian availability, hours, how spicy the chili is, and whether you can eat without playing darts.
Hotdogray's hot dog menu has 7 options, from the $50 Original Hot Dog to the $100 signature Seared Cheese Chili Dog. What each one tastes like, who it suits, and how to use the 8 add-ons and the +$50 / +$70 / +$95 combos.
Convenience store hot dogs are fast and cheap; handmade ones are fresh, to order. A side-by-side on sausage, toppings, price, plus where Hotdogray fits.
The chili dog, chili con carne spooned over a hot dog, is a classic American street food. Here's how it came to be, and why it's rare in Taiwan.
The best American hot dogs in Taipei: Jimmy's Hotdog Club, ALPHA DOGS, Salty Dog, YELLOW, Rainbow Hot Dog, TIAO's, and Hotdogray inside AI DARTS in Da'an District. For a signature chili dog, Hotdogray starts at $50 and serves Tuesday to Friday, 8 PM to around midnight.
Visiting Taipei for 2-3 days? What to eat between the sights: Taipei 101 and Xinyi, CKS Memorial Hall, night markets, the National Palace Museum, Dadaocheng and Dihua Street, the East District, and a chili dog at Hotdogray inside AI DARTS in Da'an District on your last night.
Poutine is rare in Taiwan and Taipei; only a handful of spots make it. Here's how it compares to Hotdogray's Chili Fries: Canadian gravy and cheese curds vs. American chili.
Hotdogray is at Aly. 15, Ln. 345, Sec. 4, Renai Rd., Da'an Dist. (inside AI DARTS). Da'an MRT is closest, about 255m; buses 235, 270, 939 & more stop nearby; parking's tight, go by bike or transit.
Shopping Lane 161 of Dunhua S. Rd and Lane 205 of Zhongxiao E. Rd in Taipei's East District? What to eat when you get tired: a light snack in the afternoon, then hot dogs or chili to go at Hotdogray inside AI DARTS in Da'an District. Includes addresses and hours for boutiques in the lanes.
Late-night food and takeout in Taipei's East District and Da'an: 24-hour Jing Xing Cantonese Dim Sum, E Quan Shi Tang, Aplus Dining Sake Bar, Zeng's Soy Milk, and hot dogs to go from Hotdogray inside AI DARTS (Tuesday to Friday, 8 PM to around midnight, plus every other Saturday).
Spending a whole day in Taipei's East District? What to eat at each stage: a snack while shopping in the afternoon, BBQ or omakase for dinner, izakayas for round two, then wrap up with a hot dog or chili to go at Hotdogray inside AI DARTS in Da'an District.
Meeting friends for darts? The easiest way to order food: one hot dog each, walking tacos to eat between throws, fries on the table to share, and buy 3 get 1 free on beer on Thursdays. A group ordering guide for Hotdogray inside AI DARTS.
Why a dozen-plus spices? Hotdogray's chili began as a friend's family recipe, reworked over years into a flavor Taiwanese and Americans both love.
Taipei's best chili isn't at a chain restaurant. It's a back-alley spot only regulars know. Pure pork, a dozen-plus spices, simmered three hours.
Hotdogray is an American hot dog brand in Taipei that started as a street stall in Zhongshan District in 2017 and now serves inside AI DARTS in Da'an District. Why we stick to American style, our signature chili with a dozen-plus spices, and when you can eat it.
