It’s not just a sausage in a bun; it’s a beautiful blank canvas. It’s a hot dog, which is a foodstuff eaten worldwide. Here are 40 distinctive varieties from around the globe — from iconic NYC “dirty water dogs” to fully loaded South American street-cart dogs to Japanese octo-dogs. There is a tubesteak out there for every craving that ever was.

[For more hot dog ideas, check out our video series, the Food Republic Hot Dog Condiment Challenge, on YouTube]

More illustrated guides on Food Republic:

• 12 Stuffed Pastas To Know And Cook
• 40 Ways To Make Creative Mac And Cheese With All Your Favorite Pastas
• The Illustrated Guide To Great Moments In Gluten-Free History