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Hot dogs undergo a transformation from snacks to gourmet dogs at
DOGS ONE

[Interview, text, and photography]
Waseda Weekly Reporter (SJC Student Staff)
Yuki Matsumoto, second-year student, School of Commerce

DOGS ONE is a hot dog specialty store that opened in January 2025 and is located on the second floor of the building immediately to the right after exiting the south gate of Waseda Campus and walking along Waseda Minamimon Street.

The owner, Yamada, was originally the manager of an izakaya in Shinjuku. Through his experience in the food and beverage industry, he felt that "gourmet burgers have become popular, but gourmet dogs still have a long way to go," which led him to open his own restaurant. "I want to be the best at hot dogs!" The name "DOGS ONE" was born from this desire.

The interior of the shop has a stylish atmosphere reminiscent of an American diner. The white tile counter and neon sign are striking, creating a space that exudes calm despite its pop atmosphere. It's so quiet that it's hard to believe it's located so close to a university, and the comfortable atmosphere makes you want to stay for a while.

Left photo: ​ It is located on the second floor of the building where the shop "Kitchen Grasso" is located, up the red stairs. Look for the neon sign.
Right photo: The interior of the restaurant is calming, with tiles scattered throughout. There is a total of 20 seats.

This time, I ordered the "Student Set," which is popular among students, and the signature menu "Pulled Pork Dog Set."

Left photo: "Student Set" 1,000 yen
Right photo: "Pulled Pork Dog Set" 1,600 yen. Individual item is 1,200 yen

The "Student Set" (available only to elementary school to university students) is a great value menu that includes a plain hot dog, chicken over rice, and fries on one plate, along with a soft drink. The first thing that will surprise you is the sausage, which is so big that it almost spills out of the bun. You'll be blown away by its size and satisfying, juicy flavor. The pork sausage is homemade, and apparently an entire lane in the factory is rented out for special production. With one bite, the juices overflow and the delicious flavor of the meat fills your mouth. The fresh lettuce and tomato sandwiched between the sausage really bring out the flavor, and it pairs perfectly with the bun, which is custom-made to match the sausage!

Chicken over rice is a popular fast-food dish found at New York street stalls, featuring spicy chicken topped with a refreshing yogurt-based sauce and chili sauce. The two sauces create a perfect balance of sourness and spiciness, and the aroma of the turmeric rice further stimulates the appetite. The "Student Set" is incredibly filling, and you're sure to feel satisfied both mentally and physically by the time you finish. It's the perfect dish for when you want to enjoy a hearty meal. Adding toppings like cheese and avocado is available for an additional fee, so you can customize your meal to your liking.

The great value "Student Set" lets you enjoy homemade sausages with chicken over rice and fries.

Next up was the most popular "Pulled Pork Dog Set." It's a luxurious dish with a generous amount of pulled pork on top of the sausage. Pulled pork is an American home-cooked dish made by slowly simmering a large piece of pork before shredding it into small pieces. At DOGS ONE, pork shoulder is slowly simmered for 5-6 hours until it's so tender it falls apart the moment you put it in your mouth. The rich, sweet and spicy seasoning brings out the meatiness of the sausage and the sweetness of the pulled pork, creating a special flavor that can only be found here. You can adjust the intensity of the flavor with the included barbecue sauce, so you won't get bored of eating it until the very end.

For side dishes, you can choose from chicken wings, original Caesar salad, or fries. This time, I ordered the most popular chicken wings. They were crispy on the outside and plump and juicy on the inside. The spicy spices made it hard to stop eating. The set also came with coleslaw, which added a nice crunch and a nice acidity to the dish.

The most popular "Pulled Pork Dog Set" features impressive, slowly simmered pulled pork.

In addition to the regular menu, seasonal menu items using seasonal ingredients are available on a weekly basis. The latest menu information is posted on Instagram, so be sure to check it out when you visit. A dish filled with the owner's attention to detail and warm feelings is sure to fill your heart. Why not spend your next lunchtime at DOGS ONE, forgetting the hustle and bustle of campus and enjoying a relaxing and special time?

Store Information
【Store Name】DOGS ONE
【Address】2F, 1-101-8 Totsukacho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
【TEL】050-5595-6607
【Business Hours】Tuesday–Sunday: 11:30 AM–8:00 PM (Last Order 7:30 PM)
【Closed】Mondays & Holidays
【Website】https://dogsone.owst.jp/【Instagram】@dogsone_waseda

*All prices in the article include tax.

A word from the owner, Mr. Yamada, to Waseda students.

"We hope that students will feel free to drop by during breaks or after school. We will create a warm and welcoming space where students can easily interact with each other and the store staff!"