5 to try: Girthy, no-frills hot dogs at 18cm Champion Mountain

Straightforward hot dogs at this American-inspired joint

When it comes to wieners, size isn't everything. It's what you do with them that counts, as Beijing's newest hot dog joint 18cm Champion Mountain gamely proves. Despite deriving its name from the length of its sausages, the American-style diner excels with its no-frills hot dogs, filled with meat and dressed without a stitch. We've been reliably informed that an updated menu with new toppings is in the works, but until then, here are five OG bangers to get stuck into now.

Original

Despite taking inspiration from a kitschy American diner during the '50s – complete with neon lighting, pastel-hued booths and (ornamental) jukebox – Champion Mountain takes a less-is-more approach to its dogs, opting to let its sausages speak for themselves. It's all about the meat here, and this one's made with good ol' fashioned pork and garlic – perfect for dousing in ketchup and mustard, just like the hot dog gods intended. 28RMB

Spicy

Filled with jalapeño peppers and pork, this surprisingly subtle, well-balanced number deals out a pleasant kick – though it's only really spicy if you're the sort of person who finds hot English mustard a bit much. On the off chance you do find this one a bit too fiery, cool down with one of Champion Mountain's signature pink lemonades (22RMB) or try the ice cream fries (22RMB) – they're literally French fries served alongside soft serve for dipping, making them perfect for not-so-grown-up grown-ups. 38RMB

Cheese

Turning to the unofficial home of the sausage, Germany, for inspiration, this dog features a sausage that's more in line with classic käsewurst. Filled with emmental cheese and pork, we're told the cheese dog's a particular crowd favourite – and it's not hard to see why, with its deep smoky flavour and toothsome texture. Just don't expect oozing cheese. 38RMB

Vegetable

Don't be fooled by its name, this strapping hot dog is ironically Champion Mountain's meatiest offering of the lot. A cornucopia of chicken, pork and veal, it's also loaded with a symbolic offering of parsley and mushrooms to help diners squeeze in their recommended five-a-day (not actually). 38RMB

Beef

Made from beef imported all the way from Australia, this girthy bad boy is undoubtedly the most well-endowed of the lot – not that there's any need to get into a measuring contest. Liberal amounts of pepper give it some welcome bite, helping to cut through the rich Australian beef. Pair it with a popcorn milkshake (26RMB) for a meal that proves moderation is overrated. 58RMB

 18cm Champion Mountain First floor, Block E, Zhongjun World City, 8 Jinhui Lu, Chaoyang district.

 11am-9.30pm daily.

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