Available for years at the snack stand of a Zurich-based catering company, «Happy Souls» is selling the «world's most expensive hotdog» at Rudolf's Christmas Market in Lucerne. Its version of what is a boiled sausage in a soft roll costs 250 francs ($263.70). Ok, there are some rather exclusive ingredients, according to a story in «Blick» (in German).

For that noble price, you get a saffron bun with Kobe beef sausage, white alba truffles, Cristal Roederer champagne foam, a gilded peppercorn, and chocolate crumble.

The white Alba truffle is probably the most expensive in the world. According to «tartufo.com,» the latest price for a kilo is 3,033 euros ($3,116). A bottle of Cristal can be had for just over 265 francs, while the bid price for an ounce of gold is 1,658 francs. A kilo of Japanese Kobe Beef tenderloin from Luma Delikatessen will set you back 646 francs. 

Nathan's Hot Dogs

Each year in New York on Coney Island, «Nathan's» holds its famous hot dog eating contest. In 2021, 14-time champion Joey Chestnut broke his own «world» record, downing 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Nathan's hot dogs are considerably cheaper and had Chestnut eaten Happy Souls' hot dogs, the price tag would have been 19,000 francs (excluding tip). Nathan's famous beef hot dog costs a far more reasonable $4.29, according to pricelisto.com.

Worth the Wait?

A little patience is required. The sausages are freshly prepared and the waiting time for an order is 40 minutes. In the end, perhaps a matter of taste, or, patience, according to «Blick».

If you need to get in the mood to splash out 250 francs on a hot dog, Happy Souls provides a catchy video to accompany its «official hot dog song.» 

Inflation Proof?

Central banks, including the Swiss National Bank, are raising interest rates to combat stubborn inflation. A deeper dive into Swiss inflation data shows prices for sausages, while up 0.5 percent on a monthly basis in October, are down 0.4 percent from a year ago. A hot dog from Happy Souls costs the same this year as last. At least something is inflation-proof.

Champagne and Caviar

Former US president Dwight D. Eisenhower once said that «some people wanted champagne and caviar when they should have had a beer and hot dogs.» With a Happy Souls hot dog, you have the option for both. Well, maybe except for the caviar, but that could be next.