# SWISS Serving Frau Hund’s “Bastardo” Hot Dog in First Class
SWISS is recognized for its changing seasonal menu featuring various selections. At certain times of the year, you might encounter caviar. During other seasons, truffles might appear. And this summer, you will discover… hot dogs?!
Yesterday, the airline released a video on social media about this, promoting its offering of Frau Hund’s “Bastardo” hot dog, asserting it’s “served with all the care and elegance of a First Class meal, because why should classics be any different up here?” This will be available until September 1, 2026, on all SWISS first class flights departing from Switzerland.
The airline has shared the narrative of this collaboration, as it was SWISS that initiated contact with Frau Hund. Although I’m not a hot dog enthusiast, so I can’t claim to know much about the background, it’s said that the team behind Frau Hund comprises trained chefs aiming to elevate a product that “has a bit of a bad reputation in society, or at least one where quality offerings have been hard to locate.”
Considerable thought was put into choosing the best product for onboard service, considering factors like preparation needs, etc.:
> A product intended for a takeout kiosk has to be reconsidered for the cabin, at least partially. The initial thought was to bring the “Deutsche Dogge” on board, one of the classics from the Frau Hund collection. But the product developers at Gate Gourmet pointed out that something lighter would be more suitable for flying. No issue: Frau Hund suggested another hot dog from their offerings: the “Bastardo,” garnished with coleslaw, apple chutney, sour cream, and roasted walnuts.
> The product itself remained unchanged. Sausage, bun, toppings, all prepared according to the original recipe. The adjustment needed was in the bun’s cut. During the tasting, Gate Gourmet’s recreation wowed in terms of flavor, but presentation raised concerns: the hot dog, which is served in a cardboard box at Frau Hund, kept toppling over on the SWISS First porcelain plate and could not be served neatly. For Chris and Alex, that was an important detail. “If the hot dog is messy and things are falling out, that’s not our standard,” Chris says. The fix was practical: an altered cut so the hot dog stands upright and can be plated attractively, even in the SWISS First environment. “After that, all our uncertainties vanished.”
> The same hot dog, a different environment – and that is the core idea. “It matters to us that a hot dog can be something distinct,” Chris states. Many individuals associate hot dogs with cheap kiosk offerings. Frau Hund aims to demonstrate that there’s a different approach: with thoughtfully selected ingredients, meticulous attention, and a result that truly surprises. The fact that this ambition is now reaching customers at 35,000 feet proves that the concept was spot on from the outset.
## This Isn’t for Me, but I Appreciate the Concept
This hot dog concept is certainly not for me. I don’t consume pork (I adore pigs too much!), and I’m also a quasi-pescatarian, rarely eating meat (and consistently avoiding processed meats).
Thus personally, this isn’t something I’d choose. That being said, I applaud SWISS for the idea:
– I appreciate when airlines feature local dishes on their menus, showcasing the culture of the home country.
– It’s evident that considerable thought was invested in the way this hot dog is served, and this is also an elevated rendition of a hot dog (even if I can’t quite grasp some of the ingredients, like sour cream and walnuts).
– This clearly isn’t about cutting corners but rather, investing in something that’s unique and quirky.
– This is just one of the many offerings on the menu, aimed at those specifically wanting a hot dog, in addition to the other options available.
– Many airline passengers enjoy comfort food, so I envision a substantial number of people ordering this.
Personally, I will be looking forward to SWISS’s seasonal first class caviar tasting. 😉
## Bottom Line
SWISS is innovating its first class menu this summer, as the airline introduces Frau Hund’s “Bastardo” hot dog in first class, on all flights departing Switzerland through September 1, 2026. While a hot dog isn’t what you would anticipate in first class, SWISS is indeed recognizing that while emphasizing the effort that goes into this dish, which is the very concept of Frau Hund — transforming a dish not usually regarded as “fancy” into something elevated.