After enjoying K-dogs at Naughty earlier this year, we never expected to be heading back to Ankeny, the base for all things suburban Des Moines, so soon to peruse an all-new menu of Korean corn dogs and delicious drinks. It wasn’t. But I was back in Ankeny on a warm July afternoon to try Iowa’s second-newest K-dog store.
Located in a small strip mall, Gossip Tea Coffee (1510 S Ankeny Blvd, STE 101, Ankeny) looks more like a typical modern coffee shop than a corn dog spot. Probably because even though there are many types of tea and coffee, K-dog only had three options for him. That made ordering easy. I was going to try all three.
It was a little difficult to choose a drink, but I was happy with the brown sugar boba milk tea. This sweet drink brings back memories of eating spoonfuls of brown sugar as a child. The boba balls were delicious and the cold richness reminded me of a decadent chocolate shake on a warm day. It went well with the flavorful corn dog.
First up is the potato and mozzarella K-dog. It tasted like a normal corn dog, but the most delicious thing was the mozzarella cheese inside. The warm, melting texture of the mozzarella goes well with the crunchy breaded potatoes. This combination becomes even more perfect with a healthy dip of ketchup.
Next up was the cheap K-dog. I’ve tried many corn dogs, from microwave-thawed frozen ones to school lunch dogs to fair-legged beauties, and none of them are as amazing as Gossip Tea Coffee’s cheap K-dog. Nothing had that flavor. It doesn’t matter that this particular K-dog of his doesn’t have any “dog” to speak of, stuffed to the brim with mozzarella like the aforementioned potato variety. Don’t get me wrong, I love hot dogs. But whenever he puts a cheesy K-dog next to a carnival corn dog, K-dog wins.
Lastly, K-dog with potato and fish sausage. I don’t eat much fish except for fish sandwiches at certain fast food chains, but I still wanted to try K-dog. Naturally, it didn’t suit me. The taste of fish prevailed in every part of this She K-dog, from the potatoes in the breading to the breading itself. However, more hardcore pescatarians will enjoy this flavor.
Several factors come into play when it comes to declaring a champion in Iowa, the K-dog capital. Gossip His Tea Coffee’s K-Dog was smaller than Naughty Dog’s, but unlike the Naughty His Cheese option, Gossip nailed it in terms of making the most of the mozzarella. But while Naughtea’s K-dog menu is second only to his rich drink menu, Hot He features an impressive variety, including fun flavors like Cheetos and his corn dog. .
Honestly, both places are worth a stop in Ankeny. I am not the one to decide who is the Ankeny K-dog champion. it’s up to you.
This article was originally published in the August 2023 issue of Little Village.
