It’s no surprise then, that he’s started Mervy’s Hot Dogs, a new eatery dedicated to celebrating this classic American street food in all its glorious forms.
“I think good hot dogs are hard to find here. Many places use processed ingredients to make them, and I don’t agree with that. I think they are a simple food that can be transformed to something really great if you have just the right ingredients,” Chin told FMT Lifestyle.
Mervy’s Hot Dogs is located just above Undisclosed Location (yes that’s its actual name), a Mexican restaurant also run by Chin. According to him, the two outlets are meant to complement each other.
“I recommend you come to Mervy’s for lunch, because hot dogs are a little lighter, while for dinner, you can go to Undisclosed Location for the full Mexican meal experience,” he said.
Mervy’s Hot Dogs is vibrant and full of personality, drawing visual inspiration from Mexican culture to create a space that’s as lively as the food itself.
Papel picardo (cut paper banners) and Día de los Muertos skull emblems add character and charm.
The highlight here, however, has to be a striking mural of two roosters fighting. According to Chin, this was a tribute to Rooster Rojo, his favourite tequila, and was created by his artist friend in one week with Sharpie markers.
Cafés and F&B clearly seem to run in Chin’s family: his father is Patrick Chin of Dear, Patrick, another popular café in Bandar Sri Damansara.
While Mervy’s focus is on hot dogs, there is plenty of variety on the menu: according to Chin, his many Mexican and Spanish expat friends gave him great feedback on how to incorporate their culture’s unique tastes into his menu.
Chin prides himself on the freshness of his ingredients, and is a firm supporter of local produce. His spicy habaneros, for example, come from farms in Cameron Highlands, while his black beans are sourced from local growers.
If you feel like piquing your palate, try the Coney Dog, served with the restaurant’s own take on this classic sauce. Thankfully, it’s just the right mix of sweet and savoury.
Top marks, however, go to the Hawaiian Dog: who knew that the playful zestiness of pineapple salsa would go so well with the smoky richness of a sausage!
Simplicity often works best, and that definitely applies to the New York Dog, a no-frills comfort food served with honey mustard, pickled onions and ketchup. Its bold, rugged flavour should definitely satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
For a true taste of vintage Mexican flavour, the Sonoran hot dog is a must-try: this chicken ham-wrapped hot dog is grilled to perfection and served with irresistible Mexican staples like corn and chicken salsa. You probably won’t be able to stop at just one – and why would you?
If you’re not in the mood for a hot dog, Mervy’s also serves a fine selection of rolls: buns filled with prime cuts of New Zealand meat instead of sausages.
One top pick is Steak and Cheese, a delightful symphony of tangy capsicum, pickled onions, gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheese with Kiwi rib-eye. This dish is highly satisfying, with each bite delivering a messy, spicy, cheesy explosion that warms the soul.
Mexican food without tequila is like Malaysian food without sambal, and the bar here is definitely well-stocked.
Chin believes Mervy’s has the most tequila options in the country, and there are plenty of margaritas, mezcal, and craft beers for those looking to sip, sample, or settle in for a long, flavourful evening.
“I think Malaysian and Mexican food have a lot in common, and I hope people will enjoy what we serve here. We also aim to showcase the versatility and quality of Malaysian ingredients in our menu, and give everyone a good time,” Chin concluded.
Mervy’s Hot Dogs
1A, Jalan SS 4C/5,
Taman Rasa Sayang,
47301 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Pork-free (alcohol served)
Business hours: 1pm–11pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Follow Mervy’s Hot Dogs on Instagram.