Things we wish we could import from New York: 24-hour shopping. Dive bars. Alec Baldwin.

But we’ll happily settle for the hot dog, courtesy of The Dogfather. Find him every Saturday at New Cross Road Market in East Dulwich selling his gourmet franks from a crowded stall.

One hundred per cent beef sausages are grilled (while you wait) and nestled into freshly baked, lightly toasted buns. Fail-safe toppings include ketchup, mustard and onions, but we suggest sampling more unusual varieties, like The Mexican Elvis’s layering of jalapenos, cheese sauce, grilled onions, steak and bean sauce, or The Cactus Dog’s guac, cactus leaves and red onion. Other fan favorites: The Dogfather (chorizo, roasted red pepper marinara, mozzarella and Parmesan) and Snoop Dog (BBQ sauce, bacon, creamed corn mayo, green onion and cheddar).

Turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Available Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at North Cross Road Market, North Cross Road, SE22, £3-£4.50. Follow @dogfatherdiner on Twitter.

Photo: Courtesy of The Dogfather