In Clifton, the dogs rule.

We’re talking hot dogs. Fried in oil, crispy on the outside, dubbed “rippers” by the owners of Rutt’s Hut (http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=1362), the 80-year-old frankfurter heaven.

There have been challengers, the latest one being Papaya King (www.papayaking.com), the New York-based franchise with legions of fans that just recently opened its first New Jersey restaurant. In Clifton.

Matt Visconti, manager at the King, knows he’s in enemy waters. Can his sizzling dogs and fresh smoothies steal any of the cult-like foodies who are always in the Rutt?

Visconti is up to the fight. He’s offering 20 percent off to anyone who prints out and brings this NJMYWAY column along with their food order. He gives discounts to hundreds of business students from the Dover Business School, located next door.

Visconti also claims his dogs are healthier.

“A dog is a dog,” says Rutt’s Hut owner Bill Chrisafinis. He believes competition is a good thing, intensifying the public interest in hot dogs.

We salute both Papaya King’s grilled dogs, and the Rutt’s ripper. Our advice is not to count calories or cholesterol when you enjoy your bun-clad buddies. Just take a bite of the dog, and you’ll be licking your chops with pleasure.