What's A Chopped Cheese?

Walk into any urban bodega or corner store deli in New York City, and you will likely find “chop cheese” on the menu. Chopped cheese, or “chop cheese” as some call it, is a New York City delicacy that is to New York City what Philly cheesesteaks are to Philadelphia. The chopped cheese is a sandwich made by mixing chopped hamburger patties with melted cheese, peppers, and onions on a simmering hot grill. It is typically served on a Kaiser or hero roll and garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and ketchup. The chopped cheese is not quite a cheeseburger, and certainly not a Philly cheesesteak though it shares similarities.

While its origination is up for debate, its popularity in the cultural landscape of the Bronx and Harlem took hold around 2015 and quickly spread throughout the city. Many pinpoint its beginnings to Hajji’s Deli on Harlem's Upper Eastside, which is said to have served chop cheese since the late nineties. Some describe it as an adaptation of a traditional Yemenis sandwich, while others as an adaptation of the Philly Cheesesteak or sloppy joe. Regardless of its origination, it has evolved to become the quintessential corner store sandwich of New York City.

A quick disclaimer for out-of-towners, the chopped cheese is not a sandwich you will find on the menus of Manhattans' most storied 5-star restaurants or even the average local NYC diner. In fact, for this delicious treat, you must venture outside of the typical tourist zones of Midtown Manhattan and into the heart of the local working-class neighborhoods we affectionately refer to as "the hood" (short for the neighborhood), however, if you are not quite ready to venture outside the bright lights of Times Square, then follow us @ Mr._Chopped_Cheese on Instagram to find out where we are so you can experience the absolute best in gourmet chopped cheese sandwiches.