Chopped cheese
Alternative names | Chop cheese |
---|---|
Type | Sandwich |
Course | Main course |
Place of origin | United States |
Region or state | New York City |
Created by | Various claims |
Serving temperature | Hot |
Main ingredients | Ground beef, cheese, bread |
The chopped cheese, also known as the chop cheese,
Origin
The actual origins of the sandwich are up for debate, although generally most agree it was first created in a
The sandwich gained significant media attention in the 2010s, starting with a 2014 episode of Parts Unknown in which Anthony Bourdain, a lifelong New Yorker, told a group of students in the Bronx that he'd never heard of a chopped cheese sandwich.[1] In 2016 a reporter for Insider described the sandwich as "something most New Yorkers had never heard of", despite it being well-known in multiple parts of the city.[1] Those who grew up eating the sandwich at their local bodegas made accusations the sandwich was being "Columbused" -- that is, "discovered" by the majority culture; in this case, lower Manhattanites.[6] Multiple upscale restaurants and groceries began serving the sandwich, sparking accusations of cultural appropriation.[2][6][7] Critics noted that the sandwich, as served in bodegas prior to the interest generated in the media, was generally priced at $4 or $5, while the versions offered by upscale purveyors were often two to three times that.[5]
In popular culture
The chopped cheese has also made its way into hip hop culture, being featured in or the subject of many songs. Harlem rapper Cam'ron filmed his music video "Child of the Ghetto" at Hajji's Deli.[2]
The sandwich has also been the topic of a documentary from website First We Feast. The documentary Hometown Hero: The Legend of New York's Chopped Cheese discusses the origins of the sandwich and its cultural history. In the documentary, the sandwich is referred to as being legendary, and "Harlem's favorite".[8]
See also
References
- ^ ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-04-18.
- ^ a b c d e Bolois, Justin (2016-01-19). "The Cult of the Chopped-Cheese Sandwich, New York's Most Enigmatic Icon". First We Feast. Retrieved 2017-06-14.
- ^ a b "A Bodega Classic: Chopped Cheese Sandwiches from Harlem". America's Test Kitchen. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ "The Cult of the Chopped-Cheese Sandwich, New York's Most Enigmatic Icon". First We Feast. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ a b c Nash, Elias (2022-08-25). "The Origin Of New York's Chopped Cheese Sandwich". Tasting Table. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-04-18.
- Eater NY. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ Breslouer, Lee (2016-11-17). "The Crazy & Controversial History Behind the Beloved Chopped Cheese Sandwich". thrillist. Retrieved 2017-04-18.