The chopped cheese sandwich, a longtime favorite in New York bodegas, is suddenly everywhere this summer. The sandwich, which typically consists of ground beef, onions, and melted cheese, has been adopted by restaurants in cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Kansas City.

A New York Staple Goes National

The chopped cheese sandwich originated in Spanish Harlem delis in the late 1990s. It was created as a way to stretch an affordable cut of meat into a filling lunch. The recipe remained a neighborhood secret for years, with the sandwich being passed down through word of mouth rather than being listed on menus.

However, with the rise of social media, the chopped cheese sandwich has gained national attention. Bodega culture is now being shared through videos, rather than just through foot traffic. This has led to a surge in popularity, with restaurants across the US adding their own versions of the sandwich to their menus.

Variations on a Theme

While the traditional chopped cheese sandwich remains a staple, restaurants are now experimenting with different variations. In New Jersey, a restaurant is serving a Pakistani-spiced version of the sandwich, while in Kansas City, a diner is offering a chopped cheese Reuben.

In Atlanta, a food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar spot is serving New York-style bodega sandwiches, including the chopped cheese. And in Los Angeles, a Harlem-born concept is serving its own version of the sandwich, with plans to expand to other cities.

The chopped cheese sandwich’s popularity is a testament to the power of social media and the desire for new and exciting food trends. As the sandwich continues to spread across the US, it will be interesting to see how different restaurants and cities put their own spin on this New York staple.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.