COUNTER & BODEGA

"The commenter states they currently pay $8 for a chopped cheese, down from around $4 in the past."

"This commenter questions the very existence of 'chopped cheese,' humorously suggesting it's a prank."

"The commenter has never heard of a chopped cheese and finds the name humorous, comparing it to a Kids In The Hall sketch."

"A lifelong New Yorker, the commenter believes chopped cheese is not an authentic NY food and is bothered by its recent popularization, contrasting it with the BEC."

"The commenter, from Harlem, lists various street foods including chopped cheese that were common in their high school days (late 2000s)."

"The commenter expresses appreciation for the research on chopped cheese trends."

"The commenter states Google Trends shows chopped cheese was virtually nonexistent before 2015 and spiked during the COVID-era influencer boom, calling it a new trend, not a NY staple."

"The commenter is surprised by the widespread discussion of chopped cheese, especially its claimed NYC iconic status, having only heard of it shortly before the pandemic."

"The commenter notes that shows like 'Desus and Mero' also contributed to exposing chopped cheese to a wider audience."

"Chopped cheese existed when the commenter returned to NYC in 2004, predating the 'foodie' culture and social media influence."

"The commenter saw chopped cheese on menus in Washington Heights starting in 2009 and later noticed it appearing in Brooklyn bodegas."

"This commenter contrasts the organic spread of 'nutcrackers' with the social media-driven popularity of chopped cheese, noting the latter's limited distribution historically."

"Chopped cheese is described as an 'uptown thing,' specifically East Harlem/El Barrio, and is compared to a deconstructed cheeseburger on a hero roll."

"The commenter expresses disbelief and amusement at the concept of chopped cheese, questioning its existence and origin."

"Chopped cheese was a local item until social media amplified its popularity, leading bodegas to offer it more widely."