7 Unbelievable Ways The 'Bacon, Egg And Cheese' Meme Took Over TikTok And NYC Culture

The "Bacon, Egg and Cheese" (BEC) meme has exploded from a simple New York City breakfast order into a global, multi-layered cultural phenomenon, dominating social media feeds in late 2024 and early 2025. This isn't just about a delicious sandwich; it's a vibrant celebration of the quintessential NYC bodega experience, Dominican-American culture, and a catchy rap anthem that became the internet's favorite sound. The meme's virality proves that sometimes, the most hyperlocal, specific cultural touchstones can translate into the most universally loved internet trends.

The true power of the "Bacon, Egg and Cheese" meme lies in its soundtrack—an infectious rap song that has been repurposed countless times to express everything from regional pride to simple morning cravings. This deep dive will explore the definitive origin, the key players, and the surprising cultural depth of this enduring digital trend, giving you the freshest perspective on why this sandwich became a meme powerhouse.

The Definitive Origin: Wavyrioo's Anthem and the Bodega Beat

The entire "Bacon, Egg and Cheese" meme ecosystem is built upon a single, undeniable foundation: the 2022 rap song titled "Bacon, Egg N Cheese" by New York rapper Wavyrioo (also known as Wavy Rioo).

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• The Artist: Wavyrioo is an American-Dominican artist from New York, whose music often reflects the vibrant, fast-paced life of the city.
• The Song: "Bacon, Egg N Cheese" is an upbeat, celebratory track that pays homage to the iconic breakfast sandwich, a staple of NYC bodegas and corner stores.
• Collaborators: The track featured other New York-based rappers, including D-Dotty and DellyDell, solidifying its roots in the local hip-hop scene.
• The Theme: The song espoused the simple, yet profound, joys of buying, eating, and celebrating a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, capturing a slice of authentic New York life.

While the song was released in 2022, its transformation into a viral sensation began to gain serious momentum on TikTok around 2023 and has continued its reign into 2025. The track’s infectious beat and relatable subject matter made it the perfect audio backdrop for short-form video content, turning a musical tribute into a widespread internet joke and cultural marker.

7 Ways the BEC Meme Became a Cultural Phenomenon

The "Bacon, Egg and Cheese" meme is more than just a viral sound; it represents a convergence of regional pride, culinary tradition, and internet trends. Here are the most significant ways this simple sandwich order became a global cultural moment.

1. The Rise of the 'Baconeggncheezesaltpeppaketchup' Lexicon

One of the most defining and hilarious aspects of the meme is the way New Yorkers order the sandwich—often so fast it sounds like a single, run-on word: "Baconeggncheezesaltpeppaketchup." This specific, rapid-fire cadence became a key comedic element in the meme, with users creating skits about the speed and intensity of the order. It highlights the unique, no-nonsense communication style of the NYC deli counter and serves as an instant identifier for those "in the know."

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2. The 'How You Know I'm Dominican?' Trend

The meme is deeply intertwined with Dominican-American culture, specifically within New York City. The song itself, by Wavyrioo, is a product of this community. A popular meme variation is the "How you know I'm Dominican?" format, where users use the song to soundtrack videos showcasing various cultural markers, with the love for the BEC sandwich being a primary example. This trend transformed the meme into a powerful tool for cultural expression and pride, celebrating the specific hybrid identity of the New York Latino community.

3. General Ock and the NYC Deli Legend

The meme's popularity brought attention to the real-life figures behind the counter, most notably General Ock. Ock, a deli worker in New York, became a minor internet celebrity for his engaging, often theatrical, customer interactions and his role in preparing the iconic sandwich. His presence in the online conversation gave a face to the bodega experience, grounding the viral trend in the authentic, everyday life of the city. This focus on the deli worker highlights the importance of these small business owners in the cultural fabric of NYC.

4. The Ultimate Regional Pride Marker

For New Yorkers, the Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwich is not just food; it’s a symbol of home. The meme acts as a form of digital gatekeeping, allowing locals to express their regional pride and distinguish themselves from outsiders. Videos often contrast the authentic, cheap, and quickly-made bodega BEC with expensive, gentrified, or poorly made versions from other parts of the country, reinforcing the sandwich's status as a sacred New York staple.

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5. The Soundtrack to Everyday Life

Beyond the cultural jokes, the "Bacon, Egg N Cheese" song simply became a ubiquitous soundtrack for a wide range of content on TikTok. Users applied the audio to any situation involving a simple pleasure, a morning routine, or a moment of regional specificity. The song’s versatility allowed it to transcend its original meaning, becoming a meme template for generic hype and celebration, similar to other viral rap tracks.

6. Inspiring Culinary Debate and LSI Keywords

The meme sparked countless online debates about the perfect breakfast sandwich. Discussions often revolve around LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords and related topics such as: Roll vs. Bagel, Salt and Pepper vs. Ketchup, the merits of the Chopped Cheese sandwich (another NYC deli favorite), and the best type of cheese (American is the traditional choice). These debates, often playing out in the comments section of the videos, add topical authority and depth to the trend, proving the subject matter is a genuine point of passion.

7. A Testament to the Power of Hyperlocal Content

The most surprising aspect of the BEC meme's success is its ability to take a hyper-specific, local custom—the NYC bodega breakfast—and turn it into a global sensation. The internet thrives on hype and authentic cultural moments, and the bacon, egg, and cheese checks every box. It proves that content rooted in genuine, unique cultural experience can resonate far beyond its initial geographical boundaries, creating a shared, instantly familiar moment for millions worldwide. This shift highlights a key trend in modern internet culture: the celebration of authenticity and the micro-cultures that define a specific place.

The BEC Meme's Enduring Legacy

As of today, the "Bacon, Egg and Cheese" phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down. It has successfully cemented the Wavyrioo track as a permanent fixture in meme history and has elevated the profile of the humble bodega and its signature sandwich. The meme is a joyful reminder that cultural significance can be found in the most ordinary of places—a simple, yet perfect, combination of bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll, served with a side of New York attitude.

The trend serves as a powerful case study in modern virality: a catchy rap song, a deeply beloved regional food item, and a platform like TikTok combined to create a cultural moment that is both hilarious and genuinely meaningful. The next time you hear that familiar beat, you’ll know you’re not just listening to a song; you’re engaging with a piece of evolving American-Dominican and New York internet history.