You’re standing in a cramped bodega in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The air smells like sizzling beef, honey turkey, and cocoa puffs. Suddenly, a guy behind the counter shouts, "Sure, sure!" followed by a frantic "Neva, neva, neva!" If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram over the last few years, you already know exactly what’s happening. You’re witnessing a sandwich being made the Ocky Way.
But what is the Ocky Way, really?
Is it just a gimmick for views? Or is it a legitimate evolution of New York City’s legendary deli culture? Honestly, it’s a bit of both. It’s the chaotic, calorie-dense intersection of Yemeni-American hospitality and the "anything goes" spirit of a Brooklyn grill. It’s also a masterclass in how a single person can turn a neighborhood corner store into a global destination through sheer personality and a very deep fryer.
The Man Behind the Griddle
The Ocky Way isn't a corporate brand. It’s Rahim Mohamed. Known to millions simply as "Ocky," Mohamed operates General Royal Deli in Brooklyn. The name "Ocky" itself comes from the Arabic word Aki, which translates to "my brother." It’s a term of endearment used throughout the Arab-American community, particularly by those running the thousands of bodegas that keep New York running.
Ocky didn't start out trying to be an influencer. He was just a guy making food. But around 2021, his videos started exploding. The formula was simple: a customer would walk in with a ridiculous request—like putting a chopped cheese inside a glazed donut or adding mozzarella sticks to a bacon, egg, and cheese—and ask him to make it "the Ocky Way."
His response is always the same energetic catchphrase: "Sure, sure!" He never says no. He embraces the absurdity.
So, What Is The Ocky Way Specifically?
If you order a sandwich the Ocky Way, you aren't just getting extra mayo. There is a specific, albeit chaotic, culinary process involved.
First, the base. It’s usually a classic New York staple like a chopped cheese, a double cheeseburger, or a chicken cutlet. But then things get weird. The "Ocky Way" typically involves taking elements that should probably be side dishes and shoving them inside the bread. We’re talking french fries, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings.
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Then comes the "Neva, Neva, Neva" part.
When Ocky asks, "Don't forget the...?" the crowd usually shouts back "The honey turkey!" or whatever the signature addition is for that day. He then finishes the sandwich with a heavy drizzle of honey or hot sauce, sometimes both, and almost always toasts the entire monstrosity on the grill until the cheese is a molten lava state.
One of his most famous creations involved putting a burger between two pop-tarts. Another featured a rainbow bagel stuffed with eggs, sausage, and hash browns. It’s "stunt food" in its purest form, designed to look incredible on a 6.1-inch smartphone screen.
The Secret Ingredients
- The Grill Press: Everything is flattened and fused together.
- The Wraps: Ocky often uses pancakes or even pizzas as "bread."
- The Energy: You aren't just paying for the calories; you're paying for the "Sure, sure!" experience.
Why This Matters Beyond TikTok
It’s easy to dismiss this as just another viral trend that will fade away. But that ignores the cultural significance of the bodega in New York life. Bodegas are the lifeblood of the five boroughs. They are the only places open at 3:00 AM when you need a gallon of milk or a greasy roll to soak up a night of bad decisions.
For decades, the "deli man" was an anonymous figure. Ocky changed that. He gave a face and a voice to the Yemeni-American deli owners who have been the backbone of New York’s food scene for generations.
He also tapped into a very specific New York pride. Even if the food looks like a heart attack on a plate, New Yorkers love seeing one of their own "make it." When celebrities like Kevin Hart or rappers like Lil Yachty started showing up at a humble deli in Red Hook, it felt like a win for the neighborhood.
The "Sure, Sure" Economy
The business impact of the Ocky Way is actually pretty staggering. Before the viral fame, General Royal Deli was a local spot. Now? People fly from London, Dubai, and California just to stand in line for forty minutes.
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It’s a lesson in modern marketing. Ocky didn’t hire a PR firm. He used:
- Consistency: He posts the same high-energy content every single day.
- Catchphrases: "Sure, sure" and "Neva, neva, neva" are now brands in themselves.
- Customer Participation: Every video features a customer, making the audience feel like they are part of the "Ocky family."
However, there is a flip side. Traditionalists argue that the Ocky Way ruins the sanctity of the New York deli sandwich. A chopped cheese is supposed to be simple: ground beef, onions, melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a hero. By adding pancakes and syrup, some say the soul of the sandwich is lost.
But honestly? New York has always been about reinvention. If people want to eat a burger wrapped in a pepperoni pizza, who are we to stop them?
What Most People Get Wrong
People think the Ocky Way is just about making "gross" food. That’s not quite it. If you talk to the regulars, they’ll tell you that Ocky is actually a really talented short-order cook. He knows how to season meat. He knows how to toast bread so it doesn't get soggy despite the ten different sauces he’s pouring on it.
There’s a technical skill to managing a grill that’s covered in thirty different ingredients at once. Most people would turn that into a charred mess. Ocky turns it into a viral sensation.
Also, it isn't just about the food. It’s about the hospitality. In a city that can often feel cold and impersonal, Ocky’s "Sure, sure!" is a rare moment of genuine, albeit loud, warmth. He treats the kid from down the street the same way he treats a millionaire influencer. That’s the real secret sauce.
How to Order the Ocky Way (Without Looking Like a Tourist)
If you actually make the trek to Red Hook, don't just walk in and scream. It’s still a functioning business.
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- Pick your base first. Don't just say "make it the Ocky Way." Decide if you want a burger, a chopped cheese, or a chicken sandwich.
- Be prepared for the sugar. Many Ocky Way sandwiches involve honey or sweet wraps. If you don't like sweet and savory mixing, you might want to skip the full "Way."
- Bring cash. Most bodegas prefer it, and while Ocky is high-tech with his social media, the register is still old school.
- Check the hours. He’s a busy man. Sometimes the deli is packed, and the "show" might be scaled back if there’s a line out the door.
The Cultural Impact in 2026
Looking at the food landscape now, the Ocky Way has paved the way for "personality-led" dining. We’re seeing more and more small-scale cooks becoming the face of their businesses. It’s no longer enough to have good food; you need a hook.
But Ocky remains the original. He didn't just create a sandwich; he created a language. When you hear someone say "Neva, neva, neva" in a completely different context—maybe about a sports team or a bad movie—that’s the Ocky Way’s reach. It has transcended the deli counter and entered the lexicon of internet culture.
Where to Find the Real Deal
If you want the authentic experience, there is only one place:
General Royal Deli & Grill
616 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
There are plenty of imitators now. You’ll see "Ocky Way" sections on menus in the Bronx or even in other states. But without the man himself and that specific Brooklyn energy, it’s just a sandwich with too many toppings.
The Ocky Way represents the ultimate American Dream story of the 2020s. A first-generation immigrant uses a free app to turn a 500-square-foot deli into a landmark. It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s probably too many calories for one sitting, and it is quintessentially New York.
To experience it for yourself, start by watching his original videos to understand the rhythm of the order. Then, head to Brooklyn with an empty stomach and an open mind. Just remember to tell him "don't forget the honey turkey" if you want the full experience.
For those looking to recreate the vibe at home, start by experimenting with unconventional toppings on your favorite toasted sandwich. Use a heavy hand with the seasoning and don't be afraid to mix textures—crunchy fries inside a soft roll is the foundational step. The goal isn't just a meal; it's an event. Regardless of whether you love the flavor profiles or think they're over-the-top, the Ocky Way has undeniably changed how we think about the humble corner store sandwich forever.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Visit the source: Go to General Royal Deli in Brooklyn to see the process in person.
- Try a DIY version: Take a standard cheeseburger and add mozzarella sticks and a drizzle of honey to understand the flavor profile.
- Support your local bodega: Even if they don't have a TikTok following, these small businesses are the heartbeat of their communities.