Home of the original chopped cheese — invented at our counter and featured in The New York Times. A Morningside Heights institution for 30+ years: deli, juice bar, and late-night kitchen under one roof.
Home of the original chopped cheese. Open late on Amsterdam Ave.
For more than thirty years, Hajis Famous Deli has been a fixture of Morningside Heights — the kind of place where Columbia undergrads, night-shift workers, and neighborhood regulars all wind up at the same counter. The chopped cheese wasn't just perfected here; it was invented here. The New York Times came uptown to write about it in 2016, and the food shows have been finding their way to our door ever since.
Alongside the original chopped cheese you'll find signature heroes built on a griddle we've been running for decades, breakfast sandwiches from six in the morning, hand-rolled omelettes, fresh-pressed juices, and a build-your-own sandwich board that can put almost anything on a roll. We also cater — fresh juices, sandwich platters, and fruit trays for offices, classrooms, and events around the neighborhood.
Lately the counter has grown to include Dubai-style desserts, house protein bars, yogurt-and-oat breakfast bowls, and fresh ginger shots. We stay open late because the neighborhood asks us to — whether you're coming off a shift, grinding through finals week, or just hungry at an hour when most kitchens have closed.
The chopped cheese was invented here — featured in The New York Times. Three decades on Amsterdam Ave, still open late.
A growing lineup of desserts, house-made protein bars, breakfast bowls, and cold-pressed shots.
Rich, creamy, and finished the way it's served in Dubai. A quiet favorite with the after-dinner crowd.
The viral Dubai chocolate bar, layered with fresh strawberry. New to the case.
Fudge Brownie, Peanut Butter, Raspberry Yogurt, Coconut, Cookies & Cream, Mocha, Orange, Blueberry.
Yogurt, oats, and nuts — built for a quick breakfast on the way to class or work.
Pressed to order. Sharp, warming, and the one regulars grab on the way out.
Cold-pressed to order — citrus, greens, and the citrus-avocado regulars keep asking for.
Halal-style chicken over yellow rice with salad and white sauce. A counter staple.
The grill runs late because the neighborhood asks it to. Tenders, wings, and heroes past closing time elsewhere.
Great philly cheese sandwiches here with a unique recipe for the sauce. I'd highly recommend. Very convenient for students to swoop in and grab something. Great selection of unique sandwiches and burgers.
— John Schlaerth Google review
I like their steak sandwich, and also the peter luger burger. They make good milkshakes too.
— Crypto Hustler Google review
Delicious - classic NYC chopped cheese. Haji's doesn't miss.
— Malcolm Thaxton Google review
Absolutely fantastic deli, big improvement since it's been under new management. Ask the deli guy to toast your muffin with butter, way better than a regular muffin!
— Omar Asous Google review
First time delivery. Superior chopped cheese, as expected. Signature sandwich. Nicely executed chicken over rice. Good place.
— William Reiland Google review
Best staff everyone is always so nice. And the chopped cheese is so fire! They also have a cool variety of international snacks.
— william pyle Google review
Amazing store if you looking for the famous NYC chopped cheese. Good atmosphere and friendly staff. Highly recommended.
— Aitch N Google review
The best deli in town. If you're looking for a nice clean deli, this is the place. Five stars. Keep up the great work
— Join Google review
I really like this place, they have a pretty good variety. Great prices for students too.
— Noelle Smith Google review
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 11:40 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 11:40 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 11:40 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM – 11:40 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM – 11:40 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 11:40 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, EBT, and all major credit cards.