The 'Why Is Brooklyn BBQ Taking Over the World?' meme originated from a viral 2018 tweet by Munchies (Vice), featuring a photograph of a sparse, unappealing tray of barbecue consisting of a few slices of meat, two pickles, and a slice of white bread. The internet immediately revolted, contrasting the meager, expensive tray with the hearty, generous traditions of Texas and Southern BBQ. It quickly became a symbol of gentrification and the 'aesthetic over substance' trend in modern dining. Today, the meme is used to mock overpriced artisanal food, tiny portions, and the irony of Brooklyn attempting to claim dominance over a cuisine it arguably misunderstood.