Japanese food isn’t all sushi, ramen, and wagyu!
Food is a major part of Japanese culture—even on dating apps, you’re more likely to find profiles seeking a drinking buddy or sweets meguri (スイーツ巡り, sweets tour) partner than anything else. If food is the way to the Japanese heart, then B-kyu gurume is the comfort food that everyone should know and love.
What is B-Kyu Gurume?
B-kyu gurume (B級グルメ) literally means “B rank food” and refers to cuisines that are popular with the masses, made with less ‘fancy’ ingredients, and are often quickly and easily served and eaten. Most B-kyu gurume can easily be replicated at home, so it’s also got the added home cooking, “made with love” factor to it as well.
These Japanese comfort food are also known as gotochi gurume (ご当地グルメ)—or “local dishes”—because they feature local ingredients. What counts as B-kyu gurume in Osaka is completely different from what is comfort food in Sapporo. Even within a given city there can be vastly different ideas of soul food depending on the area’s history.
If you’re looking for ways to help your local businesses and change up your at-home dining menu, why not check out the regional cuisines in your area? And, if you’re suddenly craving comfort foods from back home, here are the best pizza and burger places you can find in Tokyo instead.
