"B-kyū gurume・Bきゅうぐるめ (B class gourmet)" is a fully accepted common term in Japan now.
It was first appeared in 1985 in a magazine article written by Ryuji Tazawa (wikipedia). But it was in early 2000's that the term started to appear more frequently in the media to promote local food that are tasty and reasonable.
To me, "Tasty and reasonable" are the core element of B-kyū gurume.
More specifically, the typical "B-kyū gurume" are offered at local family owned type of diners and require:
- No reservation
- No table manner
- No dress code
OK, this is too extreme. you need to have decent table manner, and some clothes on you, but you know what I mean...
Also, B-kyū gurume must have everyone's favorite dishes and volume should be enough to satisfy big eaters.
When we hear B-kyū gurume, typical dishes that we think of are:
- Curry w/ rice
- Hamburg steak
- Omurice (rice wrapped in egg omulet)
- Tonkatu
- Spaghetti (Japanese style)
- Karaage chicken
to name a few.
In recent years, more B-kyū gurume diners are local specific, serving locally produced ingredients and recipes. But core of B-kyū gurume diners are still "TASTY AND REASONABLE"
Ramen belongs to B-kyū gurume, but Ramen shops who specialize in Ramen are treated a little differently since they are in their own league so to speak. The same for Okonomiyaki (vegetable pancake).
Diners (typically) to be called "B-kyū gurume restaurant", they must offer a wide variety of menu items so everybody has some favorite on the menu.
I enjoy watching footage of B-kyū gurume diners from all over Japan. They are on Youtube so you can check them out. After watching a few videos, you will know what B-kyū gurume diners are, and for sure you will feel like trying some of those yourself!
B-kyū gurume diners in Japan (on Youtube)
Some videos have English subtitle option, but even without it, you can enjoy the visuals. If you really need to know what they are, please let us know.
See you next time! 
Please note
