Ever wondered if the nerd eating chicken tendies stereotype existed outside of the anglosphere? It does. And in Japan, they’re called “chigyu” (チー牛) or “chi-gyu” named after the abbreviation for cheese gyudon. But why? What ties this rather ordinary beef bowl with a nerdy/geeky stereotype?
Well like chicken tendies, they’re affordable, delicious, accessible and perfect for picky eaters. This contemporary style of serving gyudon is a savory, cheesy and filling yet affordable dish that’s easy to love. So easy that it’s garnered a negative stereotype. Just goes to show how good it is I suppose.
What exactly is chigyu?
チーズ牛丼食べに来た！ pic.twitter.com/jfyib3ACim
— TVE_ともくん (@tomokunblue) August 4, 2020
Chigyu, or cheese gyudon is a modern twist on the classic gyudon (beef bowl) turned Japanese internet meme.
Gyudon is a beloved Japanese comfort food that consists of tender beef simmered with onions in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, served atop a steaming bowl of rice. It’s quick, satisfying, and affordable. Pretty much the perfect meal for busy workers and students alike which is why it’s considered fast-food in Japan.
Chigyu (cheese on gyudon) adds an extra layer of indulgence by melting cheese over the beef making it that much more satisfying. The cheese used in Chigyu is unpretentious melty processed cheese, usually mozerella but sometimes a combination of multiple cheese types. When combined with the savory beef and the slightly sweet sauce with a poached egg mixed in, it creates a savory umami bomb that’s hard to resist.
Where can you find chigyu?
If you’re wandering the streets of Tokyo or any other major Japanese city, you’re likely to stumble upon a plethora of gyudon chains like Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya. These casual eateries are the go-to spots for a quick and filling meal. Sukiya is particularly famous for its triple cheese gyudon which is the main culprit of the chigyu stereotype as they’re the first chain to offer cheese on top of the traditional bowl.
Sukiya’s signature triple cheese by the way, is a red cheddar, Egmont and mozzarella cheese combo.
While these fast-food chains are the most common places to find chigyu bowls, some izakayas (Japanese pubs) and family restaurants also serve it on their menus but it’s less common.
What is a chigyu in Japanese slang?
In literal terms, chigyu or chi-gyu is just an abbreviation for cheese gyudon. But in colloquial terms, it’s used to describe a specific stereotype of a nerdy looking dude. One that stays inside, watches anime and plays games all day.
The stereotype: Who eats chigyu?
I find it funny how Japan has their own version of the “Nerd who eats Doritos and Mountain Dew” trope with Cheese Gyudon pic.twitter.com/ctEcjE9gM1
— Animal Crackers: The Movie (@BrandoTheMeat) October 24, 2023
Technically speaking, everyone eats chigyu. It’s just another item on the menu of a fast food joint. But of course, some foods just attract a certain type of person. And cheese gyudon has a cult following of otaku and NEETs due to how comforting and affordable it is.
When someone orders fettuccine alfredo..a lot of the time it’s like oh you would want fettuccine alfredo
— helena (@freshhel) March 2, 2024
According to Japan’s now defunct 2channel (the pinnacle of Japanese nerd culture authority), a chigyu must have these 6 physical characteristics:
- Glasses
- Black hair
- Childish haircut
- Baby face
- Face that lacks ambition
- Creepy middle school-esque vibes as an adult
Why do people love chigyu so much?
The widespread love for Chigyu is easy to understand once you’ve tasted it. Here are some reasons why it has captured the hearts of so many:
- Comfort Factor: There’s something inherently comforting about cheese on top of a soft and savory dish. It’s no different to how mac & cheese or grilled cheeses are nice comfort foods to us.
- Umami Bomb: Japanese cuisine is all about umami, that fifth taste sensation often described as “savory” or “meaty.” The combination of beef, soy sauce, and cheese creates an umami-rich experience that’s satisfying to your senses in the same way a lasagna would be.
- Affordability: Like its gyudon counterpart, Chigyu is typically very affordable fast-food. It’s cheap yet tasty without being overly greasy (even with the cheese).
- Availability & Convenience: Chigyu (or any other gyudon) are widely available in Japan due to the ubiquitous presence of the three chains previously mentioned.
Taking those factors into account, it’s no surprise it would be a popular comfort food in Japan. In fact, if you could open up a gyudon shop in America that’s as affordable as the Japanese counterparts, it would likely be successful here as well. That’s even despite the flavor palate difference between both cultures. Plus there’s something to be said about how nutritious a bowl of gyudon is compared to most fast food (calories in the cheese aside).
Closing thoughts
All-in-all, if you’re looking for a filling and satisfying meal, cheese gyudon is the way to go. Just make sure you don’t admit to eating it on a date… Or maybe do and see how she reacts? 🤔 You gotta have a bit of fun here and there.
So next time you find yourself in Japan or even feel like making it in your own kitchen, get yourself a bowl of chigyu and maybe wash it down with some Ramune because why not. It’s a delicious and comforting meal to add to your cooking arsenal and you now have a fun story to bring up if you’re serving it to other people.
What other Japanese internet meme/stereotype should we cover? Let us know in the comments so we can write more of what you wanna read.
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