What is a ‘Girl Dinner’ and How to Create Your Own
In the world of TikTok, a new food trend known as the “girl dinner” has emerged, offering a fresh take on mealtime. This trend revolves around assembling a quick and easy meal without the need for any cooking. Some refer to it as a “snack dinner” or a visually pleasing version of a lunchable.
The term “girl dinner” was coined by TikTok user Olivia Maher, who was inspired by a fellow TikToker sharing her go-to meal of bread and cheese. Maher found it reminiscent of medieval times when peasants had limited food options, but the simplicity of bread and cheese appealed to her. Since then, the hashtag #girldinner has gained popularity, with countless users sharing their own interpretations. From sophisticated mini-charcuterie boards to simple plates of nachos, the variations are endless, amassing a total of 57.4 million views.
Creating a girl dinner is flexible and doesn’t follow strict rules. It is typically a meal for one person, requiring little planning or preparation. Leftovers from the fridge or existing items in the cupboard can be repurposed into a delightful meal experience.
While many resonate with the concept of a girl dinner, some express concerns about potential glorification of restrictive eating due to portion sizes. There are opinions that such meals might be suspiciously low in calories. However, the overall consensus is positive, as the trend caters to individuals who lack time or energy to cook elaborate meals. It serves as an antidote to the mental burden traditionally associated with meal preparation.
According to Leila Khalil, marketing manager at Dubai food retailer Earth Goods, the girl dinner trend offers an exciting way to mix different flavors and textures, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and sensory experience of the meal. Khalil suggests that one can elevate their girl dinner by incorporating healthy and balanced options. For instance, swapping processed meats with lean alternatives and substituting chips with wholefood snacks like seed crackers, granola, or raw nuts, which provide protein and good fats.
The girl dinner trend embraces convenience, creativity, and enjoyment, providing an alternative approach to mealtime that fits into busy lifestyles without compromising on flavor and satisfaction.
