If you’ve been active on TikTok lately, you must have stumbled upon the latest food trend known as ‘Girl Dinner’ while scrolling through your feed. With over 150 million views under the hashtag #girldinner, women all over the platform are showcasing their creativity by assembling elaborate snack plates, often on charcuterie boards, featuring bread, olives, cheese, vegetables, fruits, and sweet treats for dinner, sharing their delectable creations online. But what exactly is ‘Girl Dinner,’?
The origins of the trend can be traced back to TikTok user Olivia Maher, who coined the term in a video she posted back in May. In her video, Maher referenced another user who praised the simplicity of a medieval peasant’s diet consisting mainly of bread and cheese. She humorously dubbed this uncomplicated yet delightful meal as ‘Girl Dinner’ or ‘Medieval Peasant.’ This amusing observation quickly garnered attention, eventually leading to Maher’s interview with The New York Times, where she explained that she and her friend found joy in indulging in bread and cheese as a meal, deviating from the conventional notion of a typical dinner with a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and starch.
Some food enthusiasts chimed in on the trend, noting that this style of dining isn’t entirely new. For instance, food writer Tom Hillenbrand highlighted that many Germans regularly enjoy a similar dining experience, referring to it as ‘Abendbrot.’ Additionally, renowned cook Nigella Lawson playfully referred to the practice as ‘Picky Bits.’
A vocal concern raised by some users is that ‘Girl Dinner’ might inadvertently promote unhealthy eating patterns, encouraging people to opt for snacking over consuming a balanced meal. Critics argue that some interpretations of ‘Girl Dinner’ appear to lack the necessary substance and calories, essentially being minimal calorie intake, akin to a mere snack plate.
One TikTok user expressed concern that the trend might propagate disordered eating behaviors, dismissing substantial meals in favor of these seemingly light and minimalistic ‘Girl Dinners.’ They suggested that it could potentially perpetuate the harmful notion that eating less is synonymous with being girly or feminine.
On the other hand, some defenders of the trend view it as empowering for women, especially in terms of reducing the pressure of traditional gender roles in the kitchen. Art historian Seema Rao highlighted that throughout history, cooking dinner has been primarily considered women’s work within the household. However, with the rise of ‘Girl Dinner,’ the emphasis shifts from the act of cooking to the freedom of assembling a delightful assortment of snacks. This, in turn, challenges the idea that cooking defines a woman’s worth and validates her role.
‘Girl Dinner’ is a fascinating and multifaceted trend on TikTok that embraces the joy of snacking and the simplicity of creating delightful snack plates. While it has sparked debates about its health implications and potential impact on eating behaviours, it undeniably celebrates the art of culinary empowerment and offers an alternative way to appreciate food and its social significance. As with any trend, moderation and mindful consumption remain key to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
