As we delve into the heart of summer with temperatures skyrocketing, the thought of turning on the oven or dealing with a steamy stovetop may seem overwhelming.
Welcome to the era of “Girl Dinner” – an increasingly popular food trend that’s creating quite a stir on the internet (and igniting a healthy dose of debate about its naming).
For those who haven’t stumbled upon this trend on TikTok, ‘Girl Dinner’ is an easy and appealing idea which consists of loading your plate with a myriad of small snacks as a substitute for a traditional meal. It’s all about combining bread with cheese or oil and vinegar; having fresh fruit or veggies; an assortment of dips, olives, pickles, and cured meats. In essence, it’s a selection of foods that dodge the need for cooking.
While the idea of ‘Girl Dinner’ isn’t novel, the viral term can be traced back to TikTok influencer Olivia Maher, who coined the phrase in May while displaying a delectable array of bread, hard cheeses, pickles, and grapes.
“I’m unable to locate the TikTok at the moment, but a girl came on and talked about how medieval peasants could only afford to eat bread and cheese and how terrible that was. But she said, ‘That’s my dream meal,’” Maher relayed in her video.
“This is what I’m having for dinner, I refer to this as ‘girl dinner’ or ‘medieval peasant dinner.’”
Unsurprisingly, this trend has skyrocketed in today’s viral-driven world, with hundreds of individuals posting their personal versions of what’s essentially a charcuterie platter for one. Some ‘Girl Dinners’ are artfully composed and showcased, while others are posted by exhausted folks simply trying to get through the day.
Maher explained to The New York Times: “The notion of girl dinner occurred to me while I was enjoying a hot girl walk with one of my female friends.”
“We enjoy eating this way, and it feels like such a girl dinner because we do it when our boyfriends aren’t around, and we don’t have to have what’s considered a ‘traditional dinner’ – essentially, comprising of a protein, a veggie, and a starch.”
Many have highlighted that this way of eating is not new to them. Exhausted parents often serve this to their children, calling it a “snacky supper” or a “picnic plate,” while others refer to it as a “Plate of Stuff” or “Bits and Pieces.” This type of dinner is a common occurrence in some cultures.
Recently, the term ‘Girl Dinner’ piqued the interest of celebrity chef and food critic Nigella Lawson, who noted that she (along with other Brits) refer to it as “Picky Bits.”
Regardless of the terminology, ‘Girl Dinner’ offers a beautiful opportunity to utilize those odds and ends in your kitchen. The choices are virtually limitless, with any mix of snacks, dips, veggies, carbs, or proteins doing the job.
When assembled on a large tray, it can be a solitary feast or a delightful spread for family and friends.
Ultimately, the ‘Girl Dinner’ trend emphasizes the joy of simple, uncooked, and flexible eating. It breaks away from traditional meal structures and lets people get creative with whatever they have in their kitchen. So, the next time the thought of turning on the oven or stovetop in the summer heat deters you, why not consider assembling your own ‘Girl Dinner’? After all, it’s about enjoying the little things on your plate just the way you want them.
