What does Girl Dinner look like for Singaporean women?

If there’s one TikTok trend that continues to live rent-free in my head, it’s Girl Dinner. Since it went viral around July last year, the raucous Girl Dinner song, created by Californian TikToker and theater student Karma Carr, automatically plays in my mind every time I whip up a simple meal to comfort myself after a long day at work.

For those who might not know, Girl Dinner is a low effort solo meal made from whatever random ingredients that happen to be lying around in the kitchen. The trend was first created by Olivia Maher, an LA-based lifestyle influencer and showrunner’s assistant who, due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, found herself unemployed. On 11th May 2023, Maher posted a TikTok video featuring an unassuming spread of baguette, butter, cheese, cornichons, and grapes, dubbing it “Girl Dinner” and humorously comparing it to the meals of medieval peasants. Since then, the trend has exploded globally, with people from all over sharing their own versions, ranging from snack plates to more substantial options like convenience store ramen or meat skewers. To date, #girldinner has amassed 292.8K posts and 4.9 billion views, making it a cultural moment that’s as relatable as it is viral.

While I stirred my pot of Nissin Jumbo chili crab instant noodles just the other night, I couldn’t help but wonder: What would a Singaporean Girl Dinner look like? Are their versions close to what we see online, and are they actually good? To explore this, I spoke to three young local women about their takes on the trend—and consulted a nutritionist to weigh in on whether it’s a meal we should be embracing.

Girl Dinner according to young Singaporean women

Yolanda Siew’s* Girl Dinners are more akin to an Atkins Diet than a casual snack. The 27-year-old corporate communications assistant manager often opts for protein-packed choices like chicken breast from 7-Eleven, cai fan sans rice from nearby kopitiams, or sashimi from Don Don Donki. “It’s mostly about satisfying my hunger until it’s time to go to bed,” she says. “I generally try to skip carbs at dinner and go to bed slightly hungry to avoid feeling bloated the next morning.”

Siew, who lives alone, admits she could benefit from more fibre in her evening meals but compensates by eating fibre-rich foods during lunch to keep her full throughout the day. “I feel a sense of pride when I manage to exercise self-control at dinnertime—it’s a win for me when I don’t give in to cravings late at night,” she reveals.

Kelly Janine, on the other hand, prefers something a little more wholesome. She’ll whip up a spinach and beetroot salad with nuts, brie, and pomegranate seeds for a lighter dinner, or choose more filling options like miso soup, baked sweet potato, or a salmon and cream cheese bagel when she’s craving something heartier.

“Girl Dinner happens every now and then, especially now that I’m living by myself in my postgraduate hall,” the 24-year-old explains. “But it doesn’t feel like something I’d want to rely on all the time.”

Janine admits she pulls together her version of Girl Dinner when she’s drained from the day or when the fridge is almost bare. But she’s intentional about including nutritious whole foods, as she sees good nutrition as part of self-care. “I’ve definitely had those moments where I skipped meals, didn’t cook, or restricted myself—only to binge later and feel guilty about it,” she admits. As someone who sometimes struggles with low moods, she finds comfort in knowing that by choosing healthier options, she’s taking control of her habits and avoiding self-neglect.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old Haylie Luo*, a public relations professional, confesses to occasionally indulging in Lay’s potato chips and soda water for her Girl Dinner. While she doesn’t go into specifics, she admits that her choice, though low in nutritional value, is deeply satisfying.

Weighing in on Singaporean Girl Dinner

Charlotte Mei was pleasantly surprised when reviewing the interviewees’ lists of Girl Dinner foods. The 32-year-old nutritionist, host, and Her World Tribe member commented that, compared to the often unhealthy trends she sees on TikTok, these choices were fairly nutritious.

“While Girl Dinner encourages flexibility in food choices and moves away from rigid meal structures, it’s important to keep in mind the need for nutritional balance,” Mei points out. “From what I’ve seen, many of these meals tend to lack adequate protein and fibre, and plates that mainly consist of ultra-processed foods might have excessive amounts of sodium and saturated fats, which could potentially impact metabolic health in the long run.”

From the meals shared above, Mei praises whole foods like baked sweet potatoes, spinach and beetroot salads, 7-Eleven chicken breast, and sashimi from Don Don Donki for their rich array of essential nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants, which contribute to overall health. However, for those choosing snacks like potato chips, Mei recommends enhancing the meal with healthier additions, such as half a can of tuna, a boiled egg, some nuts, sliced bell peppers, and hummus for dipping, to ensure a more balanced plate.

For women, Mei stresses the importance of including calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods, such as sardines, yogurt, and tofu, for better bone health and hormonal support. During menstruation, she advises incorporating iron- and omega-3-rich foods like salmon, spinach, and nuts to replenish blood and reduce inflammation. If you’re preparing for pregnancy, she recommends folate-rich foods like avocado and Brussels sprouts to improve reproductive health.

The final feast

Mei observes that people often get bogged down in minor details when it comes to nutrition. “Many focus on trendy health foods or supplements while overlooking the core principles of balanced nutrition,” she says. In the context of Girl Dinners, this can mean overemphasizing a single “superfood” while neglecting the overall nutritional balance and variety that support health.

To build better meals, Mei recommends prioritizing whole food sources and paying attention to ingredient labels. For those on a budget, she advises frozen vegetables and canned fish, which are both affordable and nutrient-dense. She also encourages shopping at wet markets and choosing budget-friendly protein options like eggs and legumes. If you’re in a rush, canned lentils, black beans, and chickpeas are great alternatives, but opt for “in water” versions to avoid added salt or sugar.

On the flip side, Mei warns against heavily processed foods and convenience meals. These options are often high in sodium, sugar, and additives that can negatively affect health. She also advises avoiding “superfoods” and “clean eating” products like wellness shots and juice diets, which often contain hidden sugars that can disrupt hormones and lead to weight gain.

*Names changed on request