Why China's white-collar workers are captivated by the simple, filling, and affordable 'Dry (干巴) Lunch'?

Recently, it seems everyone has been trying to make a British man's 'dry lunch (干巴饭).' It started when a woman from Northeast China shared a video on Douyin of her British husband making lunch. He slices two pieces of dry bread, spreads a bit of dry butter on them, which looks and sounds like plastering a wall. Then, he adds two slices of salmon fish and a handful of avocado and arugula/rocket, arranging it carefully on the plate. And just like that, a ‘fancy’ British lunch is ready.

'Dry lunch' uncle's account on Douyin (left) and his 'dry lunch.' Images: Douyin

He shares how to make 'dry lunch.' Images: Douyin

At first, some people questioned the dry lunch, asking, "Is this just bland white people food?" But after trying it repeatedly, they found themselves falling in love with it. They realized that the dry lunch perfectly meets the needs of workers for a simple, filling, and long-lasting meal, even helping with detox and weight loss.

Though it looks small, the dry lunch is actually packed with energy like a compressed biscuit, expanding in the stomach to satisfy hunger. Despite its plain appearance, it's a clean meal: whole grains promote digestion, leafy greens are full of fibre, and avocado and salmon provide high-quality fats. More and more young people are spontaneously joining the 'dry lunch club,' even creating their own slogan: Eat a dry lunch! Enjoy a dry life! (吃干巴lunch! 享干巴人生! )

Many young people share their self-made 'dry lunch' on Xiaohongshu

Riding this trend, Hema/Freshippo launched its 'dry lunch' products. Images: Xiaohongshu

The popularity of the dry lunch isn't just because it’s simple, filling, and easy to make, but also because it’s cost-effective. Many people are realizing that simple and healthy eating is often overpriced. So-called 'healthy' light meals are usually expensive with exquisite presentation . After assessing pricey salad deliveries, savvy workers have realized that without the fancy presentation, a light meal’s salmon and avocado brunch is essentially just a prettier version of the dry lunch. With the endorsement of British tradition, how can you say this isn’t an authentic and affordable white-people brunch?

The light meal of FOODBOWL 超级碗 ranges from ￥28 to ($3.80)￥58 ($8) per person, more expensive than the easy homemade 'dry lunch' for a ordinary white collar worker. Images: Meituan

For dry lunch enthusiasts, this quick, simple, and healthy meal is the perfect eating solution. By simplifying their meals, they save time and energy, which they can then spend on other activities, all while staying happy and satisfied.