Meaning:

Literally translated as “white people’s meal,” this term coined by Chinese netizens reflects a trend among young people in the workplace. With limited time and budget, some prefer eating a simple meal of salad and fruits with toasted bread or cookies, as Westerns will do for a workday lunch. A white people’s meal is quick, convenient and even healthy, they say, and the only thing missing is the taste of familiar Chinese dishes. Others say that “a white people’s meal” can actually taste good, if you know the right dressing for different raw materials.

Example:

A: 中午要不要跟我们一起去外面吃饭？

Zhōngwǔ yàobuyào gēn wǒmen yìqǐ qù wàimiàn chīfàn？

We’re eating lunch together at a restaurant. Would you come along?

B: 不了，我自己带了白人饭。

Bù le， wǒ zìjǐ dài le báirén fàn。

No, thank you. I’ve brought fruits, vegetables and bread, and will fix myself a quick simple lunch.