A decedent cheeseburger or a humble leafy salad — what would you pick for your first date night?
Well, there is no one size that fits all when it comes to first-date foods. As the ice breaks and conversation begins to flow like wine, a little consideration for food and social etiquette for yourself and your date will go a long way in ensuring that you both are comfortable.
Also, psst, wouldn’t you want to make a good impression to land a second date? Below are some tips on what to order and how to eat on a date night.
1. Money matters
When it comes to money, ensure you order something that is close to the price point of their order, so it feels fair to split — that is, if you are splitting. On a similar note, order something that is roughly similar in quantity or takes almost the same time to finish. You wouldn’t want someone to watch you eat and pay for almost half of your full-course meal long after they are done with their salad!
2. Type of date
Speaking of money, do not feel that you have to pick the swankiest restaurant in the town to make a good impression. Ask your date if they’d rather experiment and meet you for an Ice-Cream or Momos date, or if you’d rather go exploring street food options in a popular part of the city.
3. Be polite
Check with your date if they have allergies. You don’t want to order a seafood platter only to find out that they’re allergic. It’s also rude!
It’s definitely important to ask them about their dietary preferences before zeroing in on a restaurant. Plus, if he or she is vegan, it may be ideal to go somewhere that has a vast vegan menu – it will just make for a more positive experience for the two of you.
Don’t order for them, even if you’re simply excited for them to try your favourite dish, it can seem inconsiderate and also controlling. Always consider what they like to eat too. If you have been to that restaurant before, you can suggest what you liked previously, but hey, let them have their pick and do not get overly preachy about your culinary knowledge.
4. Safe options to order
Fail-safe dishes you can’t go wrong with on a date that are also delicious are Grilled Chicken in any type of sauce, Sushi, Quesadillas, Risotto, bite-sized Pastas like Penne or Ravioli, Tikkas, Kebabs, Momos and Dim Sums and Chinese food ’cause who doesn’t love Chinese food? Truffle fries are also always a good idea!
Stick to drinks if it’s to be a short date or if you are unsure of what to eat.
Ordering foods that are great for sharing is also a good idea on a date – Pizzas, Dim Sums, etc but if you are sharing food, make sure you don’t hog the plate. Eat small bites at a time and always offer your date the last portion. Etiquette will always go a long way.
5. What to avoid
Spinach and leafy salads may not be the best idea. Sure you’re trying to be healthy but you definitely don’t want to increase your chances of getting something stuck in your teeth! Plus you might get embarrassingly stuck biting through a giant piece of greens.
You definitely want to avoid garlic for obvious reasons. Other foods to avoid are messy foods like chicken wings, burgers and noodles and spaghetti – anything you need to slurp up!
Also, try staying away from foods that are a task to cut. If you don’t know to use chopsticks, it’s needless to say that a first date is not the place you want to challenge your skills.
